DoubleTree by Hilton Opening in Chandigarh in 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton to Debut in Greater Chandigarh by 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 16, 2025

Hilton has unveiled plans to open its first DoubleTree by Hilton in the Greater Chandigarh region. The DoubleTree by Hilton Chandigarh Kakrali, set to debut in 2025, is poised to cater to both business and leisure travelers with its resort-style design and comprehensive banqueting facilities. This milestone marks Hilton’s growing presence in North India, complementing its upcoming properties in Amritsar and Ludhiana.

Strategically located in Kakrali, the hotel is a 15-minute drive from Panchkula IT Park and 25 minutes from Chandigarh IT Park, offering easy access for corporate and leisure guests. Its proximity to popular hill stations such as Shimla, Kufri, and Kasauli further enhances its appeal as a key destination.

The property, developed in partnership with Mubarakpur Farming Company, will be the first branded hotel in the area to address the region’s increasing demand for weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.

Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton, highlighted the significance of this project, stating:

"The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Chandigarh Kakrali is a pivotal moment in our growth strategy for North India. This marks our entry into the dynamic tri-city region of Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, which has seen significant growth in both commerce and tourism."

Saxena added that the extensive banqueting facilities and resort-style design would uniquely position the hotel to meet the growing demands for weddings, leisure, and corporate travel in the region.

The hotel will feature over 7,500 square feet of versatile meeting and event spaces, contemporary guest rooms, cottages, and spacious suites. It will also include premium amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a fitness center, and a dedicated kids’ activity room to provide a holistic experience for guests.

Mubarakpur Farming Company expressed confidence in the collaboration, saying:

"Chandigarh’s tri-city area is emerging as a business and weddings hub. With Hilton’s world-class hospitality standards and the hotel’s resort-style design, we are confident this property will meet the increasing demand for both leisure and MICE travelers."

With the addition of the DoubleTree by Hilton Chandigarh Kakrali, Hilton's South Asia portfolio will grow to 56 hotels, including 11 operating DoubleTree by Hilton properties and another eight in development, reinforcing the brand’s influence in the region.

Stotrak Hotels and Eikyam Arts Join Hands for Gwalior’s GPC Rambagh Resort

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2025

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 Emerges as Karnataka’s Top Monsoon Getaway

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2025

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/

Royal Orchid Hotels Expands in Gujarat with the Launch of Regenta Place Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on August 24, 2025

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) announced the grand opening of Regenta Place Ahmedabad, further cementing its footprint in Gujarat, where it now operates 16 properties with more on the horizon.

Located in the bustling heart of Ahmedabad, just minutes from SG Highway and Sindhu Bhavan Road, the 48-key hotel is designed for the new-age ‘bleisure’ traveller, seamlessly combining business convenience with leisure comforts.

Arjun Baljee, President, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., said, “We’re thrilled to open our third hotel in Ahmedabad, a city rich in heritage and industry. Regenta Place Ahmedabad blends work and leisure, reflecting our commitment to personalized hospitality in key markets. We look forward to welcoming global travellers to this vibrant destination”.

Adding to this, Darshit Jain, Founder, Regenta Place Ahmedabad, said, “We aim to provide guests with a seamless stay experience with our signature warmth and personalized services. Our commitment to future expansion in Gujarat will be realised in less than two years”.

Romil Patni, Founder, Regenta Place Ahmedabad, commented, “Our vision is to create a space where comfort meets convenience, where every guest feels at home. Ahmedabad, with its cultural richness and thriving business ecosystem, is the perfect city for this journey”.

Hotel Highlights:

Contemporary Accommodation – 48 well-appointed rooms designed for both business and leisure guests

Neighbourhood Restaurant – An all-day dining concept serving 100% vegetarian cuisine, including authentic Gujarati flavours and innovative creations

The Permit Room – An exclusive space offering a selection of alcoholic beverages (with valid permit)

Meetings & Events – ~6,000 sq. ft. of modern banquet and conference facilities

Fitness & Wellness – A fully equipped fitness centre for health-conscious travellers

With this launch, ROHL continues to strengthen its presence across Gujarat, aligning with the state’s rising demand for quality hospitality experiences that blend tradition with modernity.

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DoubleTree by Hilton to Debut in Greater Chandigarh by 2025

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Stotrak Hotels and Eikyam Arts Join Hands for Gwalior’s GPC Rambagh Resort

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Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Emerges as Karnataka’s Top Monsoon Getaway

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Royal Orchid Hotels Expands in Gujarat with the Launch of Regenta Place Ahmedabad

Most Read In News