Indian Hotels gets keys to The Claridges

Indian Hotels Co. Ltd (IHCL) has signed a deal to run the historic The Claridges hotel in New Delhi under a 25-year management contract beginning in April, as part of the Tata group company's strategy to strengthen its presence in key metro cities with similar iconic properties.

- Varuni Khosla

Indian Hotels will retain The Claridges brand even as it renovates the property that was opened in 1952 in the heart of India's capital.

"The hotel is a prominent landmark located in Lutyens Delhi and is an opportunity to grow our brandscape here," said Indian Hotels managing director and chief executive Puneet Chhatwal, speaking exclusively with Mint.

"This (brand) presents an opportunity for us to evaluate extending our brand ecosystem within the luxury segment. To complete our brand landscape in central Delhi, which is among the most iconic and scenic locales globally, we are evaluating opportunities to add our Gateway and Vivanta brands here as well," Chhatwal added.