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.

image

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.

image

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.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Revamps Nazaara with Fresh Flavours and Rooftop Vibes

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Revamps Nazaara with Fresh Flavours and Rooftop Vibes

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2025

 Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has unveiled the much-awaited revamp of its signature rooftop restaurant, Nazaara. Known for its stunning skyline views, Nazaara now returns with a reimagined menu, refreshed interiors, and an energetic dining experience designed to set the stage for unforgettable evenings.

The new menu brings a modern take on Indian cuisine, presenting bold flavours in a contemporary style. From inventive small plates to gourmet twists on classic mains, the offerings celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage with a creative edge. Complementing the food is a lineup of signature cocktails and refreshing mocktails, perfect for a laid-back evening under the city lights.

But the experience at Nazaara goes beyond dining. With a resident DJ setting the mood every evening and high-energy sets on weekends, the rooftop transforms into one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant escapes, where fine food meets music and the city’s skyline.

Speaking about the relaunch, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, “Nazaara has always been synonymous with memorable evenings and panoramic views. With Nazaara, we wanted to reimagine that experience for today’s guests—bringing together inventive cuisine, crafted cocktails, and a lively rooftop vibe. This relaunch is not just about a new menu, but about creating a destination where Bengaluru can celebrate food, music, and city life in its most elevated form.”

With its mix of contemporary style, Indian flavours, and an electric rooftop atmosphere, Nazaara is all set to reclaim its place as Bengaluru’s go-to dining and nightlife destination.


Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands to Ujjain with Boutique Resort Signing

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands to Ujjain with Boutique Resort Signing

By Hariharan U

Published on September 2, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its newest property, Cygnett Retreat™ Collection by Wyndham Ujjain. This premium boutique resort marks a key milestone in the group’s strategy to expand across India’s leading pilgrimage and leisure hubs.

Set to open by mid-next year, the resort will be located just 12 km from the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Ujjain city centre, offering guests a blend of tranquillity and easy access. Designed to serve pilgrims, families, and experiential travellers, the retreat will bring together modern amenities with a setting inspired by the timeless charm of Santorini, Greece, featuring whitewashed walls, domed roofs, arched windows, and soothing blue accents.

image

The resort will feature 100 well-appointed rooms, an elegant all-day dining restaurant, and 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space. Guests can also look forward to leisure amenities including a swimming pool, kids’ play area, fitness centre, and spa. From authentic local and international flavours to serene relaxation zones, the property aims to create an all-encompassing boutique experience.

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain is an ancient city with immense religious importance for Hindus. With major infrastructure projects underway ahead of the Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028, and its growing prominence as a textile hub, we believe this is the right time to enter Ujjain and offer visitors our ‘Cygnetture’ hospitality.”

He further added, “Cygnett Retreat™ Collection by Wyndham Ujjain will offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With its Santorini-style architecture and tropical forest-inspired landscape, the property is positioned to attract a diverse mix of travellers”.

The Cygnett Retreat brand aims to fill the gap in India’s boutique resort market, offering curated stays that balance design, comfort, and experiences.

As part of its broader expansion, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has forged a strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. This partnership will bring La Quinta® by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels® to India, with plans to add more than 60 hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal in the next decade. With this momentum, Cygnett is on track to becoming a 100+ hotel group in the coming years.


Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2025

 Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL) has announced the launch of its latest property, IRA Porvorim, Goa, further strengthening the IRA by Orchid Hotels portfolio. Scheduled to open in September 2025, the new hotel adds to the brand’s fast-paced expansion across India.

Following the successful debut of Orchid Passaros in Benaulim earlier this year, IRA Porvorim will offer 43 well-designed guest rooms, catering to both business travellers and leisure seekers. The hotel will also feature a banquet hall for events, a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, and a fully equipped health club creating a complete hospitality experience in the heart of Porvorim.

KHIL has been steadily building its IRA brand presence in key tier-2 and tier-3 markets, including Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Ayodhya, Noida, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The brand philosophy revolves around delivering value, comfort, and prime locations for mid-market travellers.

Reflecting its commitment beyond hospitality, IRA by Orchid has pledged to donate one percent of its sales towards community initiatives, with a focus on supporting the education of the girl child.

Sharing his thoughts, Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, said, “Goa continues to attract both domestic and international travellers, and with IRA Porvorim, we aim to redefine hospitality in the city. From curated experiences to modern comforts, this property will serve as a preferred choice for families, corporates, and event planners alike.”

Adding to this, Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Chairman of KHIL, commented, “Each new IRA hotel defines our growth blueprint. Porvorim reflects the essence of our brand: sustainable, stylish, and guest-centric.”

With its strategic location and curated offerings, IRA Porvorim is set to become a go-to destination for vibrant celebrations, corporate gatherings, and relaxed getaways, further boosting KHIL’s footprint in Goa’s thriving hospitality market.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.