Crowne Plaza Greater Noida reaffirmed its position as one of NCR’s most sought-after hospitality and events destinations as it welcomed over 300 partners, corporate clients, wedding planners, and industry leaders to The Crowne Affair 2025, held on August 22, 2025.

The hotel’s annual signature celebration has become a highlight on the region’s social and corporate calendar. This year, the theme was inspired by royal weddings, with every detail décor, cuisine, music, and ambiance — curated to exude elegance and grandeur.

“Our inspiration was in our very name- Crowne”, said Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida. “We envisioned an evening that embodied the grandeur, warmth, and sophistication that define our brand. Our network is our NetWorth, and this evening is about celebrating those relationships”.

Guests were treated to a gracious welcome and an immersive evening that blended hospitality excellence with regal celebration. Highlights included a cocktail experience with Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin and The Spirit of Kashmyr, gourmet canapés from the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, and a spectacular champagne tower that set the tone for the evening.

Live entertainment added to the magic, with a soulful performance by Mantraa Band followed by a high-energy DJ set that brought guests to the dance floor. The night showcased Crowne Plaza Greater Noida’s strength as a premier venue for weddings, MICE, and luxury social events.

TheCrowneAffair has now become a much-anticipated annual tradition and a night where partnerships are celebrated, luxury is redefined, and memories are created. This year’s edition reinforced the hotel’s role in shaping Greater Noida’s rapidly growing events and hospitality sector.

"As the lights dimmed on #TheCrowneAffair2025, what remained were unforgettable memories and the sense of togetherness that only true partnerships can create. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed guests, partners, and collaborators who made this evening a success. We look forward to hosting many more moments of celebration at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida,” concluded Sharad.

About Crowne Plaza Greater Noida:
Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida offers world-class accommodation, dining, and event facilities, making it the region’s premier destination for corporate meetings, weddings, and social celebrations.

Stotrak Hotels Pvt Ltd, the boutique operator known for creating immersive stays across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, has announced its entry into Madhya Pradesh with a new project in partnership with Eikyam Arts. Together, the two organisations will develop GPC Rambagh Resort in Gwalior, set to open in September 2025.

This project holds dual significance, it will be Stotrak Hotels’ first property in Madhya Pradesh and Eikyam Arts’ first step into the hospitality sector.

“Gwalior, much like our destinations in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, is attracting growing footfalls from Northern Indian states. The city has great potential as a choice for a destination wedding, especially for couples seeking a blend of history, culture, and modern convenience”, said Manish Goyal, Director, Stotrak Hotels Pvt Ltd.

Adding to this, Rraj Sigh, Founder of Eikyam Arts, shared, “After building a strong foundation in real estate, stepping into hospitality was a natural progression for us. ‘GPC Rambagh Resort by Stotrak’ is not just another project — it’s our entry point into creating experiences. With Stotrak’s expertise in curated stays and our strength in infrastructure, this partnership is built on complementary values and a long-term vision”.

Manish Goyal further highlighted that the collaboration reflects a shared vision to unlock the tourism potential of Tier-II cities by offering quality-driven, experience-led hospitality.

Spread across 3 acres (approximately 20,860 sqm), the under-construction resort is designed to combine comfort, accessibility, and elegance. The property will feature 24 rooms, including two Rambagh Signature Suites, a reception area, a 4,500 sq. ft. restaurant, landscaped gardens, Pukhraj Mahal a 6,000 sq. ft. banquet hall and parking for over 50 cars. With its scale and design, the resort aims to attract leisure travelers, wedding planners, and event tourism.

The project is another milestone in Stotrak Hotels’ growth journey, as the group strengthens its footprint across North and Central India. Known for blending local culture with curated experiences, Stotrak continues to focus on making boutique hospitality accessible, with emphasis on cultural stays, event venues, and experiential getaways.

For Eikyam Arts, this partnership marks the evolution of its design expertise into hospitality, adding a new dimension to its portfolio that spans interiors, real estate, and art.

Founded by IHM alumni Yogita and Manish, Stotrak Hotels Pvt Ltd has been steadily expanding its presence with properties across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Supported by its sub-brands, Stotrak Hotels Pvt Ltd and PINK leaf Events LLP, the group delivers a holistic approach to travel, stay, and event experiences.

For more information, visit: www.stotrakhospitality.com

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is rewriting the story of monsoon travel in India. Once seen as an off-season, the rains are now a vibrant travel window, and Stone Wood’s properties in Karnataka’s Western Ghats are at the heart of this change.

Both Stone Wood Premier Dandeli and Stone Wood Nature Resort Gokarna have seen record-breaking guest numbers this season. The surge reflects a wider trend, with domestic monsoon bookings in India rising by 25% year-on-year. With rain-soaked forests, swelling rivers, and mist-draped valleys, Karnataka has become a magnet for travelers seeking authentic experiences that celebrate the monsoon rather than avoid it.

“Our Dandeli and Gokarna properties are seeing unprecedented demand”, says Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “Travelers today want authentic, sustainable experiences that celebrate the raw beauty of the monsoon rather than avoid it”.

In Dandeli, the Premier property has turned into a monsoon favorite. Located near the wildlife sanctuary, it features 31 suites and cottages, a pool, multi-cuisine dining, and adventure activities. Guests come for misty treks, riverside thrills on the roaring Kali River, and rare wildlife sightings that peak during the rains.

Gokarna offers another side of the season. Stone Wood Nature Resort, set along Om Beach Road and surrounded by spice plantations, has cottages and tented suites that open to lush valleys and rain-fed pools. The experience blends coastal serenity with the drama of the monsoon, giving guests both luxury and closeness to nature.

Karnataka is seeing this trend on a bigger scale. Coorg, for example, has witnessed a stunning 1910% jump in hotel bookings during the rains. For travelers, the Western Ghats’ waterfalls, trails, and mist-covered forests have become the ultimate monsoon escape.

What sets Stone Wood apart is its focus on sustainability and community. From solar power and rainwater harvesting to zero-waste kitchens, the group puts eco-practices at the core of its operations. With 70% of staff hired locally, guests enjoy authentic insights into the culture and ecology of the region.

The properties also curate seasonal experiences, guided rain walks, birdwatching, wellness retreats, and rain-fed beach explorations that turn the wet months into a celebration rather than a barrier.

With six new properties planned for 2025 and a long-term goal of 50 hotels and 3,000 rooms by 2030, Stone Wood is betting big on premium monsoon tourism. Current occupancy rates 50–60% on weekdays and up to 75% on weekends during the rains show that the model is both profitable and sustainable.

The group is also tapping into corporate travel, with MICE-ready facilities attracting conferences and retreats in the monsoon season. This signals a broader shift, where rains are no longer viewed as downtime but as a unique opportunity to host experiences that combine work, leisure, and nature.

By embracing the season, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has set a new benchmark in Indian hospitality. Their approach proves that the monsoon, with its ecological richness, can be transformed into a premium tourism driver—one that uplifts local communities while giving travelers unforgettable journeys.

For more details, visit: https://www.stonewoodresorts.com/