Category Archives: Hotels

Marriott International has announced that it has expanded to include 30 of the most desirable hotel brands with the addition of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio. With more than 5,700 hotels and 1.1 million rooms in over 110 countries across the globe, guests now have access to the best hotels and resorts wherever they travel. Members of Marriott’s leading loyalty programs, Marriott Rewards – which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards – and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), are also invited to link their accounts to enjoy the benefits, recognition and experiences each program has to offer. Members will have their status matched across programs and be able to transfer and redeem points across programs for travel to more destinations than ever before. Members who link their accounts will be able to transfer points at a three-to-one ratio.  

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the public sector undertaking under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, recorded net profit before tax of Rs.32.42 crore during 2015-16, profit after tax of Rs.22.55 crore and a total turnover of Rs.465.69 crore during the financial year 2015-16. The information was revealed during the Group’s 51st Annual General Meeting at the Group’s hotel, The Samrat, New Delhi. The highlights of the AGM was the declaration of a dividend of 15 per cent amounting to Rs.12.86 crore approximately as recommended by the Board in the meeting held on May 30, 2016. Out of Rs. 12.86 crore, an approximate amount of Rs.11.20 crore will go to the Government of India. The meeting was chaired by Umang Narula, IAS, Chairman & Managing Director, ITDC. The overall occupancy during 2015-16 was 52 per cent as against 47 per cent during 2014-15 with flagship Hotel ‘The Ashok’ recording occupancy of 54 per cent during 2015-16.

Sarovar Hotels announces the opening of RBD Sarovar Portico, Bengaluru, strategically located close to the IT hub in Outer Ring Road and Whitefield. It is Sarovar’s fourth hotel in the city. Guests can choose from 86 rooms and suites including Club Rooms, Premium Rooms or Deluxe Rooms, each of which features sleek and modern designs. Other facilities include a multi cuisine restaurant Brunchili with attached bar that offers some unique gastronomic fare. Commenting on the launch, Ajay K. Bakaya, Executive Director, Sarovar Hotels, says, “We are delighted to be opening yet another hotel in Bengaluru. RBD Sarovar Portico being close to the major tech parks of the city is ideal for business travellers.  With Bengaluru 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 South India.” Outstanding business facilities and banquet hall with board rooms make it an impressive destination for conferences and events. The facilities are managed by efficient team to keep your event seamless and worry-free. Crystal Palace, the banquet hall located on the roof top, has an area of 2700 sq. ft. including 400 sq. ft. of pre-function area. It can accommodate up-to 250 people for reception event, 175 in theatre style, 100 in classroom style and 45 in U shape.

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a PSU under Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on completion of its 50 year of inception on October 1, 2016, launched a logo marking the golden jubilee of ITDC. The logo was unveiled by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism and Culture in presence of Vinod Zutshi, Tourism Secretary, and other senior officers of Ministry of Tourism and ITDC. In order to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebrations, various activities have been introduced during the fortnight starting September 24, 2016 till October 8, 2016. Special offers on room tariff and food & beverage outlets in all ITDC hotels, issue of Elite Card to every 50th guest during this period, plantation of 50 saplings each in some hotels of ITDC, painting and slogan competition, lighting of all Delhi based hotels, presenting souvenirs to guests visiting ITDC hotels on 1st October 2016 are certain activities planned during the celebrations.

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.”