Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

By Author

Published on December 28, 2023

CapitaLand Investment Limited's lodging unit, The Ascott Limited, is set to make a mark in India with the signing of a management agreement for Oakwood Erode Resort in Tamil Nadu. The collaboration with Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, the hospitality arm of Sensation Infracon, signifies a strategic move in Ascott's expansion across India.

Located in the vibrant city of Erode, Oakwood Erode Resort aims to redefine luxury and comfort. The signing ceremony, graced by Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, Ascott International Management India Pvt. Ltd, along with representatives from Sensation Infracon, marks a significant step in bringing unparalleled hospitality to esteemed guests.

Erode, strategically positioned on the banks of the Kaveri River and surrounded by the Western Ghats, has emerged as a key investment destination for the hospitality sector. Its connectivity through the Bangalore-Coimbatore-Kerala route and ongoing infrastructural development have enhanced its appeal as a travel and business hub.

Scheduled to be operational by December 2026, Oakwood Erode will be situated in Periyasemure, Sathy Road, offering a modern façade, 90 rooms, diverse dining options, and versatile meeting spaces. The hotel is poised to cater to the varied needs of both leisure and business travelers.

Hoshang Garivala expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to unveil our latest addition in the vibrant city of Erode in collaboration with Sensation Infracon. The new property epitomizes elegance, offering guests an oasis of tranquility and sophistication. This property embodies our unwavering commitment to redefining luxury and delivering exceptional hospitality."

Khushbu Kumari, Partner at Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, shared the enthusiasm, saying, "We are excited to bring the Oakwood Resort brand to Erode, a city known for its cultural heritage and economic significance. Our aim is to elevate the hotel to high international standards and offer guests an exceptional stay experience while exploring the scenic beauty of the state."

As Ascott continues to strengthen its presence in India, Oakwood Erode Resort emerges as a testament to its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences. The hotel's strategic location and focus on blending regional charm with contemporary amenities align with the rich cultural legacy of Erode, promising an extraordinary stay for every guest. Cheers to the new era of luxury in the heart of Tamil Nadu!


Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

Chin Lung Bengaluru Launches Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer for Summer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Chin Lung Brewery is tapping into the spirit of summer with the launch of a Raw Mango Infused Wheat Beer, a limited seasonal brew that brings together nostalgia, local ingredients, and craft innovation.

Inspired by the familiar flavours of kaccha aam, the beer is brewed using freshly plucked raw mangoes sourced directly from the brewery’s own tree. The result is a refreshing reinterpretation of traditional aam panna, transformed into a light, crisp, and highly drinkable wheat ale suited for the city’s warm weather.

The brew opens with bright, zesty aromas of raw mango, complemented by subtle citrus notes and a hint of earthy spice. On the palate, it delivers a vibrant burst of green mango upfront, followed by a refreshing saline tang through the mid-palate. A touch of black salt enhances the tartness, while a gentle layer of chilli warmth adds depth without overpowering the profile.

With an ABV of approximately 4.8%, the beer is designed to be easy-drinking and sessionable. Its hazy pale straw to light golden appearance, combined with a smooth, lightly spiced finish, makes it an ideal companion for long afternoons and relaxed evenings.

This seasonal release reflects a growing trend within India’s craft beer space, where local ingredients and regional flavour memories are being reimagined through contemporary brewing techniques. By drawing from the nostalgia of summer staples, Chin Lung continues to create experiences that resonate with both familiarity and innovation.

With this launch, the brewery offers a refreshing way to celebrate mango season—one that captures the essence of summer in every sip.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Bharat Khanna as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 17, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Bharat Khanna as its new Front Office Manager, further strengthening its operational leadership team.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality operations, Bharat Khanna brings deep expertise in front office management, guest services, and team leadership. His career spans leading hotel brands, including Taj Mahal New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, and Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini, where he has consistently delivered high standards of guest experience and operational excellence.

In his new role, he will oversee all front office operations, ensuring seamless guest journeys while upholding the brand’s service standards. His core competencies include guest relations, problem resolution, OTA and channel management, group bookings coordination, and business forecasting.

Known for his ability to mentor and inspire teams, Bharat has built a reputation for fostering a culture of performance and professionalism. His experience in managing VIP services, executive lounges, and high-profile guest interactions further strengthens his approach to enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Commenting on the appointment, Anurag Rai said, “We are delighted to welcome Bharat to Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. His extensive experience and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Sharing his perspective, Bharat Khanna said, “I am excited to be part of Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida and look forward to contributing to the brand’s commitment to service excellence while working closely with the team to create memorable guest experiences.”

With this appointment, the hotel continues to reinforce its focus on operational excellence and guest-centric service, aligning with evolving expectations in the hospitality sector


Country Inn Expands in Uttarakhand with New Hotels in Dehradun and Rishikesh

Country Inn Expands in Uttarakhand with New Hotels in Dehradun and Rishikesh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 17, 2026

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.

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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.

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