HCL to Open New Gateway Hotel in Buddhist Pilgrimage Site Sarnath

HCL to Open New Gateway Hotel in Buddhist Pilgrimage Site Sarnath

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 6, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India's premier hospitality organization, has announced a significant expansion in its spiritual tourism circuit with the signing of a new hotel in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. This new property, which will operate under the re-imagined Gateway brand, marks IHCL's continued commitment to enhancing its presence in key pilgrimage destinations.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, "Sarnath is a pivotal location in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit, and our new Gateway hotel will cater to the spiritual and cultural needs of our guests. We are thrilled to collaborate with Raj Hotels for this project, which promises to be a landmark in the region."

The Gateway Sarnath will be the city's largest hotel, featuring 160 well-appointed rooms. The hotel's amenities are designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers, with an all-day diner, a bar, and extensive recreational facilities including a gymnasium and a swimming pool. Additionally, the hotel will offer over 6,500 square feet of banquet space alongside multiple meeting rooms, making it an ideal venue for social and corporate events.

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Vishal Singh, Chairman of Raj Hotels, highlighted the partnership's benefits, saying, "Introducing the first branded hotel in Sarnath with IHCL will significantly elevate the city's hospitality standards. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will set new benchmarks in the region."

Sarnath holds historical significance as one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites, renowned as the location where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. The development of this hotel is poised to attract more visitors to the area, contributing to the local economy and the broader tourism industry.

With this addition, IHCL will operate 24 hotels across Uttar Pradesh, including properties under the Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger brands, with 11 more under development. This expansion is part of IHCL’s broader strategy to diversify its portfolio and enhance its offerings in the spiritual tourism sector, reinforcing its leadership in the Indian hospitality market.


Sterling Kanha Resort Wins TripAdvisor "Best of the Best" Award for 2024

Sterling Kanha Resort Wins TripAdvisor "Best of the Best" Award for 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 20, 2024

Sterling Holiday Resorts is proud to announce that Sterling Kanha has been recognized in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards for 2024, earning the prestigious "Best of the Best" accolade for the second consecutive year in the Best Boutique Hotels category.

TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel platform, serves over 463 million travelers each month and features more than 859 million reviews. The "Best of the Best" award is given to less than 1% of the 8.6 million accommodations listed on TripAdvisor across 49 countries. This distinction highlights Sterling Kanha's exceptional service and quality, placing it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide.

In addition to Sterling Kanha's recognition, 26 Sterling resorts received the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award for 2024, which honors the top 10% of accommodations on TripAdvisor. This broad recognition underscores Sterling's commitment to providing memorable and unique experiences for guests.

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Mr. Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, expressed his delight, stating, "At Sterling, we are dedicated to offering memorable stays filled with unique experiences. Sterling Kanha receiving the 'Best of the Best' award for the second year in a row is a significant achievement that strengthens our brand's stature in the hospitality industry and reaffirms our commitment to delivering on our brand promise to every guest."

Sterling Kanha is a picturesque property set on 8.5 acres along the Banjar River, close to Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve. The resort features classic tents and spacious villas with machans, perfect for families. Guests can enjoy delectable local dishes and regular favorites at the resort's restaurant, and relax by the swimming pool with its spectacular views.

Summer is an ideal time to visit Sterling Kanha, offering the best opportunities to spot tigers in the wild while enjoying the award-winning hospitality of the resort.

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About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is a leading hospitality company in India, managing 48 resorts, hotels, and retreats across 44 destinations. The company caters to a wide range of travel needs including leisure stays, meetings and conferences (MICE), destination weddings, reunions, picnics, and group travel. Under its brands Sterling and Nature Trails, the company offers diverse locations including hills, beaches, jungles, waterfronts, adventure spots, heritage sites, pilgrimages, and drive-to destinations.

