Accor Brings its Iconic Raffles Brand to India with two new hotels

Accor announces two majestic hotels in India - Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur - in the presence of Accor Chairman & CEO Sébastien Bazin and owner, Ratankant Sharma.

The iconic Raffles brand is synonymous with luxury and extraordinary adventure and this announcement signals a new direction for Accor in India, with a stronger focus on luxury and premium brands. Both hotels will deliver a palatial experience in an extraordinary setting along with the famously discreet and personalised Raffles service.

Raffles is renowned for setting the standard for luxury hospitality for over 130 years. With 13 properties across 11 countries, each Raffles hotel represents a carefully curated experience in the most distinguished addresses in the world. Since joining the Accor network in 2015, the brand has undergone a renaissance, with a strong pipeline that will see the portfolio double in the next few years.

India’s state of Rajasthan is unique for its rich heritage and tradition and is famous for its spectacular palaces and forts, which makes it the perfect setting to continue the Raffles legend. Jaipur forms part of the culturally rich tourist circuit known as The Golden Triangle, which comprises New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur; while Udaipur is a natural extension of this given its proximity to Jaipur. Both cities are renowned as epicentres for the highest levels of luxury, so it makes sense that the Raffles brand will make its presence in both. For the well-travelled, both Rajasthan and Raffles represent a perfect confluence of adventure, luxury, gastronomy and discovery.

Commenting on this historic occasion, Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO Accor, said: “It is with immense pride that we announce the arrival of the Raffles brand in India, a hallmark of luxury and sublime service in a country that is famous for delivering luxury at the highest level. With our strategic partners, we look forward to providing an oasis of calm and charm in two of the most incredible destinations in India. We thank Mr. Ratankant Sharma and our partners for entrusting us with these landmark properties and we look forward to delivering the distinctive Raffles experience to travellers in India. We also thank Mr. Sharma for bringing the first Fairmont to India in Jaipur and extending this partnership to the Raffles brand.”

“Today’s signing of the Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur marks an historic moment for Accor in India and certainly for tourism in India,” said Jean-Michel Cassé, Chief Operating Officer (COO) – India and South Asia, Accor. “We are seeing increasing demand for luxury travel in India and are looking forward to expanding Accor’s globally renowned portfolio of luxury brands in this incredible country. The addition of the iconic Raffles brand signals a new era for our group.”

Also commenting on this occasion, Rantankant Sharma, said “Bringing the Raffles brand, which is synonymous with excellence, taste and luxury, to India is a perfect fit for our vision to lead both Udaipur and Jaipur, the historic cities of Rajasthan, into their next chapter whilst keeping their historic values and ties. The opening of Raffles Udaipur and Raffles Jaipur is a key moment in our strategic growth in India and represents a new era of highly differentiated ultra-luxury experiences for Udaipur’s and Jaipur’s residents and visitors. These two hotels will be the jewel in the crown of our landmark developments and centrepiece in these vibrant, rich and magnificent cities. We are very grateful to the Accor Group and Sébastien Bazin for giving us the opportunity to bring our vision to both the historic cities of Rajasthan to create new icons in India’s most magical cities. This partnership reinforces our foresight of India becoming a global gateway with world-class facilities that set new standards for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to welcoming guests and offering them the most memorable experience in a timeless destination.”