Tag Archives: Hospitality

The Oberoi Group has opened ‘The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace’ in Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho. This meticulously restored 350-year-old architectural jewel is set within a 76-acre estate featuring a pristine natural lake. The estate features 65 elegantly designed rooms and suites, including grand Palace Suites, private pool villas and accommodations with private gardens and terraces overlooking the hills, forests and shimmering lake. The palace also offers refined venues for intimate gatherings, with banquet spaces that accommodate up to 200 guests within 440 square metres of opulent and glamorous indoor settings, complemented by an additional 518 square metres outdoors.  

Le Méridien New Delhi won the ‘Best City Business Hotel’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Receiving the award, Meena Bhatia, Vice President and General Manager, said, “The true edge of hospitality lies in the human touch. While we must embrace technology and prepare for the future, my advice to future leaders is never lose the human edge that defines hospitality.”

The patrons of Delhi-NCR are all set to experience a refreshing blend of flavour, fun and feel-good energy with the launch of HQ27 in the heart of the city. Crafted as Gurgaon’s new go-to hangout, the precinct arrives as a fresh codename for good times and exceptional experiences, set within an address already known for housing some of the city’s most prominent corporate destinations. Now reimagined, HQ27—with its open boulevards, alfresco corners and warm, uplifting aesthetic—promises the kind of easygoing experience that turns simple outings into memorable moments. HQ27 brings together a vibrant, thoughtfully curated ensemble of restaurants and concepts that give the neighbourhood an exciting new culinary rhythm. The experience begins with Aku’s, celebrated for its flavourful gourmet burgers; Le Marché, known for its artisanal groceries and premium essentials; Monique, offering elegant, indulgent patisserie craftsmanship; and Coffee Island, a warm, familiar stop for everyday brews and light bites. The precinct’s elevated dining offerings include Tan Yan by Sticky Rice, bringing refined and contemporary Pan-Asian flavours; Lazeez Affaire, serving iconic North Indian indulgence in a chic, modern setting; Carnatic Café, beloved for its soulful, authentic South Indian classics; and She’s Here, a contemporary dining concept offering global comfort cuisine in a lively, modern atmosphere. Adding a spirited edge is Espressos Anyday Martinis Anynight, a dynamic concept that transitions effortlessly from a relaxed daytime café to a lively, cocktail-forward evening spot. Completing this distinctive mix is Novy, an experiential new format that brings a playful, culturally rich dimension to HQ27. Together, these diverse yet complementary concepts create a destination that feels effortlessly social and endlessly inviting—perfect for long dinners, leisurely weekends, spontaneous catch-ups and every mood in between. Commenting on the …

To expand its footprint, IHCL has signed a new hotel under its Gateway brand in Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes, the 78-key Gateway Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir, will offer guests an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty. The resort will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant and a bar.

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, the debut property of Minor Hotels in India, has completed its first year of operations with strong performance in the competitive luxury market of Jaipur. Vimal Verma, General Manager, said, “The second year will focus on accelerated growth — introducing designer dining concepts, enhancing global flavours, and strengthening commercial momentum across luxury leisure and corporate segments through agility and faster execution.”

CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC, says sustainability will soon become the default standard in global travel and hospitality, with certified practices expected as the norm. Reflecting on 2025, he describes the year as one filled with “optimism and great hope”, noting that the industry is rising to global sustainability challenges. He remains confident about hotels accelerating their sustainable transformation.

Kerala Travel Mart Society, India’s premier tourism and hospitality industry body, has cautioned travellers  coming to the state against being cheated by online fraudsters, citing cases of those duped by some leading travel-agency websites, especially in Kochi and Kumaraokom. In a statement, KTM President Shri Jose Pradeep urged  international tourists and domestic holidayers to be “extremely cautious” about online deals, with the start of the in-bound tourism season setting in. There have been cases of fraudsters trying to mislead and extort guests, who have already done room reservation, through phone calls or text messages, particularly in major destinations like Kochi and Kumarakom. These fraudsters try to force the guests to pay advance payment. Guests, who disagree or backtrack, are being threatened with cancellation of the booking or offered higher-category rooms on immediate payment, KTM Society noted. Fraudsters typically collect money through QR codes or payment links after gaining trust by sending ID cards, which are fake, of hotel employees. “Several tourists have complained of losing huge sums. This has made us ( KTM) to issue a  message of extreme caution, “ Shri Jose Pradeep said. Before making any payment, it is ideal to call the official phone number of the hotel directly to verify the authenticity of the information,  Pradeep said. KTM’s member-hotels  have been cautioned against falling prey to such scams on their websites and vouchers. The 2000-founded KTM is Kerala’s biggest body of stakeholders in the state’s tourism.  

Radisson Hotel Group is accelerating its India expansion, with plans to reach over 200 unique locations in the coming years. The move will be driven by the rapid growth of tier II and tier III cities, improving connectivity, and rising demand from leisure and religious travel segments. “As airports grow from 75 to 150 and soon 250, we aim to be present at every key terminal city,” said Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO Chief, South Asia, RHG.

Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, shared that the company’s strongest inbound markets — the US, UK, Europe, and the Middle East — have recorded double-digit growth. Rising interest from Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa reflects India’s growing appeal to global travellers seeking authentic, safe, and value-driven experiences, as well as its ability to cater to both leisure and business travellers.

Grand Metropolitan Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel management companies based in Zurich, today confirmed the strategic takeover of London-based Signature Hotels. The takeover gives Grand Metropolitan Hotels a significant footprint in the UK market. The commercial term of the deal remains undisclosed. Signature Hotels currently operates boutique and upper-midscale properties across London, with two additional properties set to open during the next twelve months. The group’s portfolio is characterised by a focus on individuality, local character, and human-centred hospitality- balancing sustainable performance with culture, wellbeing, and social responsibility. Through this takeover, Grand Metropolitan Hotels expands its reach within London’s upscale hotel segment while extending into one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets, India, where Signature has two properties under development. The partnership further aligns two family-led groups united by shared values, long-term vision, and a commitment to meaningful, people-focused hospitality. “Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R. Smura, Founder and Chairman, Grand Metropolitan Hotels. “London remains one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’s operational strength there, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.” Ramesh Arora, current CEO, Signature Hotels group, will be retained as a Supervisory Board Member for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels. With over four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Arora has been recognised with numerous accolades, including Hotelier of the Year by PATA and the Lifetime Contribution to Hotels and Tourism award by Stardust. “This partnership brings together two family businesses with aligned values and a shared belief in hospitality as a force for good,” said Ramesh Arora. “By joining …