Category Archives: Hotels

Desaru Coast, the newly created integrated premium destination in Malaysia, met the Indian trade recently in New Delhi and held an exclusive showcase to inform about their varied offerings and developments. The new destination is located at the south-eastern region of Malaysia, spanning over 3,900 acres along an unspoiled 17 km beachfront facing the South Coast Sea, and is easily accessible via land, ferry and air. “Desaru Coast’s India tour will open doors for us to connect with buyers of all sectors within the travel-value chain commerce whilst positioning Desaru Coast as the destination of choice amongst holidaymakers and business travellers alike within the region. We look forward to sharing a preview of the destination that will appeal to international travellers with its myriad offerings,” said Muhammad Zainal Ashikin, Chief Executive Officer, Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd. He further informed that they are opening in stages currently, and will be fully open in June 2018.

Karma Group has announced the acquisition of a new property in Dharamshala. Surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges, the property has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, pool, gym with future plans including a Karma Spa. “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of our newest resort in the beautiful town of Dharamshala,” said John Spence, Founder and Chairman, Karma Group. “We will be renovating the property to bring it up to our high standards and expect to have it open for the main Indian holiday season. To be in the adopted home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is wonderful and particularly fitting as Karma Group has drawn much inspiration from his philosophies.” Dharamshala is a popular destination for tourists wishing to visit Tibetan temples and monasteries and is a starting point to a number of trekking trails.

Adding another pilgrimage destination to its portfolio, Sarovar Hotels has signed two hotels in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, namely, The Vaishnodevi Sarovar Portico and Shri Vaishnodevi Sarovar Portico. Both the hotels complement Sarovar’s existing hotel RK Sarovar Portico, Srinagar. Sarovar is already present in the pilgrimage destinations of Badrinath, Amritsar, Haridwar, Vrindavan and Tirupati. Designed as per the brand characteristics of a Sarovar Portico hotel, The Vaishnodevi Sarovar Portico offers a stunning view of the holy Trikuta Mountains while Shri Vaishnodevi Sarovar Portico enjoy excellent access to all key tourist attractions and is strategically located close to the railway station. Commenting on the development, Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels, says, “We are delighted to be signing a deal in yet another pilgrim destination. With Jammu and Kashmir emerging as one of our key markets, we look forward to further growth and increased traffic contribution from our hotels here. We will continue to focus on our expansion and also strengthen our position as we look to spread farther across North India.”

In a first-of-its-kind, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Airbnb will be associating with the residents of Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to benefit them by providing more job opportunities. Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of Tourism & (EGS), Government of Maharashtra said, “In order to support this, the Ministry of Tourism & Culture has implemented several schemes and events offering financial assistance to people, groups and cultural administrations involved in various artforms. The Indian tourism sector is the fastest growing amongst the G20 countries and organising such a festival at the UNESCO World Heritage Site will ensure that our country’s tourism sector grow by $48 billion by 2020.” MTDC organised its annual Elephanta Festival 2018 on January 27 and 28, 2018 at Elephanta Caves. The festival included music and dance performances with a backdrop of rock sculptures, caves and pillars. More than 400 to 700 visitors participated in this festival. Considering the strategic position of the Elephanta Caves, the Mumbai Port Trust will be constructing India’s first and largest ropeway to link Mumbai with the island within the coming three years. The 8-km long ropeway will commence from eastern coastline of Mumbai, Sewri and finish at Raigad district at Gharapuri Island.

Cygnett Hotels and Resorts has signed a new 50-room property in Dibrugarh, Assam, set to open in September this year. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels Group, said, “We are delighted to announce the signing of a new 50 keys hotel in Dibrugarh-Assam, a brilliant location, proximity to airport, Cygnett Inn-Dibrugarh, marking our farther foray. Hotel is opening in September 2018.”

