Category Archives: Hotels

The five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth officially unveils its extensive $70 million refurbishment, with final completion set for November. Ushering in a new era of French-inspired luxury and understated grandeur, the rebirth of this Sydney icon coincides with the Diamond Jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years. The five-star Sofitel Sydney Wentworth unveils its extensive $70 million (AUD) refurbishment with final completion set for November. Created by Qantas in the 1960s, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has a storied history, spanning over half a century. Central to the hotel’s refurbishment vision was reigniting the ’60s jet-set glamour that characterised its original charm when it opened as Australia’s premier international 5-star hotel, attracting royals, movie stars, and dignitaries. The aim was to modernise this golden era for the 21st century. The refurbishment encompassed 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime, health and wellness centre (with exciting updates to come), public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces. Pivotal to the transformation is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s partnership with prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality. They have created an exceptional multi-venue drinking and dining precinct within the luxury hotel, with two restaurants – tilda and Delta Rue, two bars – bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, and one of Sydney’s largest outdoor terrace bars. With much of the refurbishment led by architecture and interior design firm FK, the hotel embodies the essence of ‘Modern Heritage.’ The building was originally designed in a post-war minimalist style, opening in 1966 with a modernist interior, and was the largest brick structure in the southern hemisphere. Enabling the building to reflect the spirit of its time, the design seeks to capture …

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre – Managed by Accor, announced key appointments to its leadership team. Manik Vishnoi has been appointed as the new Director of Operations, bringing with him nearly two decades of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, having worked with brands like Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Throughout his career, he has managed diverse teams across various cities. His journey includes positions at Hyatt Regency New Delhi, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, JW Marriott Mumbai, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity & Marriott Jaipur Convention Centre. Manik’s experience spans key locations such as Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Kolkata, allowing him to cultivate a deep understanding of regional tastes and service styles. Most recently, he served as the Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, West Bengal. His expertise includes managing topline budgeting, revenue strategy, F&B promotions, along with cost control, pricing, guest satisfaction, and team development, making him a valuable asset to the company. Neha Choudhary joins as the Marketing & Communications Manager, bringing over 14 years of experience, including 10 years in journalism with leading publications like The Times of India Jaipur, Daily News and Analysis, and Rajasthan Patrika. After transitioning into corporate communications at AU Small Finance Bank, Neha moved into the hospitality sector, taking on marketing and communications at DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer. Her shift into hospitality has brought a fresh perspective, blending her expertise in content writing, public relations, marketing, and brand-building. Neha’s strategic leadership will be pivotal in driving the marketing efforts of this massive hotel complex and enhancing the brand image. Abhishek Sharma has been appointed as the …

Accepting the ‘Leading Hotel Chain for Business Travellers’ award on behalf of the hotel group, Sudhir Jena, Vice President, Corporate, Lords Hotels and Resorts, says, “I believe that the industry’s future is characterised by its evolution through technology, personalised services, and offbeat locations. The industry is headed in the right direction, and I foresee a bright future for Indian tourism.”    

At 54th FHRAI Annual Convention, Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI, highlighted the need for long-term financing in the hospitality sector, with current funds only available for 7-8 years. He urged for regulatory reforms, including streamlined licensing and single-window systems, to unlock the industry’s full potential.

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its newest property in Rishikesh, located in the serene and spiritual heart of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the prime location of Upper Tapovan on the Badrinath Highway, the new Stone Wood Rishikesh offers an unparalleled blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. This new hotel offers easy access to the region’s most iconic attractions, including the famous Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and several rafting points along the Ganges. Conveniently situated just 8.7 kilometers from Rishikesh Railway Station and 23 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport, Stone Wood Rishikesh is ideally placed for visitors to explore Rishikesh and the nearby town of Haridwar. The property features 37 spacious and well-appointed rooms, each designed to provide comfort and relaxation with private balconies, high-speed Wi-Fi, LED TVs, tea/coffee makers, and more. Guests will also enjoy a variety of premium amenities, including a multicuisine restaurant offering Indian, Chinese, and Western dishes, a coffee shop, and an inviting swimming pool. Stone Wood Rishikesh also boasts a luxurious spa, indoor games for children, banquet spaces, and conference facilities, catering to a wide range of guest needs—from family vacations to business conferences. “As we expand into Rishikesh, we are excited to offer guests a unique stay that combines the comforts of home with the luxuries of a resort in one of India’s most spiritually significant and naturally beautiful locations,” said Shikhar Kumar, MD, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “Our goal is to elevate the travel experience in Rishikesh, catering to the diverse needs of families, solo travellers, and adventure enthusiasts,” he added. With this …

