Planet Hollywood To Set Up Hotels & Resorts In India

Ashish K Tiwari - Mumbai

As part of its international roll out of its latest diversification into the hotels, resorts and casino business, Planet Hollywood International Inc (PHII) is poised to launch its new venture in India. The company’s master franchisee Arch Millennium Corp (AMC), which will develop five Planet Hollywood restaurants in India, will also be responsible for bringing in PHII’s hotel and resort properties in the country.

In an exclusive to Express Hotelier & Caterer, Siddharth Mobar, promoter and founder president of Arch Millennium Corp, said, “Being the world’s largest franchisee of Planet Hollywood, we are working very closely with them to develop their hotels and resorts as well. Besides the restaurants, our primary task today is to develop the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino brand in India.”

A market survey conducted by Arch Millennium Corp has identified certain Indian metros as potential destinations for Planet Hollywood’s hotels and resorts. To start with, AMC is looking at four properties - hotels and resorts - depending on the market potential. Confirmed Mobar, “For the Planet Hollywood hotels we are looking at New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore while Goa will sport the Planet Hollywood resorts.”

While AMC is investing close to USD 15 million on the five Planet Hollywood restaurants in India Mobar couldn’t confirm the investment details for the hotels and resorts venture. However, he did indicate that it will take his company a minimum of 18 months to launch Planet Hollywood’s hotel, resort and casino venture in India. “It will take us a year and a half to introduce our first hotel brand into India,” said Mobar.

An investment group led by Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl recently purchased the Aladdin Resort and Casino, which is located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Once renovations are complete in 2006 the property will be re-branded the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The property has over 2,500 guest rooms, 110,000 square feet of casino and a 7,000-seat theatre for concerts, shows and TV broadcasts.

PHII’s largest master franchisee Arch Millennium Corp’s sister concern Shubh Hotels USA owns and operates Marriotts, Sheratons and Doubletree Hotels in USA.