First Hospitality Expands with New Hotels and Restaurants

First Hospitality Expands with New Hotels and Restaurants

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 28, 2024

First Hospitality, a leading hotel management and development company, has recently expanded its portfolio by adding three new lifestyle hotels and seven restaurants. This move brings their total to over 25 lifestyle properties within a broader collection of 70 hotels. Notably, this expansion includes their first international property.

The new hotels under First Hospitality's management include the upcoming Hotel Ardent in Dayton, Ohio, the Lively Hotel in Oklahoma City, and the recently opened Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu in Kentucky. These additions are part of First Hospitality's strategic plan to enhance its presence in key markets.

Opened on May 1, 2024, the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu features 130 rooms. This vibrant hotel is designed to reflect the lively NuLu neighborhood, providing stylish spaces for social gatherings and events. The hotel offers two dining options: the Moonsong Bar + Café on the first floor and the High Stakes Grill, a rooftop restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining and a spectacular view of the skyline. This property embodies the dynamic spirit of the NuLu area, making it a destination for both locals and travelers.

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Scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, Hotel Ardent in Dayton will be part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection. This 118-room boutique hotel will feature Bistecca, a Tuscan steakhouse serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu inspired by Italian cuisine. The addition of this property marks a significant step in First Hospitality's expansion into new markets, particularly within the boutique hotel segment.

The Lively Hotel in Oklahoma City is set to open in late August 2024. This 132-key boutique hotel is a critical part of the OAK mixed-use community. As First Hospitality’s first property in Oklahoma, it will also be the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the state. The hotel will include the Cloud Puncher restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with poolside service. The development of this property is a collaboration with Veritas Development and Gatehouse Capital, highlighting First Hospitality's ability to form strategic partnerships.

Alongside its hotel expansions, First Hospitality has also assumed management of seven new restaurants, increasing its portfolio to over 30 dining establishments. Among these is the internationally anticipated Carnivale Bahamas on Paradise Island, set to open this fall. Modeled after the original Carnivale in Chicago, this venue will feature 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor spaces, serving pan-Latin cuisine and craft cocktails. This marks First Hospitality’s first international restaurant venture, promising to bring vibrant energy to Paradise Island.

Other recent additions include Coa at The Drake Oak Brook in Oak Brook, Illinois, which opened on March 25, and Assembly American Brasserie in downtown Toledo, Ohio, which opened in late January. These restaurants highlight First Hospitality's commitment to offering diverse and high-quality dining experiences.

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David Duncan, CEO of First Hospitality, expressed excitement about the company’s growth, particularly in new markets. “With the expert skill set of our teams and proprietary technology and operating platform, First Hospitality is well positioned to continue to expand in lifestyle accommodations and restaurants as we approach our 40-year company milestone,” Duncan stated. He also highlighted the significance of their first international venture with Carnivale Bahamas, which aims to bring a new level of energy to Paradise Island.

First Hospitality's recent expansions reflect its strategic focus on enhancing its lifestyle offerings and entering new markets, ensuring continued growth and innovation in the hospitality industry. For more information about their properties and upcoming openings, visit First Hospitality's website.


ITC Hotels Celebrate a Green Christmas Across Maurya, Mughal, Rajputana and Grand Bharat

ITC Hotels Celebrate a Green Christmas Across Maurya, Mughal, Rajputana and Grand Bharat

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

This festive season, ITC Hotels continue their legacy of creative, responsible celebration with sustainable Christmas trees across ITC Maurya, ITC Mughal, ITC Rajputana, and ITC Grand Bharat. These installations combine artistry, tradition, and eco-conscious practices, reflecting the brand’s ethos of Responsible Luxury, where celebration meets sustainability.

ITC Mughal: Weaving Tradition with Zardozi

In Agra, ITC Mughal’s grand lobby is adorned with a 17-feet Christmas Tree inspired by Zardozi craft, showcasing gold threads, beads, and intricate Mughal-era detailing. Each ornament celebrates the skill of local artisans while highlighting the hotel’s sustainable approach through renewable energy, reduced plastic usage, and biodiverse green spaces. The installation offers a festive experience that is immersive, artistic, and environmentally mindful.

ITC Rajputana: A Christmas Draped in Safa

At ITC Rajputana, a 15-feet pagri-inspired Christmas tree honours the craft communities of Rajasthan. Made with iron, plywood, and over 130 handcrafted safa fabrics in Bandhej, Pachranga, and Leheriya patterns, the vibrant installation reflects the region’s artistic heritage. Positioned in the Jaigarh Lobby, it exemplifies ITC Rajputana’s dedication to culturally rooted hospitality and Responsible Luxury.

ITC Maurya: Eco Elora – A Thoughtful Expression of Christmas

ITC Maurya presents Eco Elora, a 16-feet lobby installation crafted entirely from natural, repurposed, and biodegradable materials, including pine flowers, shola, betel nut skins, corn husk, palm leaves, jute, dried fruits, moss, and coconut coir. With 170 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, this tree embodies patience, precision, and sustainability, merging eco-conscious design with festive charm.

