Category Archives: Hotels

OYO has launched early check-in up to 7 days prior to booking. This facility is being offered free of cost in many OYOs, and at a nominal charge in others. With this launch, OYO claims to be the first hotel brand in the world to offer guaranteed early check-in to guests. OYO’s Sunrise check-in is now live both on its website and mobile App. Customers can easily identify, select and book hotels that offer confirmed early check-in. In addition, guests can also modify their existing booking and secure an early check-in. Speaking on launch, Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, OYO, said, “Despite changes in the way we live, travel and work, the hotel industry across the world continues to follow the outdated concept of a standard check-in time. Nowadays, travel is no longer about following prescribed itineraries. At OYO we understand our guests and build features tailored to their needs. With Sunrise check-in travellers can plan their mode of travel, duration and trip-itinerary in a better way, without being constrained by the check-in time.”

Stayzilla.com and Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) signed an MOU to jointly promote and market homestays and alternate stays in the state of Gujarat. The MOU was signed and exchanged by  S.J.Haider (IAS), Principal Secretary (Tourism) of Gujarat Tourism in the presence of Hon. Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Hon. Tourism Secretary, Vinod Zutshi, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Under this agreement, Stayzilla and Gujarat Tourism will share the current base of homestays on each other’s digital platforms to bring more awareness on homestays in Gujarat. Stayzilla will also aid verification procedures and jointly promote the concept of homestays in the state. All homestays registered with TCGL will receive technological and operational support to run. Also, Stayzilla & TCGL will jointly conduct education and training sessions for TCGL registered homestays on best practices such as online usage, content management, operations and expense management, which will benefit the hosts of the homestays. The company is closely working with various state tourism departments for joint promotion and marketing of homestays. Stayzilla has recently signed MoUs with Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation and Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to enhance homestay concept among the travelers in these states. There have been around 600 workshops conducted pan India, at various locations, with the hosts from different corners, out of which about 80 workshops were conducted in various towns and cities of Gujarat. This has helped in boosting homestay supply in Gujarat over the last 6months, thereby bringing up the number of verified homestays in the state to over 400. Commenting on this announcement, Ankit Rastogi, Vice President, Marketplace, Stayzilla said, “We, at Stayzilla, have maintained …

InterContinental Hotels Group announced the signing of Holiday Inn Dubai Science Park. The newly built hotel will operate under a management agreement with an affiliate of the Rolaco Group, who also own InterContinental Dallas, InterContinental Semiramis, InterContinental Geneva, Crowne Plaza Geneva, and Crowne Plaza Zurich. Scheduled to open in 2019, the hotel is located in Dubai Science Park, the region’s first freezone community offering facilities including office and laboratory space, as well as residential units, with the aim of creating a vibrant ‘Life Sciences’ community.  Located near the Arabian Ranches and Motor City, Holiday Inn® Dubai Science Park is just fifteen minutes away from one of the largest and busiest shopping malls in the city, Mall of the Emirates. India is one of the largest trading partners of Dubai, with bilateral trade of over $6.5 billion in the first quarter of 2016 according to Dubai Customs’ data. Dubai Science Park provides facilities and infrastructure to the Indian Life Sciences sector that fosters innovations with international reach. The hotel is expected to cater to corporates within this sector as well as leisure travellers who want to experience the life sciences community and surrounding amenities. Holiday Inn Dubai Science Park will comprise of 402 rooms and suites, including five meeting rooms and a conference hall seating 600 guests. To ensure an enjoyable experience for the guests, Holiday Inn® Dubai Science Park will also offer four food and beverage outlets, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our global partnership with the Rolaco Group through the signing of their first Holiday Inn property in Dubai. …

AccorHotels has launched India’s first ibis Styles in North Goa. The 197-room ibis Styles Goa Calangute is conveniently located within walking distance from Tivai Beach, a short drive from Calangute and Candolim beaches and minutes away from popular entertainment and night spots. Jean-Michel Cassé, Senior Vice President, Operations, AccorHotels India, said, “The opening of the ibis Styles Goa Calangute marks a strategic growth milestone for the group as we now have 43 hotels operating across a well-rounded portfolio of ten distinct brands in the country. Not only are we excited to introduce the ibis Styles brand to our guests in India, but we are also proud to share that we are now the largest hotel operator in Goa with a growing collection of midscale and in-demand economy brands presence.” Speaking on the opening, Nikheel Shirodkar, General Manager, ibis Styles Goa Calangute, said, “ibis Styles Goa Calangute offers a resort feel experience at an affordable price, making it the perfect destination for family vacations, leisure retreats or corporate team bonding sessions. Its bright and vibrant colours are seen throughout the hotel from its unique blend of architectural design. We look forward to extending the ibis Styles’ signature service to guests travelling to Goa.” A non-standardised economy and design brand, ibis Styles offers an all-inclusive package, with breakfast and internet access. Situated in the heart of cities and in other major centres of activity around the world, each ibis Styles has its own distinct personality that resonates a colourful and bright brand spirit which are hip and trendy. The hotel is deeply influenced by Goa’s Portuguese heritage and charm that are infused with a contemporary twist. All guest rooms are pool facing …

The 4-star premium apartment hotel Eastin Residences Vadodara opened its doors for regular, business and leisure travellers. Special launch rates start from Rs 4,000++ per room per night inclusive of the signature Eastin buffet breakfast, broadband internet, airport pick up with provisions of early check in from 9.00 am and late check out till 4.00 pm. Room configurations include studio and one bedroom well-appointed apartments, with contemporary design and stylish décor. The attached kitchenette provides a distinctive edge to the functionality and convenience of every apartment. All studio apartments are furnished with twin/king beds, which comprises of a sofa-cum-bed in the sitting area, walk-in wardrobe, kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator and heating facility, etc.

