Ascott Enhances Ascott Star Rewards to Reach 15 Million Members by 2028

Ascott Enhances Ascott Star Rewards to Reach 15 Million Members by 2028

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 3, 2025

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is marking the sixth anniversary of its Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme with a host of upgrades aimed at enriching member experiences. With over five million members currently enrolled, the company is setting its sights on reaching at least 15 million members by 2028.

To support this ambitious growth, Ascott is introducing several digital enhancements, including an upgraded ASR mobile app with a refined user interface, faster navigation, and AI-driven personalised recommendations. The app will also streamline the booking process, cutting the steps required in half. Additionally, the GenAI-powered chatbot, Cubby, on the ASR website discoverasr.com, will now facilitate direct bookings with tailored property suggestions.

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ASR members play a key role in Ascott's business, contributing to over 90% of the brand’s website and app bookings in 2024. Compared to non-members, they spent 55% more on stays, driving ASR-generated revenue up by 30%. The company’s digital expansion continues with the ASR website now supporting 11 languages and integrating payment options like WeChat and Alipay, catering to its global clientele.

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Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott said: "To achieve our target of more than 15 million members by 2028, Ascott is making significant enhancements to our mobile app and website, to enable our loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), to be seamlessly integrated into the digital journey. Tapping into the power of AI, Ascott is harnessing technology as a driver of efficiency, personalisation, and seamless customer engagement, as part of our tech-forward hospitality journey. This enhanced digital presence is complemented by our commercial strategy which focuses on offering compelling deals, benefits and exclusive experiences to ASR members. It also underscores ASR's role in driving direct bookings for Ascott properties, reducing our reliance on online travel agencies. ASR members tend to book more frequently, hence contributing to higher profitability for property owners while delivering richer data insights for Ascott to enhance guest experiences and brand loyalty."

She further added "Looking ahead, Ascott will be stepping up our loyalty engagement with corporate accounts, to create compelling ASR offerings for business travellers as well as the companies they represent. We are also broadening the ASR ecosystem with more strategic partnerships such as airlines and airports, to reward members with more perks to enrich their stay experiences with Ascott. In line with ASR's brand promise to Stay Rewarded, we remain focused on deepening connections with our members to deliver them the best experiences while supporting the long-term profitability of Ascott's business," 

Beyond traditional rewards, Ascott is curating premium experiences for its members. ASR will offer exclusive access to events such as the French Open in Paris and Chelsea Football Club’s Famous CFC event in Bangkok. Through its Ascott Privilege Signatures series, members have already enjoyed VIP access to Wimbledon and the Singapore Night Race. These partnerships highlight ASR’s shift from a standard points-based programme to a holistic lifestyle and travel experience.

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Looking ahead, Ascott plans to enhance corporate engagement by introducing ASR benefits tailored for business travellers and their companies. It is also expanding collaborations with airlines and travel brands to offer perks such as Priority Airport Lounge access and frequent flyer miles.

In celebration of ASR’s sixth anniversary, members can earn 24,000 bonus points for bookings made between April 1 and May 31, 2025, along with complimentary airport lounge passes. This special offer is limited to the first 300 bookings through the ASR mobile app or website.

With a focus on seamless technology, curated rewards, and strategic growth, Ascott continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.


Shaping the Future of Nightlife in India: A Vision from Playboy Clubs

Shaping the Future of Nightlife in India: A Vision from Playboy Clubs

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

 With a legacy rooted in global sophistication, Playboy Clubs are bringing a new standard of nightlife to India—one that blends international luxury, immersive experiences, and high-end hospitality. Today’s discerning guests expect more than just a night out. They’re looking for exclusive, tech-driven, and unforgettable moments and that’s exactly what Playboy Clubs are made to deliver.

Whether it's our high-energy nightclubs, stylish beer gardens, or intimate Bunny Bars, each space under the Playboy banner is thoughtfully designed to elevate entertainment and create lasting impressions. Through every detail from world-class interiors to exceptional service we set the bar for what nightlife can be.

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“At Playboy Clubs, we’re not just building venues—we're curating premium lifestyle experiences that reflect the evolving aspirations of India’s modern generation,” shares Rohit Malhotra, CEO & Owner of Playboy Clubs.

 Recognising the shift in expectations, Play Clubs have integrated cutting-edge technology across all their venues. AI-powered bartenders, personalised VIP services, and augmented reality features—all tailored to create one-of-a-kind experiences. But innovation doesn’t stop at tech. Sustainability is equally central to our vision. We’ve implemented zero-waste cocktail programs, eco-conscious designs, and more, because we believe in building a future that’s as responsible as it is glamorous.

