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.

ITC Maratha Mumbai Earns LEED Zero Water Certification, Sets New Benchmark in Sustainable Luxury

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 4, 2025

This World Environment Day, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, reaffirms its commitment to sustainable luxury by receiving the prestigious LEED Zero Water Certification, a milestone that cements its place among the world’s most environmentally conscious hospitality destinations.

Part of ITC Hotels, one of the largest and greenest hotel chains globally, ITC Maratha was also awarded the LEED Zero Carbon Certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), highlighting its long-standing commitment to responsible operations and sustainable innovation.

Sustainability at ITC Maratha has gone beyond concept to become a core value over the past decade. Guests experience a blend of indulgence and responsibility through features like Green Banquets, carbon-neutral meetings, and Sunya Aqua, a zero-mile water initiative that purifies and bottles water on-site.

ITC Maratha sources organic and local ingredients, reducing food miles and supporting farmers via its Local Love program. An on-site biogas plant handles over 100,000 kg of organic waste annually, generating clean energy and reducing landfill burden.

The hotel now operates with over 80% of its energy sourced from renewables, including wind farms, and implements 100% rainwater harvesting. Its efficient water systems allow it to use 47% less water than the USGBC benchmark, while reducing water wastage by 70% through advanced filtration technology.

ITC Maratha has also made a complete shift away from single-use plastics, offering bamboo toothbrushes, wooden cutlery, and other eco-conscious alternatives. The hotel provides 30% more fresh air than global indoor standards, and actively enhances biodiversity with native plants that help cool surrounding urban zones.

This World Environment Day, ITC Maratha exemplifies how green practices and luxurious hospitality can coexist, making sustainability not just a goal, but a way of life.

Cygnett Hotels Signs New Property in Itanagar, Strengthens Presence in Northeast India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 4, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has signed a new hotel in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. The upcoming Cygnett Park Itanagar is located just 800 metres from the Donyi Polo Airport, making it a convenient destination for both leisure and business travellers. This will be Cygnett’s second hotel in the city and is expected to open in less than two years.

The move marks a significant step in Cygnett’s Northeast expansion journey. With four operational hotels and eight more in development across the region, the group is now steadily progressing towards a 600-key portfolio in Northeast India.

“The Indian government’s focused investments in Northeast infrastructure—highways, rail, and telecom—are changing the region’s prospects. Business sentiment is up, and we’re seeing balanced demand across leisure, business, MICE, and weddings,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

Spread over two acres, Cygnett Park Itanagar will offer 100 rooms, over 6,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, and an adjoining lawn, perfect for events and social functions. Guests can also look forward to an array of upscale amenities including an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop speciality restaurant, club lounge, swimming pool, spa, gym, and recreation zones.

Designed as a refreshing urban resort, the hotel embraces sustainable architecture and wellness-centric design, in line with the Cygnett Park brand ethos: Green, Refreshing, and Wellness-focused.

“Cygnett Park Itanagar will be a serene getaway that blends urban comfort with the natural charm of the region,” added Mr. Sarkar.

Located near popular attractions like Ita Fort, Ganga Lake, Gompa Mandir, and Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, the hotel also holds tourism appeal beyond business.

As part of its broader growth plan, Cygnett aims to open 10-12 properties annually, working towards becoming a 100+ hotel group nationwide in the years to come.

Turyaa Chennai Celebrates 10 Years of Purposeful Hospitality

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 4, 2025

Turyaa Chennai, a five-star deluxe hotel under the Aitken Spence Hotels banner, has officially completed a decade of hospitality excellence. Launched in 2015 and located along Chennai’s bustling IT expressway, the hotel has become a landmark for business travellers, global visitors, and the local community alike.

Conceptualized by the late Deshamanya D.H.S. Jayawardena, the hotel was born from his belief that Indian soil could be a home for Aitken Spence’s hallmark warmth and global standards. A decade later, that legacy continues to shine through every guest experience, every team member’s passion, and every milestone achieved.

To mark this special 10-year anniversary, Turyaa Chennai rolled out a month-long celebration. Events included religious blessings, a dinner for loyal guests and partners, team member awards, and culinary showcases that honoured the hotel’s deep South Indian and Sri Lankan heritage.

Beyond the festivities, the hotel reaffirmed its commitment to community and inclusivity by donating wheelchairs to Tamil Nadu Railways—a thoughtful step towards improving accessibility for all. This meaningful gesture reflects the enduring values of Aitken Spence and the compassionate spirit of its founder.

“Today, as we celebrate ten years, we’re not just marking an anniversary—we’re celebrating values, people, and the vibrant spirit of connection that makes Turyaa so special. We are grateful to Chennai for embracing us as one of their own,” said Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson, Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC.

Over the years, Turyaa Chennai has welcomed world travellers, business leaders, celebrities, and loyal local patrons. With 140+ rooms and suites, vibrant dining venues, expansive event spaces, and a rooftop leisure zone, the hotel has carved a distinctive niche in Chennai’s hospitality landscape.

Looking ahead, Turyaa Chennai is set to deepen its focus on renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics, promoting community-driven tourism, and using digital innovation to personalise guest stays—continuing its journey with sustainability and care at the core.

As Turyaa Chennai turns 10, it celebrates not just the past—but the people, progress, and purpose that define its future.

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DoubleTree by Hilton to Debut in Greater Chandigarh by 2025

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ITC Maratha Mumbai Earns LEED Zero Water Certification, Sets New Benchmark in Sustainable Luxury

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Cygnett Hotels Signs New Property in Itanagar, Strengthens Presence in Northeast India

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Turyaa Chennai Celebrates 10 Years of Purposeful Hospitality

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