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Sterling operates resorts in popular destinations such as Alleppey, Anaikatti, Athirappilly, Corbett, Chail, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Gir, Goa, Godavari, Guruvayur, Haridwar, Kalimpong, Kanha, Karwar, Kodaikanal, Kufri, Lonavala, Madurai, Manali, Mount Abu, Munnar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Ooty, Panchgani, Pench, Puri, Pushkar, Rishikesh, Sariska, Shimla, Srinagar, Thekkady, Tiruvannamalai, Udaipur, Vythiri, Wayanad, Yelagiri, and Yercaud. Nature Trails operates eco-adventure retreats at unique destinations in Maharashtra: Durshet, Kundalika, and Sajan.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is a part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL), India's leading integrated travel and travel-related financial services company.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands with New Property in Somnath, Gujarat

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands with New Property in Somnath, Gujarat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 19, 2024

Lemon Tree Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, has announced the signing of a new property, Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, in the historic temple town of Somnath, Gujarat. Scheduled to commence operations in FY 2025, this property is set to enrich the region's accommodation offerings, catering to the increasing number of pilgrims and tourists.

Situated at a strategic location near the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three rivers, Somnath is a town steeped in spiritual significance. Home to the revered Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, the area attracts devotees and history enthusiasts from across the nation. The town is also noted for other attractions such as the Gita Temple, Suraj Mandir, Bhalka Teerth, as well as its vibrant festivals like Somnath Mahadev Fair and Maha Shivaratri, celebrated with great zeal.

Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Somnath will offer 52 well-appointed rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for its guests. Additional amenities include a restaurant for culinary delights, a meeting room suited for business engagements, and a banquet hall for hosting larger events and celebrations. The property’s proximity to Diu Airport and Veraval Junction Railway Station, along with convenient road connections, makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both spirituality and relaxation.

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Vilas Pawar, CEO- Managed & Franchise Business of Lemon Tree Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: "We are thrilled to extend our presence in Gujarat, a state that continues to show immense potential for hospitality growth, especially in tier II, III, and IV cities. The opening of Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels in Somnath is part of our strategic initiative to enhance our portfolio across India and offer top-tier accommodations and services to our guests."

With this new addition, Lemon Tree Hotels aims to meet the growing demand for quality lodging in Gujarat’s pilgrimage sites and contribute to the local tourism and hospitality landscape. This expansion aligns with the company’s objective to support the cultural and religious tourism that thrives in regions like Somnath.

For more information about Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels, Somnath, or to make reservations, please visit Lemon Tree Hotels' website.

This strategic move by Lemon Tree Hotels not only underscores their commitment to broadening their geographical footprint but also enhances their capability to serve the diverse needs of travelers visiting Gujarat for both spiritual and leisure pursuits.


Tribute Portfolio Debuts in the United Arab Emirates

Tribute Portfolio Debuts in the United Arab Emirates

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 19, 2024

The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai's newest urban oasis, makes its Middle East debut with Marriott Bonvoy. This vibrant hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, seamlessly blends the city’s dynamic energy with the tranquility of a beach retreat, offering a unique escape in the heart of Dubai.

Capturing Dubai’s contemporary pulse, The First Collection provides easy access to iconic landmarks and attractions while embracing the community-centric design of Jumeirah Village Circle. With a plethora of amenities including parks, schools, and recreational facilities, guests can immerse themselves in the essence of modern Dubai.

Featuring 491 bespoke guestrooms and 26 boutique suites, each meticulously designed to offer a sanctuary amidst the city bustle, The First Collection ensures a luxurious stay for every guest. From the TFC Horizon Suite with its private plunge pool to the inviting interiors inspired by nature’s beauty, every detail exudes elegance and sophistication.

For the culinary section, from the lively ambiance of Santè Ria, serving authentic South American cuisine, to the international buffet and live BBQ stations at Village Bistro, there is something to satisfy every palate. The Pool Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with live sports and refreshing beverages, while Risen Cafe & Artisanal Bakery provides handcrafted delights and the hotel’s signature coffee blend.

After a day of exploration, rejuvenate your senses at the Rayya Wellness Spa, where expert therapists offer a range of treatments tailored to your needs. For the ultimate relaxation, access the Mediterranean-inspired Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, complete with sun loungers, cabanas, and private beach access.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle offers an unparalleled experience, complemented by Marriott Bonvoy's award-winning travel program. Earn points for your stay and unlock exclusive benefits, ensuring a memorable stay in Dubai.

Experience luxury and vibrance at The First Collection, where every moment is designed to enchant and inspire. Book your stay now and discover the essence of modern Dubai with Tribute Portfolio.

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