Hilton Expands in Portugal with Three New Hotels by 2026

Hilton Expands in Portugal with Three New Hotels by 2026

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 9, 2024

Hilton has announced plans to further expand its presence in Portugal with the opening of three new hotels by 2026. These properties will be introduced under the Canopy by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands, reinforcing Hilton's commitment to growing its portfolio in Southern Europe.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton's Senior Vice President for Development in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the attractiveness of Portugal's hotel investment market, noting the country's record-breaking tourist numbers. “We’re thrilled to have signed three new properties across three of our world-class brands, further expanding our Portuguese portfolio of more than 20 hotels trading and in our pipeline,” Fitzgibbon said.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Airport

The Canopy by Hilton Vilamoura Marina, set to open in 2026, will offer a boutique hotel experience in the heart of Marina Vilamoura, just 500 meters from Praia da Vilamoura. The 155-room property, developed through a franchise agreement with Arrow Global Group, will feature amenities including a restaurant, bar, spa, outdoor pool, and fitness center.

Francisco Moser, CEO of Hospitality at Details Hospitality, Sports & Leisure, part of Arrow Global, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re thrilled to be announcing Canopy by Hilton Vilamoura Marina. The Algarve received more than five million visitors last year, and there continues to be significant demand for high quality accommodation in the region. Complimenting the nearby Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, the hotel will be an exciting new lifestyle option in this key tourist destination, providing a locally inspired and welcoming stay.”

Another addition to Hilton’s Portuguese portfolio is the Santo André Beach Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, slated to open in 2025. This hotel will be Hilton’s first property in the Santiago do Cacém area, known for its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes. Developed through a franchise agreement with Mercan Properties Group, the hotel will feature 44 guest rooms, a restaurant, bar, gym, and a rooftop pool with sea views. Its location, just 200 meters from the Santo Andre and Sancha Lagoons Natural Reserve and 500 meters from Santo André Beach, makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

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Santo André Beach Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Also scheduled for a 2025 opening is the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Airport, located just five minutes from Lisbon's bustling airport. This hotel will offer 199 guest rooms and 20 suites, providing convenience for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can expect amenities such as a restaurant, bar, fitness room, and extensive conference facilities. The hotel will also feature the signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie upon arrival, a hallmark of the brand’s hospitality.

Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties Portugal, highlighted the positive impact these projects will have on the local community, stating, “Having also recently announced the stunning Hilton Alvor, these signings mark the continued expansion of our portfolio with Hilton across Portugal, under multiple brands. Importantly, these projects will benefit the travellers visiting them and the communities in which they operate within. Indeed, we expect that these three properties will create approximately 325 jobs, providing a meaningful contribution to local employment and investment in Portugal.”

These new Hilton properties will also offer benefits through the Hilton Honors loyalty program, allowing members to earn points and access exclusive rewards during their stays.


Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Marks Eight Years of Hospitality and Growth

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Marks Eight Years of Hospitality and Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai is celebrating its eighth anniversary, marking eight years of hospitality, culinary experiences and strong connections with the city. Since opening in 2018, the hotel has grown alongside Madurai’s tourism, business and hospitality sectors.

The property has built a strong presence among Leisure Travellers, Temple Tourists, Corporate Guests, MICE groups and Wedding celebrations. Over the years, it has continued to adapt to changing guest expectations while focusing on personalized and experience-led hospitality.

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Mr. V. Vasudevan, Chairman, said, “Eight years in Madurai is a milestone built on trust, commitment and strong relationships. We are proud to have grown alongside the city and look forward to creating greater value for Madurai’s hospitality landscape in the years ahead.”

The hotel is also seeing strong business momentum in 2026. During the first half of the year, Courtyard by Marriott Madurai recorded 25%+ growth, with occupancy crossing 85%. Hotel revenue grew by 19.9%, while occupancy growth stood at 8.8%.

Mr. C. Muralikrishnan, Managing Director, said, “Our eight-year journey reflects our ability to evolve with Madurai and its changing hospitality landscape. The strong growth this year reinforces our confidence in the city’s potential and our vision for the future.”