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) opened its new Duty Free Shop at Kakinada Deep Water Seaport, Andhra Pradesh. The shop was inaugurated by Piyush Tiwari, Director (Commercial and Marketing), ITDC in the presence of S. Narasimha Reddy, Jt. Commissioner, Customs, Lt. General. (Retd.) Dr A S Rao, CEO, Kakinada Seaport, senior port authorities and other officials of Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. With the opening of this Duty Free Shop, ITDC has established its presence at Coimbatore Airport and 9 Seaports in the country. Strategically located inside the Port at Kakinada, the latest duty free shop has been aligned with ITDC’s aim of providing shoppers with an incredible shopping experience. Talking about the launch and ITDC’s duty free business, Tiwari said, “Kakinada Deep Water Seaport is an important port as it is the major port of Andhra Pradesh. ITDC launching its 9th Duty Free shop at this port is a major step undertaken by the corporation in its business of Seaport Duty Free Shops.  Moving forward, our aim is to further expand our seaport business, covering all major ports in the country in coming years.”

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has launched its latest property in Rajasthan — The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer. The 81-room and suite resort hotel is built in the Rajasthani royal style for leisure and business travellers in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains to the north of the city. The room rates start from Rs. 4,000 and goes on to Rs. 30,000. “Ajmer and Pushkar are two secret jewels in the beautiful state of Rajasthan; they are cities with a rich history stretching back to the Rajputs, Mughals and Marathas and which blends Hindu and Sufi tradition. The 81 rooms and suites at the resort are inspired by this heritage and offer guests the best of Rajasthan whether here for leisure, business or to celebrate special occasions in a stunning destination.” said Nagendra Hada, General Manager, The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer The hotel’s architecture and design is inspired by the culture and history of Rajasthan; its regal design in typical Rajasthani pink sandstone features private balconies with sit outs and jhoolas (swings) in every room. Inside, Bani Thani art—the local style that has its origins in nearby Kishangarh—provides a window into the area’s cultural past while live performances of Langa folk singers bring Rajasthan to life for guests. From the inviting cool waters of the swimming pool, sunk into the expansive courtyard, guests can drink in the stunning views to the mountains beyond or de-stress in the calming Spa with massage therapies. In-room yoga facilities mean that guests can keep on top of their fitness regime whether on business or leisure. The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer is 15km from Ajmer railway station and 140km from Jaipur airport. …

Keys Hotels, a brand by Berggruen hotels funded by Berggruen Holdings, a New York-headquartered proprietary fund, has announced its foray into Manali with Keys Lite Apple Nest. This is Keys’ first hotel in Himachal Pradesh and remains noteworthy due to its enchanting and scenic location in the well-known hill station of Manali – a popular destination loved by both Indian and International visitors. The property is nestled amongst refreshing apple orchards. Aptly named Keys Lite Apple Nest, the hotel is situated on the national highway at the entrance of Manali town. Located at a distance of merely 50 kms from Kullu Manali Airport, this hotel is centrally located for most destinations en-route. Speaking about the newly launched hotel, Mr Anurag Mishra, Head-Marketing, Berggruen Hotels Pvt. Ltd. said, “The government has, in recent years launched its famed ‘Incredible India’ campaign to entice more visitors to India. We have always believed that India is indeed incredible and consistently endeavoured to showcase local culture and heritage through our properties nationwide. With the same unflinching spirit, our presence in Manali is an earnest attempt to showcase India to the world. We are confident that our esteemed guests will experience the culture through our special array of localised food and bespoke services.”

Lords Hotels & Resorts launched one of its most premium resorts in Kerala, recently. Located at Cheruthuruthy, the boutique Lords Resorts, Thrissur, was inaugurated by A.C. Moitheen, Minister for Co-operation and Tourism, making this luxury resort its 26th hotel in India and its first in Kerala. Spread over 20 acres of varied landscapes and located at a distance of 30 km from Thrissur town, the 57-room luxury resort is set on the banks of Bharathapuzha River. “Lords Resorts – Thrissur is in many ways an epitome of Kerala’s rich and varied landscape which within its premises houses a natural waterfall, a pond, butterfly farms and nature trails, all set against a backdrop of large expanse of rubber plantations. The lodgings are interspersed across the terrains and have been seamlessly merged with their environment. We are positive that a stay at our resort will make for one of the most memorable experiences for our guests,” says P.R. Bansal, Chairman & Managing Director, Lords Hotels & Resorts. The property formerly known as the Cheruthuruthy Eco Gardens owned by Pepco Group of Companies is now branded Lords Resorts – Thrissur and, will be managed and run by Lords Hotels & Resorts. The resort offers themed accommodations including tree-houses, honeymoon cottages by the pond, villas – single and duplex, and bungalows in addition to the royal and executive suites and rooms.

The resorts team from Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, a chain of 14 distinct hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka, visited Ahmedabad recently to acquaint themselves with travel agents. The visiting team comprised of the Sector Head of the resort properties – Sunimal Senanayake, Senior Vice President Sales, Romesh Walpola, Marketing Communications Manager and Sales executive of the resort properties. Senanayake, Sector Head of Cinnamon’s resort properties in Sri Lanka & Maldives was pleased to meet with the travel agents and understand the perspective and interests of the traveller from Gujarat. He also shared the brand values and various offerings Cinnamon has with the agents. The Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts team will visit India to meet agents in many more Indian cities in the coming months.