Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre in India. This is the second Radisson Blu hotel to be established in Chennai, also known as the ‘Gateway to South India’. The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre marks Carlson Rezidor’s 51st hotel in India.

“We achieved unprecedented growth across Asia Pacific in 2011 and we are building upon this momentum in 2012 to establish a stronger presence across Asia Pacific,” said Simon C. Barlow, president, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific. “The opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre, together with another 13 scheduled openings in India will bring our India portfolio to 64 operating hotels by year end. This will entrench our leadership position in India and places us closer to doubling our Asia Pacific portfolio to achieve our Ambition 2015 goal of more than 150 operating hotels.

Located in the heart of the Chennai City, Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre offers 162 stylish and modern guest rooms and suites with impressive views. The hotel offers complimentary high speed Internet access for all guests and they can expect 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee as part of Radisson’s guest promise. The hotel is ideal for business and leisure travelers as it is within easy reach of the airport and railway station. The hotel is also just minutes away from the city’s main commercial and business hubs, including Express Avenue, Spencer Plaza and Raheja Towers. It provides a good base to explore the cultural capital of south India with its temples, art galleries, artists’ villages and centers of performing arts.

“With 18 Radisson Blu hotels in operation in India and 15 more in the pipeline, Radisson Blu is steadily expanding its presence in India with its first-class accommodation and vibrant hospitality. Interest in Radisson Blu from hotel developers and owners in India has intensified, demonstrating the strength of Radisson Blu brand and Carlson Rezidor’s expertise in managing successful hotels and brands,” added K.B. Kachru, executive vice president, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, South Asia.

Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre has 9,700 square feet of conference and meeting space that can accommodate up to 800 people. It also has a business center offering the latest business facilities and full secretarial support. Recreational facilities at the hotel include world class spa - Chakra by Thai Sabai, a gymnasium, an outdoor swimming pool and a discotheque. The hotel also offers a range of food and beverage options, including the largest bar in town with a separate cigar lounge, signature restaurant - The Great Kebab Factory and specialty coastal Asian Cuisine restaurant - Coast to Coast.

“It was a strategic decision to partner with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. It has an excellent global revenue generation infrastructure, extensive hotel management experience and expertise to ensure the success of Radisson Blu Chennai City Centre,” said Vikram Aggarwal of VVA Hotels Pvt Ltd, the hotel’s owner. “The globally well known Radisson Blu brand has a strong appeal to business and leisure travelers and this will greatly benefit the hotel and put it on the global map.”