DoubleTree by Hilton Opens its Doors in Varanasi: A Blend of Modern Comfort and Spiritual Essence

DoubleTree by Hilton Opens its Doors in Varanasi: A Blend of Modern Comfort and Spiritual Essence

By Author

Published on October 1, 2023

Varanasi, a city steeped in history and spirituality, now welcomes the upscale full-service hotel brand, DoubleTree by Hilton, to its heart. Hilton India has partnered with JHV Construction Co Pvt Ltd, a prominent business conglomerate in Varanasi, to launch DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi, marking a significant expansion for Hilton in non-metro regions.

Nestled conveniently in the city center, DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi is poised to redefine the hospitality experience in this culturally rich city. Known for its warm hospitality, DoubleTree by Hilton has rapidly gained recognition within the Hilton portfolio for its commitment to guest comfort and modern accommodations.

Navjit Ahluwalia, Senior Vice President and Country Head, India, Hilton, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the opening of our first DoubleTree by Hilton in the spiritual city of Varanasi. The city's rich cultural and historical significance, combined with strategic government infrastructure investments, has made it an attractive tourist destination. DoubleTree by Hilton, renowned for its modern amenities and the signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, is ready to provide Varanasi's guests with exceptional hospitality and contribute to the city's growing potential."

Hira Lal Jaiswal, Developer, JHV Construction Co Pvt Ltd, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "It gives us immense pleasure to join forces with a renowned hospitality brand like Hilton and leverage its strong global reputation and network in India. Varanasi has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, with the government actively creating a tourism circuit connecting prominent Buddhist cities, with Varanasi as the gateway. As natives of this city, our family is excited to meet the growing tourism demand by bringing Hilton's best-in-class services and personalized guest experiences to Varanasi. We are confident that DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi will become the preferred choice for guests."

Located a mere 25 minutes from both the city center and the airport, DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi offers modern comfort and convenience in the heart of this spiritual capital. With 144 well-appointed rooms and 20,000 sq. ft of event space, the hotel caters to various guest needs. It boasts an inviting outdoor pool, EV charging points, the city's largest ballroom, a fully equipped fitness center, and a rejuvenating spa. The range of accommodations includes standard rooms, spacious suites, and a grand presidential suite. Dining options are diverse, with an all-day diner and a bar lounge at the lobby level.

Varanasi, situated along the sacred Ganges River, holds immense cultural and historical significance, giving birth to religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi seeks to blend modern comfort with the spiritual essence of the city, providing guests with a memorable and enriching experience.


Bengaluru Food Safety Crackdown Expands Beyond Hotels to Hospitality Supply Chain

Bengaluru Food Safety Crackdown Expands Beyond Hotels to Hospitality Supply Chain

By Author

Published on August 10, 2026

Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its ongoing food safety enforcement drive in Bengaluru from hotel kitchens to the wider hospitality supply chain, bringing food storage and distribution facilities supplying hotels and caterers under scrutiny.

The development follows a major inspection drive conducted across Bengaluru’s three-star and five-star hotels, where officials reported several food safety and hygiene violations, including expired food products, improper storage, fungal growth on vegetables and issues related to food labelling and segregation.

The latest inspections indicate that the authorities are now examining not only how food is handled inside hotels, but also how products are stored and distributed before reaching hospitality establishments.

FDA Inspects Major Food Supply Facilities

On August 8, Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration deployed inspection teams to food storage and distribution facilities operated by Coldman Logistics Private Limited and Radhakrishna Foodland Limited, which supply food products, meat and fish to hotels and caterers.

According to the Karnataka Health Department, officials seized and confiscated approximately 70 kg of soy sauce and other sauces nearing their expiry date during the inspections.

Around 10 litres of beverages, including strawberry-flavoured drinks, were also seized, while officials collected five meat samples and 13 other food samples for laboratory analysis.

The action marks a significant development in the ongoing food safety campaign, as authorities broaden their focus from individual hotel operations to the supply chain that supports the hospitality industry.

Hotel Inspections Reveal Multiple Food Safety Concerns

The supply-chain inspections come shortly after the Karnataka FDA inspected 26 three-star and five-star hotels across Bengaluru as part of a special food safety drive.

Thirty inspection teams were deployed across the city. Officials collected 35 food samples from the inspected hotels and sent them to the Food Laboratory for analysis.

The inspections reportedly uncovered expired food products, unhygienic storage and handling conditions, fungal growth on vegetables, labelling and misbranding concerns, and inadequate segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products.

Substantial quantities of food were also seized or destroyed during the inspections. Reports cited seizures including meat, vegetables, fish, chicken, milk and other food products at some establishments. At Radisson Blu (Atria), officials reportedly seized 105 kg of expired food, including chicken, meat, fish and vegetables.

However, it is important to note that the inspection findings relate to specific establishments and products and should not be interpreted as evidence that all luxury hotels in Bengaluru were found to be in violation.

