The company is expanding across five brands, from its Formula One budget brand and Ibis economy hotel brand to the upmarket ones of Novotel, Sofitel and Pullman.
The group has invested $250 million in expansion through various joint ventures, including its partnership with Interglobe for opening Ibis hotels.
Beside China and Brazil, India is the only country outside Europe where Accor has put money.
“Accor has been coming in India, in and out for the last 20 years, with mitigated success or failure.
“We realised we will be taken seriously only when we invest money,” said Jean-Michel Casse, senior vice-president, operations, Accor India.
He said India was the topmost market among the three countries Accor had invested in.
The strategy is to establish a benchmark for its brands and after reaching a significant number of hotels, it would divest, if it has the guarantee of retaining the management contract.
The company will continue to invest in India.
“We are confident that even if there are delays, by 2015 we will have no less than 50 hotels in operation.
“We see a lot of opportunity and our strengths are in three distinct segments - upper midscale, economy and budget,”
IMAGES: India's top 25 hotels
India retain No 3 slot in T20 rankings, Kohli No 5 batsman
'Felt more connected to India after Midnight's Children'
Hughes century helps Australia to level series
Cricketers association advises players to avoid Pak T20