Lemon Tree Hotel to add 2,000 rooms in next 2 yrs

Lemon Tree Hotel group is eyeing an additional 2,000 rooms in the next couple of years.

Rahul Pandit, president & CEO of the Delhi-based hospitality player, said from 1,969 rooms across 18 properties, the group on Thursday was looking at an additional 2,000 rooms with hotels coming up in metro cities including Mumbai apart from mapping cities including Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Pune.

Lemon Tree Hotel operates hotel under three brands such as Lemon Tree Premiere (upscale brand), Lemon Tree and Red Fox Hotels (mid-scale hotels).

Lemon Tree Hotels also launched an 81-room hotel property in Chandigarh on Thursday. Pandit said the average investment per key in a an hotel ranges from Rs 40-50 lakh with 1:1 debt to quity ratio. Pandit added the group was looking to bring down the debt to equity ratio to 0.9: 1. Commenting on the union budget Pandit said the demand of hospitality sector was overlooked in the budget.

Hospitality industry was looking at infrastructure status that would lead to of more mid scale properties and also looking at rationalisation in tax structure which would help in retaining the earning back in the country. The Budget 2012-13 had overlooked both the demands, he lamented.

Speaking of Lemon Tree’s entry into Chandigarh, Pandit said this is our first hotel in the city. “Lemon Tree will ride this growth wave, too and cater to the city’s business and transit passengers.”

Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh features conference facilities, a fully-equipped business center, a rooftop life fitness gym, a mini-spa and a rooftop swimming pool to address every need of the business traveler. Guests can choose from an array of cuisines including Indian, European, American and pan-Asian at the 24-hour Coffee Shop — Citrus Café or hip recreation bar — Slounge. For a relaxed dining experience in the comfort of one’s room, the hotel offers a comprehensive in-room dining menu, 24 hours a day.