Category Archives: Hotels

A bilingual website offering a Hindi language option has been launched by ECKO Hotels & Resorts, marking a first for the Indian hospitality industry. In April 2025, the brand launched with 100 keys in Uttarakhand. In addition to being a symbolic act, this change embraces the national language and proudly promotes it as the preferred language for Indian visitors to the ECKO website. It also responds to the expanding domestic tourism trends in India. International tourists may choose the English version. ECKO Hotels and Resorts aims to provide Indian and international guests with an experience that is not only immersive but also deeply rooted in local culture and traditional Indian hospitality. With this vision, the brand is set to establish a new benchmark in the Indian tourism industry. Through the bilingual website ECKO has a vision of seamlessly fusing Indian tradition with global standards. The brand believes that India’s cultural diversity, ancient heritage, and rapidly emerging hospitality sector make it an ideal market. The company strives to incorporate local art, culture, cuisine, and service etiquette into each of its hotels, ensuring every guest enjoys a unique and emotionally enriching experience. Perkin Rocha, Founder & CEO – ECKO Hotels & Resorts said, “We are extremely excited to launch our bilingual website with focus on Hindi, our national language. It is an honour to be one of the first hotel chains in India to do so. We are proud of our rich cultural heritage and languages and our website is testimony to that.” ECKO Hotels and Resorts plans to add other widely spoken international languages such as French, German, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese to its website soon after.

IHCL announces the signing of a Gateway hotel in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Nathdwara offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for pilgrims and tourists. This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy to expand in key spiritual hubs. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Madan Singh Chauhan for this project.” The 101-key Gateway Nathdwara, Rajasthan, spanning over 6 acres in the heart of the destination. Guests can indulge in culinary experiences at the all-day dining restaurant, and specialty restaurant. The hotel will feature banqueting facilities, including over 8,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space as well as an outdoor lawn spanning 10,000 sq. ft. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool and a fitness centre. Madan Singh Chauhan said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Nathdwara. This hotel will enhance the hospitality landscape of the temple town.” Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Nathdwara is a prominent pilgrimage and tourist destination. While deeply spiritual, the town also draws visitors with its rich cultural heritage, serene surroundings, and traditional Rajasthani hospitality. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 31 hotels in Rajasthan including 8 under development.  

Speaking about the hotel group’s performance for FY 2025, Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels, said, “Our asset-right model has enabled us to sign a record number of new deals, taking our pipeline to over 30+ properties, across segments and brands. The successful opening of 14 new Regenta hotels with 963+ keys has further strengthened our presence in the midscale and value segment. We are diversifying our portfolio with new brands catering to different segments and look forward to the opening of Iconiqa Hotel Mumbai International Airport, which is a category defining upscale lifestyle hotel in India.”

In light of the current geopolitical situation impacting international and domestic travel sentiments, FAITH (Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality) announces the rescheduling of its conclave this year. Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the conclave will now take place at Taj Palace New Delhi on 12 and 13 August.

CG Hospitality Global, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global and majority stakeholder in Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL), proudly announced a landmark collaboration with Marriott International for the Global Launch of Series by Marriott™— A new midscale and upscale collection brand. This historic move is anchored by the affiliation of The Fern portfolio, one of India’s most respected eco-sensitive hotel chains. Founded in 1996 CHPL has grown into one of India’s most respected hotel management companies. This partnership marks a major milestone for India’s hospitality sector. The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat will be integrated into Marriott’s global ecosystem. With over 120 operating hotels under various brands, in 90 cities and 40 additional properties in the pipeline at CHPL, the deal is expected to add up to 84 Fern branded hotels and approximately 6,000 rooms to Marriott’s India portfolio—making it one of the most significant multi-unit transactions in the country’s hospitality landscape. The agreement includes a strategic equity investment by Marriott in CHPL and an exclusive long-term co-branding relationship for The Fern brands in India. Fern hotels will now benefit from Marriott’s global distribution platforms, digital systems, and the Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty program with 237 Million members, while retaining their independent spirit and regional identity. This collaboration reflects CG Hospitality’s long-standing belief in the strength of regionally rooted brands with global potential. CG Hospitality has nurtured Fern into a leading name in eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality. The partnership now takes that vision global, amplifying the reach and capabilities of The Fern across global markets. Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO, CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality Holdings, said: “This strategic collaboration represents more than just a portfolio …

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.