Laboratory Results Still Awaited

The Karnataka FDA has collected samples from the inspected hotels for laboratory testing. The final laboratory results are expected to determine whether further regulatory action is warranted in cases where contamination or other violations are established.

Officials have also issued notices to food business operators where violations were identified, with legal and adjudication proceedings to follow where applicable.

Some hotel groups have also disputed specific allegations arising from the inspections. IHCL, which operates Taj and Vivanta properties, has stated that no rotten vegetables, fruits, meat or fish were found at its Bengaluru hotels, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between regulatory findings at individual properties and broader claims about the city's luxury hotel sector.

What This Means for the Hospitality Industry

The latest development puts the spotlight on an issue that extends well beyond hotel kitchens: food safety is a supply-chain responsibility.

Hotels and restaurants depend on multiple vendors, distributors, cold-chain operators, central kitchens and food storage facilities. A failure at any stage can potentially affect the quality and safety of food reaching guests.

The expanded inspections therefore underline the importance of stronger controls across the hospitality procurement ecosystem, including:

  • Regular supplier audits and food safety assessments
  • Strict expiry-date and batch tracking
  • Temperature and cold-chain monitoring
  • Proper segregation of raw and cooked products
  • Clear vegetarian and non-vegetarian storage protocols
  • FSSAI-compliant labelling and documentation
  • Traceability of meat, seafood and other perishable products
  • Regular internal kitchen and warehouse inspections
  • Stronger coordination between hotels and third-party suppliers

For hotel operators, the development is also a reminder that food safety compliance cannot stop at the hotel receiving dock. Procurement teams, executive chefs, kitchen managers, quality teams and approved suppliers all play a role in maintaining the integrity of the food chain.

Regulatory Scrutiny Expected to Continue

The Karnataka FDA has indicated that the special inspection drive will continue, with attention extending to hotel kitchens, warehouses, centralised kitchens and establishments involved in supplying food to the hospitality sector.

As laboratory results from the hotel inspections become available and further inspections are carried out across the supply chain, the Bengaluru crackdown could provide a broader picture of food safety compliance across the city's hospitality ecosystem.

For an industry built heavily on guest trust, the message is clear: food safety is not simply a kitchen-level responsibility—it begins with sourcing and continues throughout storage, preparation, service and consumption.

HospitalityNews will continue to track further regulatory action, laboratory findings and developments arising from the Bengaluru food safety inspections.


Ramee Guestline Hotel & Resort Bengaluru Introduces “The Weekend Affair” Stay Experience

Ramee Guestline Hotel & Resort Bengaluru Introduces “The Weekend Affair” Stay Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on August 8, 2026

Ramee Guestline Hotel & Resort, Bengaluru has introduced “The Weekend Affair”, a specially curated weekend stay experience designed for guests seeking a relaxing escape that combines comfort, leisure, dining, and recreation in a resort setting.

Created for couples, families, and small groups, the new offering provides travellers with an opportunity to disconnect from everyday routines while enjoying a convenient getaway close to the city. The package brings together accommodation, dining experiences, wellness activities, and recreational facilities to create a complete resort experience.

Guests staying under The Weekend Affair can enjoy a range of inclusions such as a welcome drink on arrival, flexible early check-in and late check-out options as per applicable terms, along with complimentary buffet dinner and breakfast at the hotel’s all-day dining venue.

The experience has also been designed with families in mind, offering complimentary stay and dining for two children up to 12 years. Guests can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, explore resort facilities, join guided yoga sessions, and enjoy cycling around the resort track for both adults and children.

Adding to the leisure experience, visitors can access the resort’s jacuzzi and swimming pool, creating opportunities for relaxation and recreation throughout their stay.

With its combination of wellness, entertainment, and culinary experiences, The Weekend Affair aims to provide travellers with a wholesome weekend retreat where they can unwind, reconnect, and create memorable moments with loved ones.

The initiative reflects Ramee Guestline Hotel & Resort Bengaluru’s focus on developing experience-led stays that cater to the evolving preferences of modern travellers looking for convenient and meaningful leisure escapes.


Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a specially curated Independence Day stay package, available from 1st to 19th  August 2026 across its properties, except Udaipur. Designed for leisure travellers and families, the limited-period offer combines festive touches with signature hospitality to create a memorable holiday experience.

Guests booking the package will be welcomed with a signature tricolour beverage on arrival, along with an exclusive Independence Day amenity. The stay also includes complimentary early check-in and late check-out, as well as a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, all subject to availability.

To make the celebration even more enjoyable, guests can savour a chef-curated three-course meal once during their stay, along with complimentary evening snacks. They can also enjoy 20% savings on food and beverages across participating hotel outlets.

Families travelling together will benefit from the offer, with up to two children below 12 years staying complimentary when sharing the existing bedding.

Available for a limited period, the Independence Day package reflects Ramee Group of Hotels' commitment to creating thoughtful and comfortable guest experiences, bringing together festive celebrations, dining, and family-friendly benefits under one offering.

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