Category Archives: Hotels

Royal Orchid Hotels (ROHL) has announced the launch of a new property in the desert city of Bhuj, Gujarat. Expanding its footprint in western India, the 4-star property marks ROHL’s 15th hotel in Gujarat, furthering the brand’s state expansion plans. Earlier this year, ROHL commenced operations of one of the state’s largest all-suite hotels, The World, Surat. Regenta Science Centre, Bhuj offers guests a seamless blend of hospitality and leisure in the historic ‘walled city’. Strategically located near the Regional Science Centre, Smritivan, and the main highway market yard, the hotel provides easy access to major attractions. It is only 5 km (10 minutes) from Bhuj Airport, 2 km (5 minutes) from Bhuj Railway Station, and 2 km (10 minutes) from the Local Bus Stand. Guests can explore popular sites such as the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial & Museum, Prag Mahal, Aina Mahal, Bhujia Fort (Bhujio Dungar), Shree Swaminarayan Temple, and the Vande Mataram Memorial. The nearby Regional Science Centre features six distinctive galleries dedicated to Space Science, Marine Navigation, Energy Science, Nanotechnology, Bonsai, and the Fields Medal – inspiring visitors from across the country to explore, wonder, and learn. The city’s soon-to-be-unveiled renewable energy power plant, expected to be one of the world’s largest, will also become a major attraction in the near future. The 59-key hotel features elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy Pinxx, the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant (72 covers), and Fusionzz, the rooftop specialty restaurant (54 covers) offering panoramic views of Bhuj. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, spa, fully equipped gymnasium, and an indoor games zone for guests of all ages. For meetings, events, and celebrations, the property houses the Orchid Banquet Hall (3,000 sq. ft.) offering flexible seating arrangements: Theatre style for up to 250 guests, Cluster setup for 120 guests, and U-shape setup for 60 guests. The hotel also includes a Forum Board Room, …

Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said that India’s hotel industry is entering a healthy growth cycle, with premium occupancy projected at 72–74% in 2025–26. He said that from a long-haul perspective, India is slightly more expensive compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The government is currently working on an Incredible India 2.0 campaign, and it should launch the campaign sometime next year, he added.

At the Minor Hotels India Roadshows in Delhi, Rohit Chopra, Area Commercial Director, India, Minor Hotels, said, “The company is expanding across key segments including corporate, MICE, and weddings, with strong demand from families, HNIs, and solo women travellers.” He highlighted Minor’s strategic approach through Minor PRO, a seamless digital platform for travel partners offering quick bookings and instant incentives.

Highlighting the brand’s tech-forward strategy, Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “Seamless digital check-in/check-out, self-service kiosks, and AI virtual assistants enhance guest experiences while freeing staff for personalised interactions. Backend AI optimises pricing, talent acquisition, and marketing campaigns, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and driving strong business outcomes.”

Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of more than 560 properties across 59 countries, continues to deepen its commitment to supporting the destinations in which it operates. As part of this long-standing focus, the group’s global ‘Dollars for Deeds’ initiative has played an important role in connecting hospitality with meaningful community support. First introduced nearly a decade ago in Minor Hotels’ Anantara branded properties in Thailand, ‘Dollars for Deeds’ is now embedded into the social responsibility strategies of Minor Hotels worldwide. The programme invites guests to opt-in at check-in by contributing one US dollar per night of their stay. Minor Hotels matches each donation in full, with funds directed to carefully selected charitable and environmental projects tailored to each location. From coral conservation in the Maldives to child welfare projects in Hungary, the initiative has consistently sought to create measurable impact. In Sri Lanka, support has been directed towards the Turtle Hatchery near Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala through Anantara Kalutara and Avani Kalutara. Now, Minor Hotels Sri Lanka is taking this commitment even further by partnering with Ayati Trust, a national centre dedicated to supporting children with disabilities. Established in 2016 and operational since 2020, the Ayati National Centre for Children with Disabilities provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational services to children and families across Sri Lanka. The facility — the first of its kind nationally — was formed through collaboration between the University of Kelaniya, Hemas Holdings, MAS Holdings, Roshan Wijerama family Foundation, Rotary International, and several philanthropic partners. Ayati was built on the understanding that every child has potential — but children with disabilities often face social …

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach won the ‘Best Beachfront Wedding Venue’ award at the Indian Travel Awards 2025. Receiving the award, Lakshmi Sridhar, GM, said, “The award motivates us further. Our strength lies in teamwork and showcasing not just our property but also promoting Visakhapatnam as a premier destination for weddings, MICE, and tourism growth.”

Targeting the upscale and upper-up scale segment, Chalet Hotels launches Athiva Hotels & Resorts, a new brand. The first Athiva Resorts & Spa, Khandala, opens today. Five more hotels are in the pipeline, which will add 900 keys. “Athiva is built on the values of joy, wellness, and sustainability. The new brand aims to resonate with the Gen Z and millennial travellers,” said Dr Sanjay Sethi, CEO and MD, Chalet Hotels.

Monisha Dewan, VP – Sales and Distribution, South Asia, Marriott International, noted a strong shift in traveller preferences. “Leisure travellers are increasingly seeking immersive and memorable experiences that go beyond the room. Demand for wellness offerings, culinary journeys, and locally inspired experiences reflecting cultural richness is rising. These elements are now essential for guest satisfaction and loyalty,” she said.

Accenture’s latest report, Beyond the Stay, identifies gamification as a powerful tool to enhance guest engagement and loyalty. The study reveals that 76% of Indian hoteliers expect revenue growth from gamified strategies, with investments in this area projected to rise by over 15% in the next three to five years, reflecting strong industry confidence.

A delegation from the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) met Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, submitting a detailed representation seeking a fair, growth-oriented GST framework for hospitality. The association urged regularisation of past GST dues since 2017, restoration of Input Tax Credit (ITC) for hotels, and delinking F&B GST rates from room tariffs to ensure sectoral revival.