“India is on the path to become the third-largest economy by 2027,” said Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL at the 54th FHRAI Convention, adding that the contribution of tourism can be significant in this. He predicted the sector could double its $250 bn contribution to the GDP in the coming years.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, under Dusit International—one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies—announces its return to India with the anticipated soft opening of dusitD2 Fagu. This luxurious retreat, set amidst the serene mountains of Fagu, near Shimla, is scheduled to open its doors in December 2024, offering an exceptional blend of Thai hospitality and local charm. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan landscape, dusitD2 Fagu promises a tranquil escape for leisure, wellness, and adventure seekers alike. The property features 80 elegantly appointed guest rooms, ranging from 38 sqm to 86 sqm, each designed to harmonize contemporary comforts with local cultural touches, and to showcase stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Located just 80 minutes from Shimla Airport and four-and-a-half hours from Chandigarh Airport, which offers daily flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, dusitD2 Fagu is also easily accessible from Kalka Railway Station, 18 kilometers away, which provides access to the scenic Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.  For road travelers, Fagu is well-connected, just 7 km from Kufri, 20 km from Shimla, and 133 km from Chandigarh. Guests at dusitD2 Fagu will be able to explore nearby attractions such as Kufri, Mashobra, Narkanda, Mahasu Peak, and the UNESCO-listed Shimla-Kalka Toy Train. These destinations offer a variety of experiences, including adventure sports, cultural landmarks, nature walks, and amusement parks. The hotel will feature the renowned Namm’s Thai authentic Spa, which offers treatments aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being. Additionally, guests can relax in the city’s largest temperature-controlled swimming pool, with breathtaking views of the valley. For meetings, weddings, and special events, dusitD2 Fagu will offer versatile function spaces, including the largest banquet and terrace lawn in the …

Pradeep Shetty, President, FHRAI, projected that the hospitality industry will contribute US $250 bn to India’s GDP by 2030, supporting 137 million jobs. He stressed on the role of long-term financing and regulatory reforms to achieve this vision, aiming for a US $3 tn contribution by 2047.

The Indian hospitality industry is primed to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy, according to Pradeep Shetty, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). Addressing the 54th FHRAI Annual Convention on Day 1, Shetty projected that the sector will contribute a substantial $250 billion to India’s GDP by 2030, supporting 137 million jobs. To achieve this ambitious target, Shetty emphasised the need for long-term financing and regulatory reforms. The industry aims to contribute $3 trillion to the GDP by 2047. FHRAI Calls for Regulatory Reforms Shetty highlighted the critical need for long-term financing in the sector, noting that current funding options are limited to 7-8 years. He urged the government to implement regulatory reforms, such as streamlined licensing procedures and single-window systems, to unlock the industry’s full potential. Hospitality Sector Outperforms Other Industries The Indian hospitality industry is already making a substantial impact on the economy, contributing 12-13 per cent to the GDP and employing over 12 per cent of the workforce. These figures surpass those of the automobile and IT sectors, highlighting the industry’s economic significance. Sector to Add 50,000-60,000 Rooms in Next Five Years The President announced that the hospitality sector is set to expand significantly, with plans to add between 50,000 and 60,000 new hotel rooms over the next five years. This expansion will further boost employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic growth. FHRAI Submits Ease of Doing Business Report To address the challenges faced by the industry, FHRAI has submitted a comprehensive report on the ease of doing business in hospitality to the government. The report focuses on critical areas for reform, including simplifying regulatory compliance, reducing licensing burdens, …

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced the signing of a resort in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. This greenfield project will be under the Gateway brand. Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “Prayagraj, with its deep-rooted cultural and religious importance, has been a prominent destination for pilgrims and leisure tourists alike. This signing aligns with our strategy of penetrating emerging markets in Tier II and III cities. We are delighted to partner with Ecavo Hospitality Limited for this project.” True to its ethos, the 150-key Gateway Prayagraj seamlessly blends contemporary aesthetics with local architectural influences. Guests can choose from an array of culinary options like an all-day-diner, a bar, a specialty restaurant, and a lounge. It will feature a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool and spa. Spanning over 5000 sq. ft. the resort’s banqueting space makes it the ideal choice for social and corporate events. Abhishek Gupta, Managing Director, ECAVO Hospitality, said “We are thrilled to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Prayagraj. This hotel will be a premier destination for domestic and international travellers, offering them an unparalleled experience.” Playing host to the renowned Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world. Th city is also an emerging corporate hub due to the presence of the Allahabad High Court and several educational institutions.