Sarovar Hotels has launched Singhania Sarovar Portico, Raipur, an upscale hotel strategically located in the hub of the city near AIIMS Hospital. The hotel was inaugurated by Gaurishankar Agrawal, Assembly Speaker, Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, in the presence of Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels; Rajesh Ranjan, Director of Development, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Kevin Wilkins, General Manager, Singhania Sarovar Portico, Raipur. Singhania Sarovar Portico, Raipur, has 60 beautifully crafted, spacious and well-appointed rooms offering modern amenities and personalised service. The hotel offers state-of-the-art business and conferencing facilities, fitness centre, an all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, in-room dining and a meeting room. Speaking on the occasion, Agrawal said, “Raipur is an evolving city and the gateway to tourist destinations in Chhattisgarh. I believe this hotel will be immensely beneficial to people travelling to this city, business as well as leisure and to the locals here with their excellent F&B and banquet services on offer.” Commenting on the launch, Bakaya said, “We are glad to be setting our footprints in this emerging state of Chhattisgarh. With our immense focus on providing quality accommodation and services at the best rates, we hope to ensure a pleasant stay for all our guests travelling to this region.”  

Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott International, announces the opening of the Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel in Ahmedabad. This becomes the brand’s third property in India, with two others in Mumbai and Lucknow. Neeraj Govil, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, said, “The debut of the Renaissance brand in Ahmedabad will further strengthen our presence in India. With Ahmedabad being hailed as an emerging global business destination, we expect a huge influx of business and leisure travellers to the city.” Located at S G Highway, Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel features a contemporary design and has 155 rooms with six suites, 62 twin rooms, 87 king rooms and 24 inter-connecting rooms. The hotel offers extensive facilities for social events and meetings spread over 29,220 sq ft, of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces. “Apart from being a fast-growing business city, Ahmedabad is also the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, making it not only economically but also culturally significant. With our vibrant, new F&B options, extensive leisure facilities and insights into the city, we are confident the hotel will be a favourite for travellers and Ahmedabad residents alike,” said Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, General Manager, Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson has announced that it has renamed itself to Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. This strategic name change will allow the brand and individual hotels to leverage the global recognition and strength of the Radisson brand. Changes will include a new visual identity, updated logo and refreshed marketing and hotel collateral. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which also includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza and Park Inn by Radisson. The consumer-facing changes will be made in stages throughout the first half of 2018. Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, “We are delighted that our Country Inn & Suites brand will be taking on a new name to leverage on the strength of the Radisson brand, drive awareness and increase marketing efficiency. Country Inn & Suites hotels deliver modern country warmth and heartfelt experiences, through inviting design, products and services.” “Country Inn & Suites is a market leader in the mid-scale segment in India. Identification with our core brand Radisson will lend further strength to its brand identity and appeal to investors and promoters in the fast growing mid-scale segment”, added Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.  

Conrad Hotels & Resorts has expanded in India with the opening of Conrad Bengaluru. The 24-storeyed hotel is owned by Prestige Group and managed by Hilton. Featuring 285 guestrooms including 21 suites, Conrad Bengaluru offers five dining and bar experiences, a full-service spa and salon, 17,000 square feet of event space, a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor temperature-controlled infinity pool overlooking the expanse of the city as well as a dedicated kids’ pool. “Conrad Bengaluru is an outstanding addition to our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific and we are delighted to be partnering with the Prestige Group on this project. The timely arrival of Conrad Bengaluru in India demonstrates Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to growing the brand’s presence in the country, complementing its sister property Conrad Pune,” said Daniel Welk, Vice President—Operations, Luxury and Lifestyle, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Conrad Bengaluru enhances our fast growing portfolio of 34 properties and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional hotels in key gateway locations to meet the growing needs of global luxury travellers,” said John T. A. Vanderslice, Global Head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts. “Conrad Bengaluru will delight guests with customised service, as well as provide them access to a world of connections and inspired experiences.”

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has added another property to its portfolio of hotels with the launch of The Fern, Akota-Vadodara. Situated 2 kms from Alkapuri, the commercial hub of Vadodara, this is the second Fern property in the city with 72 rooms in two categories, namely, Winter Green and The Fern Club Rooms. Dining options include Zeste-a multi cuisine all-day-dining restaurant and 24 hours in-room dining service. The banqueting facility comprises Magnolia and Terraco banquet halls along with a meeting room. Suhail Kannampilly, COO, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “The Fern, Akota-Vadodara gives us another opportunity to host our guests in Vadodara. We have a strong presence in Gujarat with nine hotels operational in seven cities and we look forward to further consolidate this.”