ITC Grand Bharat: Sustain-a-Tree

At ITC Grand Bharat, the Sustain-a-Tree offers a minimalist and eco-forward celebration. Constructed from wood, cane, and jute, each layer of the tree reflects intentional design and a commitment to sustainability, symbolising joy through mindful living and responsible festivity.

Across these iconic hotels, ITC’s green Christmas installations uphold a vision where creativity, culture, and sustainability converge, offering guests a festive experience that is as joyful as it is conscientious.


CheckIn Introduces Free Pet-Friendly Stays Across SUNDAY Hotels Globally

CheckIn Introduces Free Pet-Friendly Stays Across SUNDAY Hotels Globally

By Hariharan U

Published on December 19, 2025

CheckIn has launched a new global pet-friendly program at all SUNDAY Hotels, allowing guests to travel with their pets at no additional cost. The initiative caters to the rising trend of travellers treating pets as integral family members, offering thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences for guests and their four-legged companions.

As part of the program, SUNDAY Hotels feature trained on-property teams, pet welcome kits including food and water bowls, waste bags, and toys at select hotels. The hotels also provide pet-friendly zones and curated recommendations for nearby services such as walkers, groomers, and vets.

CheckIn is collaborating with pet care brands and animal welfare organisations to enhance guest experiences. Planned initiatives include pet meetups in hotel lobbies, co-branded treats, and adoption drives across properties. Pilot programs in select locations have already shown higher repeat bookings and longer stays among guests travelling with pets.

Speaking on the launch, Varun Jain, COO, PRISM Asia, said, “Our global pet stay program is designed with clear safety and cleanliness standards, drawing on best practices from other group companies like G6 Hospitality in the USA. Guests can expect a consistent, high-quality experience for themselves and their pets wherever they travel.”

The move aligns with rapid growth in the pet care sector. In India alone, the pet care market was valued at INR 7,577 crore in 2024 and is expected to exceed INR 22,000 crore by 2031 (Blue Weave Consulting).

Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO, Cosmo First Limited, added, “Pets are part of modern families, and travel preferences are evolving. By combining Zigly’s expertise in pet wellbeing with CheckIn’s commitment to guest-first hospitality, we are creating a global benchmark for pet-friendly stays that ensures comfort, care, and convenience at every step.”

The introduction of free pet-friendly stays reinforces SUNDAY Hotels’ commitment to inclusive, experience-driven hospitality for travellers worldwide.

For more information: www.checkin.life

About PRISM

PRISM (parent company of OYO) is a global tech and hospitality company serving over 100 million customers across 35+ countries. Its portfolio spans short stays, extended living, luxury escapes, co-working hubs, celebration spaces, and hospitality technology solutions, simplifying urban living through scalable innovation.


Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Two Years of Heartfelt Hospitality This December

Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt Celebrates Two Years of Heartfelt Hospitality This December

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 19, 2025

Ronil Goa – the first JdV by Hyatt hotel in India and Southwest Asia – is celebrating its second anniversary this December, marking two years of heartfelt hospitality, joyful moments, and memorable Goan getaways. Located along the vibrant Calangute–Baga road in North Goa, the boutique hotel continues to reflect the spirit of its neighbourhood while offering guests an experience rooted in warmth, fun, and connection.

Originally part of Goa’s hospitality landscape since 1987, the property was reimagined as Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt in December 2023, ushering in a spirited new chapter. Over the past 24 months, Ronil Goa has evolved into a natural gathering space for reunions, milestone celebrations, bachelorette getaways, solo escapes, and carefree holidays, inviting guests to discover the Goa version of themselves in a relaxed and joyful setting.

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The anniversary celebrations begin on December 1, 2025, with a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony held in the hotel’s garden. Designed in collaboration with UseMe Works, Delhi, the Christmas tree has been crafted using upcycled fabric waste, highlighting Ronil Goa’s commitment to thoughtful and community-driven celebrations. This will be followed by the launch of the Tree of Giving, encouraging guests and colleagues to come together to fulfil wishes from children in the local community.

Throughout December, guests can participate in the anniversary festivities by spinning the Anniversary Wheel, which offers joyful surprises including special stay offers, spa experiences, and curated food and beverage treats. World of Hyatt members can also enjoy an exclusive 18 percent savings when booking stays up to 30 days in advance on the 18th of each month.

To further enhance the celebrations, Ronil Goa has introduced the “Your Goa Staycation” package. The experience includes welcome and departure moments, wine on arrival, a complimentary minibar stocked with local beers and snacks, daily spa rituals, farmhouse-style breakfasts with a Bloody Mary bar at Ronil Bistro, daily lunch or dinner, and special savings across dining and curated experiences.

Details and best available rates are available on Hyatt.com.

Reflecting on the milestone, Pratiti Rajpal, General Manager, Ronil Goa – JdV by Hyatt, said, “I have been fortunate to witness the coming together of Ronil Goa – the first JdV by Hyatt in India and Southwest Asia. This is not just a boutique resort, it’s a feeling that stays with you long after your vacation is over, an emotion best experienced firsthand by every guest and colleague who has been part of our journey. We remain committed to creating memorable vacations filled with heart and soul and look forward to welcoming everyone to our boutique resort.”

As Ronil Goa marks this meaningful milestone, it continues to strengthen its identity as a boutique destination where community, celebration, and the joy of travel come together effortlessly.

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