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 Our commitment is backed by a ₹250 crore investment over the next five years as we expand into major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Goa. This journey is not about scale alone—it’s about delivering quality, exclusivity, and global experiences rooted in Indian hospitality.

“We’re not here just to follow global nightlife trends. We’re here to shape them—right from India,” says Malhotra.

 and he also shared, "Our focus will always remain on crafting venues that embody immersive themes, luxury, and forward-thinking design, catering to a young, affluent, and experience-hungry audience."

At Playboy Clubs, Rohit Malhotra and his team is setting the tone for the future of nightlife in India—where every night is more than an event; it’s a memory in the making.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Hotel Blue Magnets in Dalhousie

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Hotel Blue Magnets in Dalhousie

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

In a continued stride of strategic expansion, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts proudly welcomes Hotel Blue Magnets in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, to its growing collection. This addition marks the brand’s 10th hotel, showcasing its commitment to bringing quality hospitality experiences across India under both the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands.

Hotel Blue Magnets will now operate under The Hoften brand, known for offering smart, efficient, and high-value services that cater to the modern traveller. This move aligns with ALIVAA’s goal of redefining midscale hospitality with consistency and care.

Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise), shared,

“We’re thrilled to welcome Hotel Blue Magnets to The Hoften family and the broader ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection. Dalhousie is a truly enchanting destination, and this partnership allows us to offer our guests an even wider array of exceptional experiences.”

Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the milestone,

“We aspire to be the fastest growing Indian brand and our 10th signing in less than a year of our first opening validates our endeavour.”

Inderpal Batra, Co-founder, added,

“This expansion into Dalhousie with Hotel Blue Magnets is a testament to our robust growth strategy and our belief in the immense potential of India’s most scenic destinations.”

Paramjit Singh Khurana, owner of Hotel Blue Magnets, expressed optimism about the collaboration,

“Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Blue Magnets under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion. Their expertise and commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for Dalhousie.”

With this latest signing, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues to carve a niche in the Indian hospitality landscape, offering reliable and memorable experiences across a growing network of distinctive destinations.


The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group Celebrates Pride Month 2025 with a Powerful Line-Up of Inclusive Initiatives

The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group Celebrates Pride Month 2025 with a Powerful Line-Up of Inclusive Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 31, 2025

Leading the way in inclusive hospitality, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group is once again championing Pride Month 2025 with a dynamic and deeply meaningful line-up of celebrations and initiatives. Going beyond symbolic gestures, this year’s programming reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) under the leadership of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, along with Deeksha Suri and Keshav Suri.

 Across all Lalit properties, the month kicks off with the iconic #PureLove Parade and Flag Hoisting ceremonies. These inclusive events bring together hotel staff, corporate partners, artists, NGOs, and guests in a united display of pride.

 Celebrations continue with Drag Bingo, Queer Quizzes, storytelling sessions, and themed room experiences such as “Walls of Love”, custom décor, special menus, and Pride-themed keycards and hampers to create a fully immersive guest journey.

At The Lalit New Delhi, guests can engage with a curated art residency for queer artists, a filmmaking workshop led by Tushar Tyagi, and an awareness walk on inclusive practices in hospitality by chef Ritu Dalmia and the Lalit School team.

 The Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF) will launch Pride Pathways, a mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ professionals, and co-host the Trans Employment Mela in partnership with the TWEET Foundation. Other KSF highlights include:

  • The Rainbow Networking Event

  • The Aditya Nanda Award for Best Mental Health Film

  • A panel at KASHISH Mumbai Queer Film Festival

 Engaging conversations continue with a Diplomatic Drag Queen Story Hour at OKO, Queer Content Creators Meet at The Lalit Mangar, and PridePitches where college students propose DEI strategies. DEI trainings and the “My Identity, My Pride” sharing circles further deepen awareness.

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 At The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa, guests are invited to a Pride Escape, with Group-wide social media campaigns spotlighting queer team members and allies. Interactive email quizzes, digital events, and the Queering the Law campaign (with Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy) broaden the celebration online. The new edition of Elphie, a children’s book, will also be released in collaboration with Westland Books.

 Pride Month will conclude with the launch of Karma Care, a mental health initiative focused on affirmative therapist training, and a virtual Pride Gathering led by the Group’s DEI team and senior leadership.

Dr. Jyotsna Suri shared,

“At The Lalit, we have always ensured that diversity and inclusion are not just campaigns, but the very conscience of the hotel. Pride Month provides a moment to remind us of the strength in diversity and the impact of supporting with a clear vision. We are proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, not only in June but all throughout the year.”

With this powerful and heartfelt approach, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group reaffirms its role as a true advocate for inclusivity, ensuring Pride is more than a celebration—it's a core value.

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