Marriott and Hilton hotel chains expand on the hotel market in Romania

Hilton and Marriott hotel chains plan to expand on the local market over the next years, according to the statements of the two companies officials at the Hotel Investment Forum.

Ivica Cacic, regional representative of Marriott, stated that the hotel operator plans to open 1-2 location in Bucharest and 4-5 units outside the capital, in Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Brasov or Iasi cities, within the next 5-7 years.

Marriott representative stated that the first Courtyard hotel will open in Bucharest by the end of 2012. At present, the project is under the final phase of obtaining the necessary authorizations. The construction works will most likely start by the end of the current year. The new unit within Marriott International will be located in Unirii area, near JW Marriott and will have 198 rooms, 4 star classified.

Marriott also plans to open a hotel in Bucharest under Renaissance, the 5 star brand of Marriott International.

Cacic specified that Marriott recommends the Courtyard brand for openings outside Bucharest.

Hilton hotel chain operates with two units on the local market, one hotel in the capital and the other one in Sibiu, both 5 star classified.

Adela Cristea, Development Manager of Hilton for Europe and Africa, stated that the hotel in Oradea will open by the end of 2010 under Doubletree brand.

The fourth Hilton hotel in Romania will open under Hampton brand in Brasov, in middle 2011. The works will start in May - June 2010.

The first Hilton Garden Inn in Romania will open outside Bucharest, as well, the contract having already been signed, stated Cristea.

Hilton envisages for expanding plans the localities Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu or Craiova.

Hilton plans to launch one of the two luxurious brands, Waldorf Astoria or Conrad in Bucharest, within maximum 5 years, specified Hilton representative.

Sursa: Daily Business [27.04.2010], Wall-Street [28.04.2010]