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.


Clarks Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kumaon with Clarks Inn, Bhowali

Clarks Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kumaon with Clarks Inn, Bhowali

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 18, 2025

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of Clarks Inn, Bhowali, its first property in the picturesque Kumaon region. Nestled on the popular route to Nainital, the new hotel offers a tranquil hill retreat for leisure travellers, families, and spiritual visitors.

Surrounded by the serene beauty of the lower Himalayas, Clarks Inn, Bhowali features well-appointed rooms, spacious family suites, and private terraces with breathtaking valley views. The property is ideal for weekend getaways, extended holidays, and group stays, with ample parking space to accommodate buses and larger vehicles — making it particularly convenient for religious groups and devotees.

Strategically located just minutes from Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham, Clarks Inn is currently the only branded hotel in close proximity to the temple, offering a trusted stay option for pilgrims. The hotel also provides easy access to local attractions like Sattal, Bhimtal, and Nainital, positioning it as an ideal base to explore the region.

Rashmi Negi (Managing Director) and Darshan Singh Negi (Director) of the property shared,

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“We saw a gap in quality hospitality between Kathgodam and Nainital — especially for families and devotees visiting Kainchi Dham. With Clarks Inn, Bhowali, we’ve created a reliable, comfortable and well-connected base that contributes to both tourism and the local community.”

Rahul Deb Banerjee, Chief Operating Officer, The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, added,

“This property in Bhowali aligns perfectly with our vision of expanding into high-demand hill and pilgrimage circuits. We are creating spaces that combine comfort, nature, and accessibility — all rooted in warm Clarks hospitality. Our focus remains on providing enriching experiences for today’s discerning travellers.”

With this launch, Clarks Hotels & Resorts reinforces its commitment to strengthening its footprint across Uttarakhand’s hill and spiritual tourism circuits, delivering a harmonious mix of nature, connectivity, and comfort.


Ginger Enters Dehradun with a Stylish Lean Luxe Experience

Ginger Enters Dehradun with a Stylish Lean Luxe Experience

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 18, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the launch of Ginger Dehradun, expanding its footprint in one of North India's most dynamic hill cities. This marks the arrival of the lean luxe philosophy in Uttarakhand’s capital, offering a perfect blend of comfort, style, and affordability for both leisure and business travellers.

Located close to Dehradun’s tourist hotspots and commercial zones, Ginger Dehradun features 72 thoughtfully designed rooms, a smart meeting room, an all-day diner Qmin, a fully equipped fitness centre, and inviting community spaces ideal for work or relaxation.

Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL, shared,

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“Ginger Dehradun reflects our focused approach to accelerating growth for the brand in high-potential markets. The mid-scale segment continues to see strong demand driven by rising domestic travel. Dehradun, with its mix of leisure, commercial activity and educational institutions, offers itself as a good market for diverse hospitality brands like Ginger.”

Dehradun, nestled in the picturesque Doon Valley, is a gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. It's known for attractions like Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara, along with being home to several prestigious educational institutions, making it a vibrant hub for varied travellers.

With this launch, IHCL further strengthens its growing Ginger portfolio, targeting high-potential urban centres with modern travellers in mind.


Monday Hotels Marks Successful Anniversary of Its Project Management Consultancy Services

Monday Hotels Marks Successful Anniversary of Its Project Management Consultancy Services

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2025

Monday Hotels, a rising name in India’s hospitality landscape, is celebrating the successful anniversary of its Project Management Consultancy (PMC) division—DNH Projects. The milestone marks a year of consistent growth, valuable industry collaborations, and impressive project completions, solidifying Monday Hotels’ reputation as a reliable player in hotel development and project execution.

Launched to streamline the often complex process of hotel construction and renovation, DNH PROjects has delivered multiple successful projects across India and is presently managing three major developments in Hyderabad. The division is recognized for its ability to combine innovation with efficiency, meeting deadlines while upholding high quality standards.

From conceptualization and design to construction and operational readiness, the PMC team ensures every project aligns with market demands and brand aspirations. The focus extends to strategic space planning, optimizing layouts for functionality including cloud kitchen-compatible kitchens and efficient back-of-house designs to improve workflow.

Moreover, its MEP engineering solutions are crafted with a goal to reduce operational costs, improve profitability, and accelerate return on investment, making it a preferred choice for hotel owners and investors.

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Reflecting on the milestone, Mateen Khan, Co-founder of Monday Hotels, said, “This anniversary is a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence. Our team’s dedication and our clients’ trust have been the driving force behind our success. We look forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater milestones.”

Monday Hotels has established itself as a prominent hospitality brand catering to both business and leisure travelers. With properties across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and more, the brand continues to bring innovative experiences and reliable hospitality services to guests and stakeholders alike.

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