Chennai’s hospitality space is seeing a fresh and personal addition with The Adyar House, a boutique homestay concept started by a father-son duo, Satish and Anirudh Rao. Located in Adyar and Nandanam, the two properties reflect a simple idea, creating a stay that feels rooted in Chennai’s culture while offering the comfort of a modern space.

The journey began a year ago with their first property in Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar. What was once their family home of ten years was turned into a boutique homestay, built around warmth and familiarity. While neither Satish nor Anirudh comes from a traditional hospitality background, their shared interest in creating meaningful guest experiences shaped the idea. Satish, an ex-salesman turned entrepreneur, and Anirudh, an Ashoka University graduate and former consultant who is now a restauranteur, have brought their own perspective into the space.

Adding to the Adyar property is TERU, Anirudh’s restaurant on the ground floor. The outlet focuses on South Indian street food, offering regional favourites such as Salem’s Thattu Vada Set, Andhra’s Punugulu, and Mangalore’s Banana Buns, making the property a destination not just for stay but also for food.

Following the response to their first space, the duo recently opened their second property on Chamiers Road, Nandanam. This seven-room homestay carries a strong Chennai theme, with each room named after a well-known beach in the city. The design reflects this idea through small but thoughtful details, including shoreline photographs, surfer-inspired elements in the Kovalam room, and the Shore Temple featured in the Mamallapuram room. Even the keycards carry illustrated beach designs, adding a playful touch.

The property is designed to be both comfortable and easy to navigate. Guests can choose between assisted check-in or a self-check-in option with keycards placed in lockboxes and access details shared in advance. Accessibility has also been considered, with features such as a ramp at the entrance, lift access, and clear guides for services like WiFi and check-in.

Each room comes with basic comforts including air-conditioning, a television, kettle, and refreshments. Guests also have access to shared facilities like a kitchenette, washing machines, and dryers, making it suitable for both short and slightly longer stays.

What stands out is the effort to offer an authentic Chennai experience. Guests receive personalised welcome cards with recommendations on places to visit and things to do around the city, reflecting the hosts’ connection to Chennai and their intent to share it with visitors.

With properties in Adyar and Nandanam, The Adyar House offers a stay that balances familiarity with thoughtful design, making it a comfortable option for both travellers and locals looking to experience the city in a different way. For more information visit their website: www.theadyarhouse.com   

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. This greenfield project marks another step in the company’s expansion into emerging travel destinations across India.

Sharing details on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Supported by its natural landscape and improving accessibility, Dirang is witnessing growing demand from both leisure travellers and adventure enthusiasts. Its strategic location enroute to Tawang positions it as an important destination in Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism itinerary. The signing of Gateway Dirang reflects IHCL’s focus on pioneering new and emerging destinations and we are delighted to partner with Mr. Phurpa Tsering for this project.”

The upcoming Gateway Dirang will feature 70 rooms and will include an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, and a bar. The hotel will also offer a banquet hall along with dedicated meeting spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Recreational facilities planned for the property include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.

Mr. Phurpa Tsering, said, “We are pleased to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Dirang. As the destination continues to gain prominence, this collaboration brings IHCL’s expertise to the region supporting sustainable tourism and local development.”

Located in the West Kameng district, Dirang is known for its scenic surroundings, including apple orchards, terraced farms, and pine-covered hills. The destination is also popular for its natural hot water springs, attracting travellers exploring the region, especially those en route to Tawang.

With this addition, IHCL will have a total of 21 hotels in the North East, including 12 that are currently under development. The move highlights the company’s continued focus on expanding its presence in lesser-explored regions while supporting tourism growth in the area.

Mr. Phurpa Tsering and his family, who are the owners of the project, are well-known developers in Dirang with a strong presence in the construction sector. They also operate cinema halls and are among the largest cinema screen operators in the North-East region.

The signing of Gateway Dirang reflects a growing interest in the North East as a travel destination and underlines IHCL’s strategy of bringing branded hospitality to new locations.

Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Espire Hospitality Limited, has strengthened its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of three new properties – Country Inn, Dehradun, Country Inn, Rishikesh, and Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh. This expansion also marks the introduction of a new brand format, Country Inn Smart Stays, designed to offer a more youthful and modern travel experience.

With these additions, the brand continues to grow across key destinations in the state, building on its existing presence in Mussoorie, Bhimtal, and Jim Corbett. The move reflects a balanced expansion across both city locations and popular leisure destinations.

Country Inn, Dehradun, a 53-key property, is located on Saharanpur Road along the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway corridor. With travel time now reduced to around 2.5 hours, the hotel offers convenient access for both business and leisure travellers. The property features spacious rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant called Sutra, and large event spaces including the Crystal Ballroom and Aura Hall, making it suitable for weddings, conferences, and social events.

In Rishikesh, the brand has introduced two distinct formats to cater to different types of travellers. Country Inn, Rishikesh, located in Tapovan, offers 28 rooms including suites with views of the Ganga. The hotel is close to well-known landmarks such as Lakshman Jhula and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. It also features a casual dining restaurant and a compact event space overlooking the river, making it ideal for a comfortable and well-connected stay.

The second property, Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh, marks the launch of a new brand under the portfolio. Located within walking distance of Lakshman Jhula, the hotel offers 31 rooms along with a rooftop swimming pool, dining area, BOHO Café, and a recreation zone. The concept focuses on smart spaces and easy, experience-led stays, especially for younger travellers.

Speaking about the expansion, Mr. Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Espire Hospitality Group, said, “Uttarakhand continues to be a strong focus market for us, given its growing appeal across leisure, spiritual, and experiential travel. With the opening of three new Country Inn properties and one more coming very soon across Dehradun and Rishikesh, we are strengthening our presence across the state while catering to a diverse mix of travellers. From urban stays in Dehradun to multiple formats in Rishikesh, this expansion reflects our intent to be present across key destinations with offerings for diverse travellers”

“These additions will play an integral role in our overall growth strategy. With over 30 signed hotels and a plan to add at least 1,000 keys every year, we are on track to achieve the milestone of 45 hotels by the end of FY27.”

With this expansion, Country Inn Hotels & Resorts continues to build its footprint in Uttarakhand, offering a mix of stay options that cater to different travel needs while supporting its long-term growth plans.