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.


Hyatt Place Butwal Announces Opening in Western Nepal

Hyatt Place Butwal Announces Opening in Western Nepal

By Hariharan U

Published on January 17, 2026

Hyatt Place Butwal has officially announced its opening, marking a significant milestone in the hospitality landscape of western Nepal. The property becomes Butwal’s first internationally branded five-star hotel, introducing global hospitality standards to a market witnessing rapid economic and tourism-led growth.

The opening reflects Butwal’s rising importance as a regional hub, supported by expanding industrial activity, improving infrastructure, and growing international connectivity. With the operationalisation of Gautam Buddha International Airport in nearby Bhairahawa, demand for international-standard accommodation has increased across business, leisure, and trade segments.

Hyatt Place Butwal has already made an impact on the city’s evolving social and lifestyle scene with the successful hosting of its grand opening celebration, “New Year’s Eve Under the Stars.” The event brought together prominent business leaders, influencers, and local patrons, highlighting the hotel’s ability to curate large-scale, world-class experiences and position itself as a premium lifestyle destination in the region.

Commenting on the opening, Tushar Nagar, General Manager, Hyatt Place Butwal, said, “The overwhelming response to our New Year’s Eve celebration reflects that Butwal is ready for a premium hospitality and lifestyle experience. With improving air connectivity and a rapidly expanding industrial base, the need for international-standard accommodation has grown significantly. Hyatt Place Butwal aims to bridge this gap while supporting the region’s evolving business and tourism ecosystem.”

Strategically located at the intersection of the Mahendra Highway (Asian Highway) and the Siddhartha Highway, Butwal is transforming from a transit town into a commercial and industrial powerhouse. Its strategic highway access, growing industrial zones, and international air connectivity position the city as a key connector for trade, tourism, and transit in western Nepal.


Espire Hospitality Expands with Country Inn Launch in Varanasi

Espire Hospitality Expands with Country Inn Launch in Varanasi

By Hariharan U

Published on January 16, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced the launch of Country Inn, Varanasi, marking another milestone in the expansion of its Country Inn Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The new opening strengthens the group’s presence in high-potential destinations and reinforces its focus on culturally significant cities.

Situated in the heart of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, the hotel is set against the city’s spiritual energy and timeless charm. Designed to offer a balance between contemporary living and warm hospitality, Country Inn, Varanasi provides a calm and comfortable retreat for both leisure and business travellers. Its proximity to the city’s renowned ghats and sacred temples makes it an ideal base for guests seeking convenience alongside comfort.

The property features thoughtfully designed guestrooms with fresh interiors, soothing colour palettes, high-speed Wi-Fi and premium amenities. Guests can also enjoy curated dining experiences at SUTRA By Banaras, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian and international flavours in a welcoming indoor and outdoor setting.

Commenting on the launch, Akhil Arora, CEO & Managing Director, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, “Varanasi is a city of unparalleled spiritual depth, shaped by its cultural richness, history and tradition. We are proud to bring Country Inn to this sacred destination, creating a space that reflects the city’s timeless spirit while offering contemporary comfort and our signature warm hospitality.” He added that the hotel aims to offer travellers a modern space to pause, unwind and immerse themselves in the essence of the city.

The opening of Country Inn, Varanasi further adds momentum to Espire Hospitality Limited’s growth journey. The company has recently signed properties in destinations including Rishikesh, Udaipur, Jalandhar, North Goa and Dehradun, and continues to move steadily towards its vision of operating 30 hotels by FY26.

With a diversified brand portfolio ranging from boutique luxury offerings under ZANA Luxury Resorts to the well-recognised Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, Espire Hospitality Limited continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic and fast-evolving player in India’s hospitality landscape.


Sayaji Hotels Launches Enrise by Sayaji in Bareilly

Sayaji Hotels Launches Enrise by Sayaji in Bareilly

By Hariharan U

Published on January 13, 2026

Sayaji Hotels Limited has announced the launch of Enrise by Sayaji, Bareilly, strengthening its footprint in Uttar Pradesh and bringing contemporary hospitality to one of the region’s culturally rich cities. Located at Station Road, Civil Lines, the hotel offers convenient access for travellers, situated just 13 km from Bareilly Airport and 500 metres from Bareilly Railway Station.

The property features 36 well-appointed rooms across four categories, designed to meet the needs of business, transit, and leisure guests. The room mix includes Deluxe Rooms, Superior Rooms, Superior Balcony Rooms, and Suites, each reflecting modern design sensibilities while staying true to Sayaji’s signature “Yours Truly” service philosophy.

Enrise by Sayaji, Bareilly also brings together a diverse food and beverage offering under one roof. Guests can choose from Horizon, a rooftop multicuisine fine-dining restaurant; Momentt, a relaxed coffee shop; 99 Degree, a classic bar suited for evening conversations; and Infinity Club & Bar, positioned as a lively social and celebration space. Together, these outlets aim to make the hotel a dining and social hub for both residents and visitors.

The hotel is equipped with two banqueting venues designed to host weddings, corporate meetings, and social events. Jewel Hall and Crystal Hall offer flexible layouts and capacities, supported by tailored food and beverage services and professional event management, enabling seamless execution for gatherings of varying scales.

Commenting on the launch, Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager, Sayaji Hotels, said the Enrise by Sayaji brand has been developed for modern travellers seeking comfort, functionality, and value, adding that Bareilly is a strong addition to the company’s growing portfolio across emerging Indian cities.

Ankur Vig, Managing Director, Unique Complex Private Limited, noted that Bareilly’s rising commercial and travel significance makes the timing of the hotel’s launch particularly relevant, with the partnership aiming to deliver national hospitality standards while staying connected to local sensibilities.

With Bareilly’s increasing demand for organised hospitality infrastructure, Enrise by Sayaji is positioned as a preferred choice for business stays, leisure travel, dining, and social celebrations, reinforcing Sayaji Hotels’ broader strategy of expanding into high-potential markets across India.

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