Category Archives: Hotels

Vadodara’s Surya Palace has been rebranded to Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace. Strategically located in proximity to Vadodara’s business district and corporate hubs, the hotel is the first Grand Mercure to launch in the state of Gujarat. “We are delighted to associate with AccorHotels and rebrand Surya Palace as Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace. The hotel has always resonated with Vadodara, its people, art and culture. An appreciation of craftsmanship and a commitment to elegance are woven throughout the hotel,” said Piyush Shah, Managing Director, Jindal Hotels. Featuring 146 well-appointed guest rooms including five suites, Azure an all-day dining restaurant, Vanilla a delicatessen, an outdoor pool, a fitness and wellness centre, the hotel is a mere 2 minute drive from the railway station and 10 minutes from the airport. “The rebranding of Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace gives us an opportunity to showcase the property as our 48th hotel in the country and highlight AccorHotels’ growing network in the region. It further strengthens our presence in Gujarat as AccorHotels’ first upscale property in the state and West India,” said Jean-Michel Cassé, Chief Operating Officer, India & South Asia, AccorHotels. “Grand Mercure is a cultural touchstone in each destination, capturing guests’ imagination and bringing local stories to life.” The launch of Grand Mercure Vadodara strengthens AccorHotels’ presence in Gujarat. The group will further augment its presence in the state with the opening of a Mercure hotel in the divine city of Dwarka in Gujarat later this year, outlining the importance of West India as a market for AccorHotels. Additionally, through the setup of a new Global Sales Office structure in the country, AccorHotels has consolidated its brand portfolio under a single …

BirdRes, the B2B distribution channel from Bird Group, has joined hands with OYO, the budget hotel aggregator. With this association, BirdRes would give OYO access to its nationwide network of travel agents and help expand its business in the India market. Rakesh Mehta, Manager – Operations, BirdRes said, “We are pleased that OYO has chosen BirdRes as their preferred B2B partner. This partnership will offer BirdRes customers an easy access to book OYO Rooms for their clients through a simple and hassle-free payment process. Further, it will offer OYO a large platform to offer their services to a wide range of travel agents all over India. At BirdRes, we continue to offer flexible and user-friendly solutions to our partners and customers.” On the partnership, Abhinav Sinha, COO, OYO, said, “We are glad to partner with BirdRes for our channel expansion efforts. With over 25,000 registered Travel Agents, the platform provides us seamless access to this preferred network of India’s top corporates and mid-sized businesses. It enables us to offer OYO’s hassle-free stay proposition to a new set of corporate travelers across the country.”

Airbnb has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Maharashtra. Through the partnership, the Department of Tourism and Airbnb will collaborate to boost tourism and create positive travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors in Maharashtra. Under the MoU, the parties agreed to promote tourism in Maharashtra through Airbnb’s global platform, expand the network of quality homestays in Maharashtra, and provide skills development workshops for hosts on hospitality standards, jointly conducted by Airbnb and Department of Tourism within the next six months. Airbnb also announced a first-of-its-kind revenue sharing agreement with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), whereby Airbnb will share a portion of its booking revenue in Maharashtra with the MTDC. The MTDC will support the partnership by identifying high-quality homestays and helping hosts to list on Airbnb. “Tourism is a key pillar for the State of Maharashtra and we are committed to increasing the number of global travellers to the State who could benefit our local communities. In a bid to attract foreign tourists, we have announced 2017 as “Visit Maharashtra” year. As our alternative accommodation partner, we look forward to working with Airbnb to achieve the goals of the Visit Maharashtra campaign, said Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

The Lemon Tree Hotel Company is on an expansion spree and will be opening 8-9 hotels at various destinations in India this year. Rattan Keswani, Deputy Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels & Director, Carnation Hotels, said, “In the Carnation operating space, we have 8-9 hotels opening in this fiscal year. Since the demonetisation pressure, some of our properties are getting delayed by another three months or four months. We will open hotels in Sikkim, Siliguri, Jammu, Corbett, Trivandrum, Coimbatore and we will open one hotel in Sohna Road as well. Also, there will be 7-8 hotels in managed space. But mid next year, there will be few openings that we will be doing in our own spaces. We will have Kolkata and Pune open and even Udaipur could be on cards.”

