Four Seasons hotel eyes Goa, Hyderabad

09 Oct 2007

Kolkata: Canadian luxury hospitality brand Four Seasons, is reportedly seeking to enter two new cities in India, Goa and Hyderabad. The hotel brand has its presence in the country in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

The hospitality brand has signed a letter of intent for a property in Delhi that is being set up by real estate major DLF.

Four Seasons is limiting its exposure by avoiding investments in an equity stake. In line with its global practice, Four Seasons generally makes minor capital investments in its hotels.

Elizabeth Pizzinato, vice-president, public relations, has talked to a section of the media saying that though there are opportunities aplenty for growth in India, the brand is looking at cities and destinations that would make sense for them to have a presence, which include places like Goa and Hyderabad.

Reportedly, Four Seasons is looking at having around six hotels in India, with the first one coming up at Worli in Mumbai, at an investment of $90 million. Four Seasons is reportedly investing around $7.5 million, with partners Jatia Group holding about 74 per cent of the project.

Four Seasons manages 74 luxury hotels worldwide, and is part owned by billionaires Bill Gates, Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and chairman and CEO, Isadore Sharp. Sharp and his family own a significant share in Four Seasons, with reported active involvement in the chain''s operations and strategy.