Sheraton Hotels & Resorts continues its expansion momentum in Asia Pacific, announcing an agreement with Rockwood Hotels & Resorts Ltd. to debut the Sheraton brand in the city of lakes, Udaipur in India. The Rockwood Palace Resort and Spa has been re-branded as Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa from 1st August, 2010, becoming the first Sheraton hotel in India to be managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, with five more to follow in next three years in Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam, Chandigarh, Mysore and Amritsar.

“The debut of Sheraton brand in Udaipur is indeed great news for international travelers and fans of India.  Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa captures the romance and splendor of the royal era with its magnificent architecture and grandeur,” commented Don Elliot, Regional Vice President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. 

“We are thrilled that Rockwood Hotels & Resorts Ltd. has selected the Sheraton flag for this outstanding resort in an agreement that dramatically enhances Sheraton’s already impressive portfolio in Asia Pacific.  We are delighted to extend a warm Sheraton welcome to travelers to Udaipur, offering them Sheraton’s distinctive amenities and services.”

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The 240-room Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa is located on the banks of picturesque Fateh Sagar Lake in one of India’s ancient cities.  Located only three kilometers west of the city centre, Sheraton Udaipur is close to many of this historic city’s cultural, historic and natural attractions.  There are also many fascinating museums and art galleries to explore, as well as diverse restaurants and shopping.

Other resort facilities include approximately 600 square meters of meeting space and three lush gardens, four restaurants and bars, a spa and an upcoming club floor.  The scenic location has made the resort an extremely popular destination for weddings.  Udaipur, known as both the city of lakes and the “Venice of the East,” is the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan.  Apart from its history, culture and scenic location, it is also known for its stunning palaces.  The city is also a popular venue for Bollywood and international movies and TV series, including James Bond in India, Octopussy, and The Jewel in the Crown, among many others.

Visitors to Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa will be enveloped in warmth and comfort from the moment they step foot into the lobby.  In their rooms, guests will delight in Sheraton’s signature services and amenities, including the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed®, a cozy array of sensuous linens, plush down pillows, and signature duvet.  Each luxuriously-appointed room is also outfitted with LCD flat-screen televisions, walk-in showers, roomy desks, ergonomic chairs and wireless high-speed Internet access. The hotel will also be adding 9 private pool rooms as well as three family suites with direct access to lush green gardens. 

India is a key focus of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ expansion efforts.  The hotel giant remains on track with its plans to grow its portfolio in India by 60 percent by 2013.  Starwood’s legacy in India began in 1973, when its Sheraton brand debuted in Mumbai.  The company has since grown the portfolio to 26 hotels under its Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, The Luxury Collection and Le Méridien brands – making Starwood the largest upper-upscale and luxury international hotel operator.

In terms of international visitors, India remains a relatively undeveloped travel market, with approximately six million inbound travelers each year, compared to China’s more than 50 million.  However, the rise of India’s middle class has led to a notable increase in domestic travel, while the influx of outsourcing contracts is expected to create a surge in international tourism.