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has announced the opening of its first Citadines-branded serviced residence in the city – Citadines OMR Chennai. The 269-unit Apart’hotel is located in Sholinganallur and is wholly owned and managed by Ascott. Speaking at the launch, Tony Soh, Ascott’s Chief Corporate Officer and MD for India, said, “India will be a key market and a vital part of Ascott’s global expansion to achieve our target of 80,000 apartment units by 2020. India continues to be an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, with a record $46 billion being invested in the country in 2016. Foreign tourist arrivals are also on an upturn, as India saw 8.9 million in arrivals in 2016 – a growth of 10.7 per cent from the previous year. India’s fast-growing economy, increasing visitor arrivals and rising affluence present immense opportunities for international hospitality companies like Ascott. With the increase in business activities and tourist arrivals, Ascott foresees a growing demand for premium serviced residences in India. Our strategy for India is to expand in high-growth cities where there is strong demand for international-class serviced residences from expatriates, project teams and business travellers. We will establish more strategic alliances and seek investment opportunities as well as management contracts.” Ajit Koushik, Ascott’s Area General Manager for India, said, “With the launch of Citadines OMR Chennai, Ascott now has two operating serviced residences in India. Ascott also has six properties with over 900 units in various stages of development in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Sri City. We are also seeking opportunities in key business cities including Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune.” Citadines OMR Chennai is strategically located along Rajiv Gandhi Salai, more popularly known …

Australian hotel management company, StayWell Hospitality Group has extended its international footprint with the opening of its fifth property in Rajasthan, the Leisure Inn Shrey in Jodhpur. Rohit Vig, Managing Director for StayWell Hospitality Group in India, said that the opening of the new property solidifies the brand’s presence in the region. “We have signed 12 hotels under the Park Regis and Leisure Inn Brands, which will result in the opening of properties in Hyderabad, Goa, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Gurgaon–Sohna Road and Greater Noida,” he said. The opening of Leisure Inn Shrey in partnership with Hukam Constructions & Hotels Pvt. Ltd will deliver a roof-top restaurant and conference facilities along with well-appointed rooms and international service standards that the Leisure Inn brand is famous for. Additionally, the hotel will house the famous vegetarian restaurant ‘Grand Chanakya’ which has a sister restaurant under the same name in Jaipur at the Leisure Inn Grand Chanakya. Shranik Jain, Owner of Hukam Constructions & Hotels Pvt., said that the partnership with StayWell Hospitality Group was about aligning with the best possible global partner to enter the hospitality sector for the first time. “Our partnership will deliver premium hospitality expertise and a world-class experience to not only our guests but to the region, it’s an alignment we are extremely proud of as we feel we are in the best possible position for future success,” he said.

