Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is excited to unveil Hilton Kathmandu, marking its entry into Nepal and expanding its presence in the Indian subcontinent. Nestled in Naxal, just four kilometers from Tribhuvan International Airport, the new flagship hotel is ideally situated near popular attractions like Thamel and Durbar Marg, making it a prime choice for both business and leisure travelers.

A Blend of Heritage and Modernity

Hilton Kathmandu, the tallest hotel in the city, is a marvel of contemporary architecture and design. Its striking glass façade, inspired by traditional Nepali prayer flags, features vertical fins that change color with the light. The hotel’s interior incorporates intricate patterns of Nepali Dhaka fabric, creating a unique blend of local heritage and modern luxury. With rooms and presidential suites offering breathtaking views of the Langtang Valley’s mountains, Hilton Kathmandu ensures an unforgettable stay for its guests.

A Statement of Excellence

Alexandra Jaritz, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton, commented, “Hilton has a long history of pioneering international hospitality. Hilton Kathmandu stands as a landmark for the city’s discerning guests, immersing them in Nepal’s rich history and culture against the stunning backdrop of the Langtang mountains.”

Prime Location and Local Integration

The hotel’s central location offers easy access to the vibrant Thamel district, known for its cafes, pubs, and entertainment options. It is also conveniently close to Kathmandu’s cultural sites, including the Narayanhiti Palace Museum and Durbar Marg.

Exceptional Dining and Amenities

Hilton Kathmandu features five distinctive dining venues, including:

• THE LAVA BOX and HAVA: Offering quick meals and relaxed bistro dining at the lobby level.

• ASA: A live cooking station on the 13th floor where chefs create personalized dishes.

• ORION: A rooftop bar with stunning views transitioning from day to night.

• LYRA: The pool bar on the rooftop, perfect for alfresco dining and drinks.

Commitment to Sustainability

In line with Hilton’s sustainability goals, the hotel incorporates eco-friendly practices, including EV charging stations and a green fleet of electric vehicles. The building’s seismic-resilient infrastructure ensures a secure and environmentally conscious stay.

Hilton Honors Benefits

As part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Kathmandu offers members exclusive benefits such as flexible payment options, discounts, and free standard Wi-Fi. The Hilton Honors mobile app enhances the guest experience with convenient check-in and room selection features.

Future Expansion

Hilton Kathmandu joins nearly 90 Hilton Hotels & Resorts across Asia Pacific, with recent additions including Hilton Singapore Orchard and Hilton Saigon. Future openings are planned in Shanghai, Hyderabad, and Kyoto.

For more information, visit Stories from Hilton.

Location: Hilton Kathmandu, Thirbam Sadak, near Bhagwati Bahal, Naxal, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.

Tamara Leisure Experiences is excited to unveil its latest venture, Lilac Hotels in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. This new addition to the brand’s portfolio marks their third property in the state and strengthens their presence in pilgrimage destinations across South India.

A Cultural Haven

Kumbakonam, renowned for its 188 temples, offers a serene backdrop for the new hotel, adding to the city's rich cultural tapestry. The grand inauguration featured a ceremonial lamp-lighting by Shruti Shibulal, CEO and Director of Tamara Leisure Experiences, followed by a brand presentation by Hotel Manager V. Unnikrishnan. This launch highlights Tamara’s commitment to affordable yet exceptional hospitality experiences.

Expanding Horizons

Shruti Shibulal expressed enthusiasm about the new property, stating, “As a group, we have remained highly optimistic about the travel market in India. We are committed to expanding our presence in key pilgrimage towns. Lilac Hotels, our mid-segment brand, is perfectly suited for families and groups visiting these religious and historic sites. We are delighted to unveil Lilac Hotels Kumbakonam as our third property in Tamil Nadu and ninth in India.”

Hotel Highlights:

• Location: Centrally located in Kumbakonam, just 1 km from the railway station and close to major temples such as Navagraha Temple and Kasi Vishwanatha Temple.

• Rooms: The hotel features 27 Executive rooms, 13 Premium rooms, 4 Elite rooms, and 1 suite, all designed for spacious family accommodation.

• Decor: The hotel’s architecture and interior design are inspired by the local heritage of Kumbakonam.

• Dining: Kesar by Lilac, the 80-seater signature restaurant, offers local delicacies and the renowned Kumbakonam Degree Coffee.

• Banquet: Utsava, the banquet hall, is ideal for small gatherings and ceremonies, accommodating up to 60 guests.

