Sangli has long been one of Western Maharashtra's most economically active cities, the Turmeric Capital of India, a grape cultivation hub, a busy commercial belt sitting close to Kolhapur. And yet, for all that activity, quality branded accommodation has remained surprisingly hard to come by here. Sayaji Hotels is changing that with the launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli.

Strategically located within Shiv R City Mall on Sangli-Miraj Road, the property is the third Effotel in Maharashtra, joining sister properties in Sarola, Pune district, and Navi Mumbai. It's also a clear statement of intent from the Sayaji Group about where they see opportunity, in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets that are economically ready for quality hospitality but haven't had it yet.

What the Property Offers

The hotel has 59 rooms spread across five categories Grande Rooms at 284 sq. ft., Premium Grande Rooms at 309 sq. ft., Executive Grande Rooms at 373 sq. ft., Grande Suites at 506 sq. ft., and Premium Suites at 766 sq. ft. There's something for the business traveller passing through, the leisure guest exploring the region, and the long-stay visitor who needs reliable comfort over an extended period.

On the dining front, the property has two distinct outlets. The Cube is an all-day dining restaurant with 120 covers, a proper sit-down space for hotel guests and locals alike. Good Old Days is a bar with 30 seats, designed for those who want to wind down after a long day in a relaxed setting.

For events and MICE, Effotel by Sayaji Sangli is particularly well-equipped. Two banquet spaces, Jardin 1 at 4,295 sq. ft. accommodating up to 350 guests, and Jardin 2 at 2,355 sq. ft. with capacity for 150  make it one of the most capable event venues in the city. In a market that has historically lacked premium banqueting facilities, this is a significant addition.

Location That Works

The property sits just 7 km from Sangli Railway Station and 50 km from Kolhapur Airport, making it easy to get to for both domestic and regional visitors. Its proximity to Kolhapur, with the revered Mahalakshmi Temple and a growing business district, adds another layer of appeal. Regional attractions like Chandoli National Park, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sangli Fort, and the Dandoba Hills Forest Reserve are also within reach for guests looking to explore the area.

Mr. Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager at Sayaji Hotels, spoke about what this launch means  "Sangli has always been an economically active and culturally significant city, yet it has not had the branded hospitality infrastructure its stature deserves. Effotel by Sayaji, Sangli changes that narrative. This is not just another hotel opening; it is a commitment to elevating the travel and events experience for an entire region. With our Effotel brand, we bring the promise of quality, warmth, and value to markets ready to embrace it. The Kolhapur-Sangli belt represents tremendous potential for business and leisure travel, and we are proud to be the first from our portfolio to plant our flag here."

Mr. Avinash Gangwani, Director at LKG Lifestyle LLP, added , "When we envisioned this project, we saw a clear gap. Sangli is a city that punches well above its weight economically, but visitors and business delegations have had very few quality accommodation options. Being part of the Effotel by Sayaji family brings not just a trusted brand name but a proven model of hospitality excellence. We are confident this property will redefine Sangli's position on Maharashtra's hospitality map and will serve as a catalyst for the city's growing tourism and corporate event ecosystem, especially given our proximity to the pilgrimage and tourism circuit around Kolhapur."

For families, pilgrims, corporate delegates, agri-trade professionals, and tourists using Sangli as a base to explore the Kolhapur-Sangli belt , this property is set to become a natural first choice. And for Sayaji Hotels, it's another well-placed step in bringing their brand's warmth and quality to the markets that have been waiting for exactly this.

Some hotels collect guests. Azerai's two Vietnam properties spent 2025 collecting awards,and quite a few of them at that.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue both entered the new year riding a wave of recognition from some of the most respected names in global travel. It's the kind of year that validates everything a hospitality brand stands for,and for Azerai, founded by veteran hotelier Adrian Zecha, it clearly signals that the vision is landing exactly as intended.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, A Tropical Oasis That the World Has Noticed

The all-suites-and-villas oceanside property in southern Vietnam had quite the run in 2025. It picked up a prestigious MICHELIN Key in October a significant honour that puts it firmly on the map for discerning travellers. Before that, The Times (UK) named it one of Southeast Asia's best boutique hotels, and it took the runner-up spot in the Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World contest,while also winning the title for Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia, the Indian Ocean, and South Pacific, a contest run by US-based Luxury Travel Advisor.

Smart Travel Asia readers voted it one of Vietnam's Top 10 Family Hotels, and Epicure magazine rounded off the year by naming it Vietnam's Best Boutique Resort for 2025.

Nestled among 4.5 hectares of lush gardens on Vietnam's southern coast,framed by Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse on one side and sweeping sand dunes on the other,the resort sits about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City on a new highway. It's the kind of location that earns its reputation before you've even checked in.

General Manager Julian Moore reflected on the recognition,"Azerai Ke Ga Bay is a lush and serene tropical oasis that draws on the richness of our cultural surroundings to offer the best of Vietnamese luxury. We are thrilled to have received these accolades and recognition and reaffirm our commitment to continue providing truly exceptional guest experiences to each individual guest."

Azerai La Residence, Hue,Where History Meets Hospitality

Meanwhile, in Vietnam's former imperial capital, Azerai La Residence, Hue was having an equally strong year. Travel + Leisure named it one of Vietnam's best upcountry hotels,and in a particularly personal honour, General Manager Minh Phan Trong was recognised as General Manager of the Year.

The 122-room property overlooking the Perfume River also made The Times of London's list of Vietnam's best hotels for 2025, landed on Tatler's Best of Vietnam list, and was named Asia-Pacific's Top Heritage Hotel by NOW Travel Asia. Smart Travel Asia readers voted it one of Vietnam's top 10 hotels for exceptional service, and MICHELIN recognised it as one of the guide's top boutique hotels in northern Vietnam for cultural getaways.

The hotel itself is a beautiful piece of history,centred on a colonial mansion built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. Its distinctive façade, with long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, is a fine example of streamline moderne art deco architecture. Staying here is as much a cultural experience as it is a luxurious one.

General Manager Minh Phan Trong summed it up,"At Azerai, we constantly strive to ensure that our hotel and experiences transform a traveler's sense of place. As we like to say: The destination is just the beginning. These recent honors tell us that we're on the right track and we look forward to helping more guests feel right at home when they stay with us."

Together, these two properties paint a picture of a brand that knows exactly what it's doing,and a 2025 that gave them every reason to walk into 2026 with confidence.

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad recently celebrated Holi with the residents of Majha Ghar Foundation, a Pune-based shelter that supports vulnerable women. The initiative, titled Phoolon Ki Holi, was organised as a heartfelt effort to spread joy, warmth, and festive cheer while strengthening the hotel’s connection with the local community.

Instead of using traditional colours, the celebration embraced an eco-friendly approach by playing Holi with flower petals. This created a safe and cheerful environment where everyone could take part comfortably. The space was filled with laughter, music, and lively conversations as the hotel team and residents came together to celebrate the festival in a warm and inclusive manner.

The celebration also carried a sweet element with the distribution of DoubleTree’s signature chocolate chip cookies, known worldwide as a symbol of the brand’s warm welcome. Along with the cookies, the team also shared essential items with the residents to support their daily needs.

Speaking about the initiative, Khizer Khan, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, said the celebration offered a meaningful opportunity for the team to connect with the community and bring smiles during the festive season. He emphasised that hospitality extends beyond the hotel’s doors and includes creating moments of kindness, care, and togetherness within society.

Through such initiatives, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad continues to promote a culture of empathy and social responsibility. The hotel believes that festivals can be celebrated not only with joy and colour but also with compassion and community spirit.