Accor’s low-cost brand ‘Formule 1’ set to debut in India

cor, the largest international operator of hotels in Asia Pacific announces the launch of Formule 1, its low-cost hotel brand in India. The first Formule 1 will open at Greater Noida in April 2012. Formule 1 is the European leader in the low-cost hotel segment, renowned to deliver comfort at the best price offering guests the 7C's – a Clean, Cool, Convenient, Cheerful, Corporate, Check-in (24X7), Coffee Bar and Wi-Fi enabled environment. Mr. Florian Kohli has been appointed as the General Manager of the Formule 1 Greater Noida to spearhead the hotel operations.

Commenting on the launch of Formule 1 in India, Jean-Michel Cassé, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India said "India is one of the core markets for growth in Asia Pacific, with strong demand across all segments of Hotels. Accor is evolving and expanding its business and with the introduction of our first low-cost hotel in India, we are further strengthening our portfolio to forge distinctive, powerful and complementary positions across the various segments. We definitely aim to earn market-leader positioning for Formule 1 in the budget segment."

Providing a new concept, new design & new comfort to its customers, Formule 1 presents a fresh approach to low-cost Indian accommodation. Located in midst of the IT and education hub of Greater Noida, the hotel features 114 functional rooms, offering cost conscious travelers simplicity and essential comforts in key locations. Guests can sleep well at the best price in clean & comfortable rooms. Formule 1 is Accor's innovative budget hotel brand that will promote the concept of standard rooms with a single price for up to three people.

Speaking about the brand's debut in the country, Philip Logan, Vice President Formule 1 Hotels, India says, "Accor is revolutionising the budget hotel sector. We are set to launch the first Formule 1 hotel in Greater Noida next month which will be followed with 10 more properties by end of 2013."

He further adds, "Formule 1 will appeal to domestic corporate clients, frequent travelers for work and leisure that are looking for outstanding value combined with quality and service standards. Formule 1 will be the first true international budget hotel brand in the country filling the void for standardized comfort at a highly competitive price of Rs. 2112 per person. The hotel product will also act as the key infrastructure to support the growing events industry in NCR."

The rooms are stylish, more restful room with soft colours, rounded edges and soothing lighting, as well as extra storage space. Facilities include flat screen TVs with extra channels and free wireless internet throughout the hotel. Other in-room facilities include quality bedding with duvets, ensuite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning and a work table. Rooms are completely sound-proofed.

Excited about the forthcoming opening of India's first Formule 1 hotel, Florian Kohli, General Manager, Formule 1, Greater Noida says, "At Formule 1, we aim to provide essential comfort at the best price. The atmosphere is distinctly cozy, with soft, relaxing colors and a new, enhanced approach to light, space and materials. Sustainable design, high speed broadband internet connectivity is assured to all our visitors. We provide comfortable rooms at affordable prices with round-the-clock check-in or a simple, convenient online/phone booking system available 24/7 for all guests."

For reservations or enquiries visit www.hotelformule1.com or www.accorhotels.com

Accor, the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe,

is present in 92 countries with more than 4,400 hotels and 530,000 rooms. Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons/ibis Styles, Etap Hotel/Formule 1/ibis budget, hotelF1 and Motel 6 - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With more than 180,000 employees* in Accor brand hotels worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise.

*Including 145,000 in owned, leased and managed hotels