Leela to open 4 hotels in Nepal
The Leela Kathmandu, the first of the series, is expected to be completed within 36 months
 "Leela to open 4 hotels in Nepal")
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Summit Group of Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the first of four hotels to be established across Nepal. This will
The Leela Kathmandu, the first of the series, a 5-star deluxe hotel to be built in the heart of Kathmandu, is expected to be completed within 36 months.
Summit Group, which has extensive interests in real estate, hotels and allied businesses, will develop the property, while The Leela will market and manage.
Vivek Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts said: "We are delighted to begin our foray in the international markets with Kathmandu. Given the potential of tourism worldwide, we look forward to expanding our footprint in India and overseas."
Located close to the Narainhity Museum, The Leela Kathmandu will be the first of a series of hotels to be established across Nepal. It will be followed by a hotel in Lumbini, birthplace of the Buddha. Other places in Nepal where hotels are being planned under the Leela banner include Pokhara.
The Leela Kathmandu will be designed by renowned architect, John Gerondolis, of Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, Inc, in Atlanta, US. He had earlier created the Leela Palaces in New Delhi and Chennai, each of them drawing strong inspiration from local architectural and cultural influences. Gerondolis is currently designing The Leela Palace Agra, where every room will offer a view of The Taj Mahal.
The Kathmandu property will draw heavily from the rich Newari tradition that dominates the Kathmandu valley. The property will have guest rooms and suites, signature restaurants, lounges, banquet facilities as well as a spa and fitness studio.