Community and Authenticity

Tamara Leisure Experiences takes pride in employing a predominantly local workforce, fostering strong community ties and boosting the local economy. This approach ensures guests receive an authentic and culturally rich experience.

The launch of Lilac Hotels in Kumbakonam marks a significant milestone for Tamara Leisure Experiences, enhancing their portfolio with the fourth Lilac property in South India and reinforcing their dedication to exceptional hospitality in key spiritual and cultural destinations across India.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of 30 new member properties to its global portfolio from April 1 to June 30, 2024. These properties, which include an adults-only all-inclusive resort and a historic villa, offer unique and personalized guest experiences in destinations such as South Africa, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and the Dominican Republic.

Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the new additions: “We’re thrilled to welcome these 30 stunning properties to our global portfolio of luxury independent hotels. In addition to representing our largest announcement of new members since 2018, each one exemplifies our commitment to transformational travel experiences. In particular, our eight new prestigious Legend Collection members demonstrate the highest levels of luxury in some of the most inspiring destinations across the globe.”

Properties joining the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio include:

Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) – Lifestyle Collection: An adults-only boutique resort on Mexico's Pacific Riviera with 80 suites, private immersion pools, and scenic garden and golf course views.

Forth Hotel & Club (Atlanta, Georgia) – L.V.X Collection: Urban resort with 196 rooms, four dining concepts, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and members-only social club.

The Marker Union Square (San Francisco, California) – Lifestyle Collection: Renovated historic hotel with Beaux-arts architecture, 208 guestrooms, and a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

Boutique Hotel Stresa (Stresa, Italy) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious retreat in a 250-year-old villa, known as "Casa d’Oro," in the town of Stresa, often called the Pearl of Lake Maggiore.

Only YOU Hotel Sevilla (Seville, Spain) – L.V.X Collection: Modern hotel in Seville, blending Mediterranean and Arabic influences with Andalusian elegance.

The RuMa Hotel & Residences (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) – Lifestyle Collection: Urban sanctuary in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle with 253 luxurious rooms, combining tradition and modernity.

Mahali Mzuri (Masai Mara, Kenya) – Legend Collection: Luxury tented camp in the Masai Mara, offering an exclusive safari experience.

Kasbah Tamadot (Asni, Morocco) – Legend Collection: Prestigious luxury property in Morocco.

Mont Rochelle (Franschhoek, South Africa) – Legend Collection: Luxurious hotel located in South Africa’s wine country.

Necker Island (The Valley, British Virgin Islands) – Legend Collection: Exclusive private island resort in the British Virgin Islands.

Son Bunyola (Mallorca, Spain) – Legend Collection: Elegant estate in Mallorca, Spain, offering a luxurious retreat.

Ulusaba (Sabi Sands, South Africa) – Legend Collection: Luxury safari lodge in Sabi Sands, South Africa.

Bluesun Hotel Maestral (Brela, Croatia) – Lifestyle Collection: Upscale hotel in Brela, Croatia, known for its stunning coastal views.

HOTEL EXCELSIOR SPA & LIDO (Pesaro, Italy) – Lifestyle Collection: Luxurious spa hotel in Pesaro, Italy.

Galeria Plaza Leon (Leon, Mexico) – Lifestyle Collection: Modern hotel in Leon, Mexico, offering stylish accommodations.

Leiro Residences (Málaga, Spain) – Preferred Residences: Exclusive residential property in Málaga, Spain.

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (Sonoma, California) – L.V.X Collection: Elegant hotel and spa in Sonoma, California.

Ocean El Faro (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic) – Lifestyle Collection: Beachfront resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort (Naturno, Italy) – Lifestyle Collection: Luxury wellness resort in Naturno, Italy.

Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel (Sesimbra, Portugal) – Lifestyle Collection: Oceanfront hotel in Sesimbra, Portugal.

Silverado Resort (Napa, California) – Lifestyle Collection: Iconic resort in Napa, California, known for its wine country charm.

The Branson Beach Estate (Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands) – Legend Collection: Luxury beach estate in the British Virgin Islands.

The Lodge (Verbier, Switzerland) – Legend Collection: High-end alpine lodge in Verbier, Switzerland.

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge (Tucson, Arizona) – Lifestyle and Preferred Residences Collection: Scenic resort and club in Tucson, Arizona.

Vivienda Al Hada (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Al Hada Residences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Exclusive residences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda DQ (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Prestigious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Granada (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Elegant residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Jeddah (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Upscale residential property in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Turki Al Awal (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

These properties are part of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which includes over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. The loyalty program allows members to earn points redeemable for cash-value reward certificates, Titanium status, and other exclusive benefits.