French luxury brand Sofitel has forayed into India through its flagship property, which will be launched later this month, and is also planning seven hotels by 2015. "We are planning to strengthen our brand in the Asia Pacific region over the next five years. We have forayed into India with our flagship luxury hotel in Mumbai with 302 rooms, including 31 suites, which will be launched on December 26," Sofitel Luxury Hotels Senior Vice-President (Asia Pacific), Markland Blaiklock told reporters here. The company is planning to have seven hotels in India by 2015 with around 2,000 rooms, he said, adding its main focus will be cities like Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. However, Sofitel will also consider opportunities in other cities.
"For example, the seven properties include Goa as we came across a good opportunity there," he added. "Currently, two properties - Sofitel Legend and Sofitel So (boutique hotel) - are under development in Mumbai," Blaiklock said. Sofitel employs around 15,000 people in the Asia Pacific region. The Sofitel Mumbai, that offers French luxury with the essence of local tradition, has 302 guest rooms that include 49 superior rooms, 182 luxury rooms, 40 club Millesime rooms, eight junior suites, 22 prestige suites and one lavish imperial suite. The French Luxury hotel is currently operating from 120 locations across 40 countries, of which about 30-40% of the properties are owned by the company.