Fairfield by Marriott Makes European Debut in Copenhagen

Fairfield by Marriott Makes European Debut in Copenhagen

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 13, 2024

Fairfield by Marriott, a prominent member of Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive family of over 30 unique hotel brands, has launched its first European location with the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn. Located in the dynamic North Harbour district of Copenhagen, this launch is a significant achievement for the brand, highlighting its ongoing global expansion.

Embracing the essence of minimalism, Fairfield delivers an efficient, comfortable stay aimed at enhancing productivity and ensuring restful sleep, all at an exceptional value. Drawing inspiration from the Marriott family’s rural sanctuary, Fairfield embodies the tranquility and comfort of its origins, offering a warm, welcoming environment based on dependable service and the Fairfield Guarantee.

Fairfield hotels around the globe are recognized for their uncomplicated, timeless, and modern design. The brand’s European design approach blends natural motifs and the storied background of the original Fairfield retreat with a modern, Scandinavian influence, ensuring a relaxed yet functional hotel environment.

The Copenhagen Nordhavn hotel is the first to display Fairfield’s new European design template, developed by OCCA Design Studio. This will serve as a model for Fairfield’s design strategy in Europe. The collaboration with Scandinavian firms Mette Fredskild Design and Henning Larsen Architects enhances the local design, embracing Danish “hygge” to offer comfort and balance to visitors.

Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn is beautifully situated in the Århusgadekvarteret neighborhood, a stone’s throw from the city’s hustle and bustle yet close to local culture and green spaces. North Harbour’s ongoing transformation into a sustainable and energy-efficient area underlines the hotel’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The hotel’s communal areas, designed for work, socializing, or relaxation, highlight Fairfield’s dedication to creating welcoming spaces. The Social Market offers a complimentary breakfast for a healthy start to the day, and a 24/7 market caters to snack needs. The spacious lobby and fitness center support productivity and wellness, ensuring guests have everything they need for a balanced stay.

Upcoming Fairfield locations in Europe include properties in France, Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, each chosen for its unique appeal to business and leisure travelers. The brand’s Middle East debut is planned for 2027 with two hotels in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, further emphasizing Fairfield’s commitment to global growth and hospitality excellence.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.

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