Citadines OMR Chennai Partners with SoRoCo House to Elevate Coffee Experiences

Citadines OMR Chennai Partners with SoRoCo House to Elevate Coffee Experiences

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 4, 2024

Citadines OMR Chennai, part of The Ascott Limited's lodging portfolio under CapitaLand Investment, has announced a strategic partnership with SoRoCo House, a specialty coffee house renowned for its single-origin South Indian coffee. This collaboration marks a significant development for the hospitality and coffee culture in Chennai, particularly along the bustling Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), known as the city's IT corridor.

This partnership is designed to meet the growing demand for premium coffee experiences among business and bleisure (business + leisure) travelers, a demographic increasingly significant in Chennai. It complements Citadines’ dedication to its "For The Love of Coffee" initiative, which aims to enrich guest stays with exceptional coffee experiences and foster community engagement through the universal language of coffee.

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Prashanth Rajkumar, General Manager of Citadines OMR Chennai, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, "Aligning with SoRoCo House not only enhances our coffee offerings but also strengthens our position as a top choice for modern business travelers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. This alliance enriches our hospitality services and helps us meet the evolving preferences of our guests."

Gero Francis, Founder of SoRoCo House, also commented on the collaboration, highlighting the strategic fit between the two brands. "Our presence in Citadines OMR Chennai will enable us to reach a wider audience and deliver superior coffee experiences to professionals and locals alike. This initiative allows us to promote a sophisticated coffee culture and turn Citadines into a key destination for coffee enthusiasts in the area."

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Citadines OMR Chennai is equipped with 269 serviced apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom units, all featuring fully-equipped kitchens and modern amenities tailored for both short and extended stays. The property serves as a haven for travelers looking for a blend of comfort and convenience, now enhanced by top-tier coffee experiences.

This partnership not only aims to elevate the in-house amenities of Citadines but also positions the property as an ‘It Spot’ for coffee lovers in Chennai’s IT hub. By providing a welcoming space for both work and relaxation, Citadines OMR Chennai and SoRoCo House are setting new standards in the hospitality and coffee industries in the region.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.

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