Category Archives: Hotels

ITC Hotels Limited (ITCHL) now brings its fast-growing Brand Welcomhotel to Telangana as it announced the signing of an agreement with M/s KAC Palm Exotica Hotels Private Limited to launch Welcomhotel Shankarpally in the Hyderabad market. ITCHL already operates two iconic hotels in Hyderabad; ITC Kakatiya with 188 keys and ITC Kohenur with 274 keys. Spread across 11 acres, ‘Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Palm Exotica Shankarpally’ shall feature 155 guest rooms and villas with private gardens offering enriching guest experiences that will draw heavily from the region’s rich heritage.  Among other facilities, the hotel will also showcase an all-day dining, a speciality restaurant, bar, pool, lounge, spa & kids club. The hotel is envisioned as a landmark destination for celebrations, corporate functions and social gatherings. With a curated selection of versatile banquet venues and over 6000 sqm of outdoor space, it will cater to events of all scales, from intimate soirees to large conferences, grand galas and weddings. Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited said, “This signing marks Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels foray into the state of Telangana. We embarked on the asset right strategy with the objective of reaching deeper in tier 2 and tier 3 markets offering travellers local and immersive experiences. Welcomhotel Shankarpally endeavours to establish itself as the city’s definitive destination for bleisure travel & events. Each space will offer refined aesthetics to suit a diverse array of occasions.” Krishna Sandeep Kilaru, Director, KAC Palm Exotica Hotels Private Limited said, “We are excited to have entered into agreement for Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Palm Exotica Shankarpally with ITC Hotels Limited. It is a matter of pride for us to develop this hotel in Telangana. ITC Hotels’ …

IHCL announces the opening of Taj Alibaug Resort & Spa, Maharashtra, a coastal sanctuary nestled amidst swaying palms and lush landscapes. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “Located across the shore, Alibaug has long been a favoured leisure destination for Mumbaikars. The launch of Taj Alibaug Resort & Spa marks IHCL’s debut in this micro-market, further strengthening our presence in Mumbai’s leisure circuit and expanding our brandscape and footprint in Maharashtra.” The 156-key Taj Alibaug Resort & Spa, Maharashtra is a seaside haven that blends nature’s serenity with refined luxury. Its spacious rooms, suites, and villas are thoughtfully designed with soft hues and natural textures. Inspired by Alibaug’s coastal charm, the resort’s architecture fuses contemporary elegance with earthy elements, flowing seamlessly into courtyards and lush gardens. Dining is a celebration of flavours with three distinct venues Aparanta, the all-day dining restaurant; Konkan Café, outpost of the iconic coastal specialty restaurant showcasing the region’s culinary heritage; and 24 Alive, a bar serving handcrafted cocktails. Guests can indulge in immersive spa experiences at J Wellness Circle, offering holistic rejuvenation where age-old Indian healing traditions meet modern therapies that nourish both body and mind. The resort features multiple indoor and alfresco venues, ideal backdrops for social celebrations and grand gatherings. For those seeking recreation, the resort also offers a swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and kids activity area. Ananth Gaddala, General Manager, Taj Alibaug Resort & Spa, Maharashtra said, “Taj Alibaug Resort & Spa is an ode to the coastal spirit of Alibaug. We look forward to creating unforgettable memories for our guests in this unique setting.”

The 10th edition of the Global Hospitality Conclave (GHC) was recently held at The Oberoi, New Delhi. Considered as a prestigious and dynamic event in the hospitality industry, it has raised the bar of discourse on critical issues impacting the world in general and hospitality in particular over the last decade. GHC, steered by the alumni of the erstwhile Oberoi School of Hotel Management (OSHM), now The Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development (OCLD), was started to share and gain knowledge and provide an enviable opportunity to network with the best in business. Over the years, the conclave has grown in representation and credibility into a powerful forum for Oberoi Hotel alumni to celebrate their journey of learning and excellence. It seeks to bring together professionals from different areas of the service and hospitality industry, encouraging interactions and debates. This year, the event commemorates The Oberoi Group’s 90 Years of Excellence in hospitality. It brought together a distinguished gathering of senior leadership of The Oberoi Group, OSHM / OCLD alumni and those who currently hold or have previously held executive roles at The Oberoi Group to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.  

Marriott International announced the signing agreement with Grey Group to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Ludhiana — often referred to as India’s “Manchester” for its vibrant textile and manufacturing industries and dynamic entrepreneurial spirit. Designed to embody the brand’s signature emphasis on mindfulness, exceptional service, and sophisticated design, JW Marriott Ludhiana will be part of a mixed-use development featuring retail and residential spaces. The hotel is expected to open in January 2029. On the signing occasion, Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International commented, “The signing of JW Marriott Ludhiana marks a bold step in redefining the luxury hospitality landscape of the city. Ludhiana’s market is at the pinnacle of transformation, and the arrival of JW Marriott — with its exceptional brand promise, world-class design, and commitment to excellence — will not only fill a long-standing gap in the city’s luxury segment but will also set a new benchmark for its evolving hospitality scene”. She added, “We are confident that this hotel will become the preferred destination for discerning travelers and a catalyst for Ludhiana’s growing stature as a business and social hub. This signing is a strong testament to Marriott International’s strategic focus, tapping into the potential of high-growth markets across India.” “It gives us immense pride to collaborate with Marriott International to introduce the globally renowned JW Marriott brand to our city,” said Inder Raj Singh, Owner, Grey Group. “This project is more than just a development for us – it is a significant step to reshape Ludhiana’s urban and hospitality landscape while reinforcing our ambitions across residential and commercial real estate. JW Marriott Ludhiana will stand as a landmark of luxury and excellence, and we …

Hyatt has signed a management agreement with Krivish Hospitality for the development of Grand Hyatt Indore, which is set to open in 2029. This 11.5-acre luxury property is poised to redefine hospitality standards in Indore, a rapidly growing economic hub of Madhya Pradesh. The hotel will feature 250 opulent rooms and suites catering to both business and leisure travellers.

HVS Anarock, in its latest report, revealed that occupancy growth trends in March 2025 showed a mixed pattern across key Indian markets, with Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram emerging as the top gainers in year-on-year growth.  

Amruda Nair, Founder and Director, Araiya Hotels & Resorts, said, “India’s hotel industry is currently experiencing robust growth with increased disposable income and infrastructure development. The industry is expanding into tier II and III cities, with big players revisiting their strategy to capture the market. The sector is poised to grow at a faster rate than the economy.”

Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) launches its May Sale for travel partners to take advantage of exclusive offerings of at least 25% off at thousands of hotels in top global destinations. They can book until 26 May, for travel through 30 September 2025. This sale offers an opportunity to increase bookings, maximise sales and enhance client satisfaction by providing unbeatable savings on hotel stays worldwide.

To support tourists stranded due to the ongoing disruption of flights from Ladakh, the All Ladakh Hotel & Guest House Association has decided to provide complimentary stays to guests at the hotels where they have been staying. It calls upon its member hotels and guest houses to support the measure.

Speaking about the hotel sector landscape, Mandeep Singh Lamba, President & CEO (South Asia) HVS Anarock, says, “India is transitioning from a nascent hotel market towards a more mature one and it is going to be an exciting time as this transition takes place over the next decade or so. If the sector is to remain attractive and draw in more capital and more leading players, a pressing need is to reduce the time it takes from inception to completion of a hotel which today stands anywhere between 42 to 60 months.”