The upscale 3 Palms brand of hotels and resorts will soon debut in India, with the signing by Atlanta-based America’s Best Franchising Incorporated of its first master license agreement for portions of the world’s second most populous country and the seventh largest by geographical area.
SRM Spa and Resorts Pvt Ltd., headquartered in Mumbai, intends to open seven 3 Palms Hotel and Resort properties in the six Indian states of Maharashtra, Goa, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. The first properties are scheduled to open in 2012.
“India is growing dramatically every year as a destination for both leisure and business travel – and each of our country’s regions charms travelers with distinctive culture, heritage, and language,” explains Saumya M. Sharma, Chief Development Officer of SRM Spa & Resorts. “Now each 3 Palms location will capture and celebrate this rich diversity in its own special, authentic way.”
According to Ms. Sharma, the 3 Palms brand in India is intended for full-service independent hotels with a 5-star rating or higher that are located near beaches, tourist sites, and other high-traffic destination locations. For example, one 3 Palms resort may be a converted historical or heritage property while another may be an oceanside estate.
“3 Palms is a unique network of accommodations options that allows guests to enjoy the Indian experience a little differently at each property, but always with luxury and always with elegance,” adds Ms. Sharma. “The result is enhanced satisfaction for travelers – and enhanced profitability for hoteliers.”
The 3 Palms concept offers independent hoteliers the immediate benefits of affiliating with an exciting brand and a proven support system, while still maintaining the flexibility to do business based on what the customer demands rather than what the franchiser mandates.
Ms. Sharma heads a team of investors who have extensive experience operating hotels in both India and the United States.
“Putting the 3 Palms name on properties in India will give travelers the confidence of knowing they have chosen a hotel that provides the most modern amenities in an ultra comfortable setting yet at an attractive price,” says Doug Collins, Chairman and CEO of America’s Best Franchising. “And it will give owners the opportunity to improve their bottom line.”
America’s Best Franchising operates more than 250 properties in the United States under its upscale 3 Palms brand and its four upper economy brands – America’s Best Inns & Suites, Budgetel Inns & Suites, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, and Vagabond Inns & Suites. The company also operates one property in Canada, two properties in Argentina, plus has several properties under development in Nigeria.
