The new lifestyle brand of Starwood, aloft(SM) hotels, will partner with Urbanedge Hotels Private Limited, a joint venture between Citigroup Property Investors and Auromatrix Hotels Private Limited, to develop aloft hotels across India. The brand's first two hotels to open in India will be aloft Bangalore, Whitefield and aloft Chennai, OMR - Sholinganallur.

 

"Its exotic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and booming economy make India one of the world's most vibrant markets and a perfect match for the energy and vitality of aloft hotels," Brian McGuinness, Vice President of aloft and element hotels. "We're thrilled to bring a bold new lodging alternative to the 'land for all seasons' with the arrival of our two new aloft hotels in Bangalore and Chennai."

Starwood has been quick to respond to India's increased need for lodging, driven by the country's brisk economic growth. In the past year, Starwood has aggressively expanded its footprint in this fast-growing market, signing deals to open new hotels in markets throughout India across several of its brands including two new Sheratons, three new Westins and these two new aloft hotels. Starwood now offers a total of seven hotels in India, including properties already in operation as well as those under development.

Developers in India have expressed a keen interest in aloft hotels, particularly in newly developing sub-markets in both major urban centers and secondary cities. In response, Starwood has tailored aloft to meet the needs of the Indian market by including an all-day dining restaurant and more space for meetings.

"We are excited to introduce aloft to India and look forward to offering visitors a fresh, fun and inspiring atmosphere," said Miguel Ko, President Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Our key development partners have assisted us in refining our prototype and signature features to create a product that travelers to aloft in India will love."