The launch of Sandal Suites, operated by Lemon Tree Hotels, marked the opening of Noida’s first upscale serviced suites. Sandal Suites features 195 suites, extensive banqueting facilities, numerous dining options, and an array of recreational facilities, in a contemporary setting. These serviced apartments, situated just off the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, are located within Assotech Business Cresterra, the LEED Gold Certified office complex in the IT hub of Sector 135, Noida. Speaking at the launch, Rattan Keswani, Deputy Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels and Director, Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “This occasion marks a few ‘firsts’ for Lemon Tree Hotels – it is the first property Lemon Tree Hotels (through our management arm, Carnation Hotels) will be operating in Noida, and our first foray into the upscale serviced suites space. This is also our first partnership with Sandal Suites Pvt. Ltd., one that we hope to see grow in strength in the coming years. “The launch of Sandal Suites is in response to the growing demand for comfortable and convenient extended stay accommodation options for business and IT professionals in our vicinity. It is the only upscale accommodation available within an 8 km catchment and is the perfect address for those looking for a “home away from home” – be it business travellers, project teams or relocating families,” he added.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based luxury hotel management company General Hotel Management (GHM) to represent The Chedi Mumbai as the newest experience available within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection. Scheduled to open in the Fall of 2017, The Chedi Mumbai will be GHM’s first hotel in India and marks the 30-hotel milestone for Preferred Hotels & Resorts in India, making it the largest independent hotel brand in the country. The property will feature 312 guestrooms and suites, an exclusive Club Lounge, seven dining and entertainment options, meeting facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and a holistic spa and wellness facility. When the hotel opens its reservations in Fall 2017, travelers will be able to book their stay at The Chedi Mumbai online or via the new iPrefer mobile app, available to members of the iPrefer hotel rewards program. “Continuing on our roadmap to further build a resounding presence for Preferred Hotels & Resorts in the region, we are delighted to embark on our first alliance with GHM and celebrate having 30 distinct independent member hotels in India. A prime addition to our brand portfolio, The Chedi Mumbai will provide discerning urban travelers with an exciting new experience in this vibrant city. We look forward to working closely with the GHM team as the opening approaches and to paving a road for more collaboration opportunities in the future,” said Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President, Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “The Chedi Mumbai is set to become a destination in and of itself: we are creating a buzz in an exciting location in the city and redefining the concept of luxury lifestyle and quality …

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has posted a growth of 6.32 per cent with a total turnover at Rs 495.14 crore as compared to Rs. 465.69 crore in last financial year. Revenue from operations stood at Rs. 473.15 crore as compared to Rs. 437.13 crore in the last fiscal. Corporation posted profit before tax (PBT) of Rs.17.52 crore and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs.12.05 crore in 2016-17 against Rs. 32.42 crore and Rs. 22.55 crore respectively in the previous year. The results were announced in the Board Meeting held on May 30, 2017, at the Group’s flagship hotel, The Ashok, New Delhi. Piyush Tiwari, Officiating Chairman & Managing Director and Director (Commercial & Marketing), India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), said, “FY 2016-17 has been a motivating year for ITDC as it was the golden jubilee year for the organisation. The profit is result of several proactive initiatives taken by the organization to improve productivity and efficiency at the beginning of the year. Besides posting continuous profit year after year, ITDC has maintained its status of Mini Ratna and its commitment towards the shareholders through announcing consistent dividends for last four consecutive years.” Hotel The Ashok, Ashok International Trade division and Ashok events division of ITDC were other contributors to the profit for FY 2016-17. The Ashok hotel posted a highest ever turnover amounting to Rs. 152.91 crore.

Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott International, has announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu, which marks Marriott International’s entry into Nepal. Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand & Marketing Asia Pacific, Marriott International, says, “As with all Fairfield by Marriott hotels around the world, guests can expect the same high standards of service and seamless experience so they never have to skip a beat. We are very proud to debut in the kingdom of Nepal and introduce the Fairfield by Marriott brand as Marriott International’s first hotel in the country.” Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu is located in Thamel, a district at the heart of the capital’s central commercial hub, which was previously known as a bohemian haven before it became a popular shopping destination. Close to all the destination’s popular attractions including the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Garden of Dreams and the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the hotel is also situated 5km away from the airport. Neeraj Govil, Area Vice President, South Asia for Marriott International added, “We believe this is exactly the right product for this market as it fills a much-needed gap in the moderate tier segment with its fresh, contemporary design, service excellence and great value. We are confident this will resonate well with both leisure and business travelers to Kathmandu.” Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu is the latest addition to the brand’s footprint in South Asia, with four hotels in India currentlyopen including Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Rajajinagar, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, Fairfield by Marriott Lucknow and Fairfield by Marriott Belagavi. The hotel offers 115 rooms. Kava, the all-day dining restaurant, serves local, Indian and international cuisine. Meanwhile, Kava – The Bar and lobby lounge …