Food and beverage continues to be an important part of the hotel’s offering, with Madurai Kitchen becoming a prominent dining destination for both hotel guests and local diners. Its buffet, food festivals, brunches and curated culinary experiences have added to Madurai’s growing premium dining culture. The hotel has also strengthened its presence in the weddings and MICE segment, having hosted 25+ medical conferences, including national and global associations.

Mr. V. Akshay Ram, Executive Director, said, “Hospitality is ultimately about creating experiences that guests remember. Over the past eight years, we have continually evolved our offerings while staying committed to personalized service and meaningful guest experiences.”

Guest loyalty remains an important part of the hotel’s journey, with repeat guests returning year after year. The property also recorded record guest satisfaction in the first half of 2026. Alongside technology-led convenience, the hotel continues to focus on the human connection that remains central to hospitality.

Sustainability has also become part of the property’s daily operations. Its glass-bottle water plant and energy-efficiency initiatives have helped bring annual electricity consumption down from 2,980,550 kWh to 2,908,447 kWh, saving 72,103 kWh despite an 8.8% increase in occupancy and 19.9% growth in hotel revenue. Engineering-led operational practices have also helped reduce HLP costs from 9.4% to 8.4%.

Mr. Mahesh Padala, General Manager, said, “Our eighth anniversary is a celebration of our guests and our associates who make every experience special. The loyalty of our guests and record satisfaction this year inspire us to raise the bar even further.”

As Courtyard by Marriott Madurai enters its ninth year, the hotel will continue to focus on guest experience, F&B innovation, weddings, MICE, technology and sustainability, while growing alongside Madurai and contributing to the city’s evolving hospitality landscape.


Taj Agra Invites Guests to Embrace the Monsoon with Special Staycation Offer

Taj Agra Invites Guests to Embrace the Monsoon with Special Staycation Offer

By Hariharan U

Published on August 23, 2026

Taj Agra is inviting guests to make the most of the monsoon season with a specially curated Monsoon Staycation, combining comfortable accommodation with dining and wellness benefits for a relaxed getaway in the historic city.

The staycation offer provides guests with savings across key aspects of their stay, including accommodation, food and beverages, and spa and salon services.

Guests can avail 25% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, along with daily breakfast at the designated dining venue. The offer also includes 25% savings on food and beverages and 25% savings on spa therapies and salon services during the stay.

Speaking about the offer, Bikram Pradhan, Revenue Manager, Taj Agra, said, “The monsoon season offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reconnect and enjoy a more leisurely getaway. Through our Monsoon Staycation, we are delighted to welcome guests to Taj Agra for a relaxed and enriching experience, with thoughtfully curated dining and wellness benefits.”

Additional benefits under the offer include up to 8% NeuCoins on eligible bookings and spends, along with standard Wi-Fi throughout the stay.

Key Offer Details:

  • 25% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays
  • Daily breakfast at the designated dining venue
  • 25% savings on food and beverages
  • 25% savings on spa therapies and salon services
  • Up to 8% NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends
  • Standard Wi-Fi during the stay

The Monsoon Staycation is available for bookings from 18 July to 23 August 2026, with stays valid from 18 July to 30 September 2026.

Located in Agra, Taj Agra offers guests a blend of contemporary hospitality and the cultural heritage of the destination, making it a setting for leisure escapes, celebrations and business stays.

Booking:

Guests can book the offer through Taj Hotels' official booking platform.


The Leela Ambience Gurugram Curates New Luxury Retreat Experience

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Curates New Luxury Retreat Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2026

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences is inviting guests to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed city escape with its new Luxury Retreat Reserve, an experience created around leisurely mornings, unhurried afternoons and memorable evenings.

Set within the luxury urban sanctuary, the stay offers rooms overlooking a sprawling 1,000-acre forest, giving guests a peaceful setting while still being in the heart of the city.

The experience begins with breakfast at Spectra, the award-winning all-day dining restaurant, followed by a three-course lunch at Diya. Known for its contemporary take on Indian cuisine, Diya brings together traditional flavours and a refined dining setting.

Guests can then spend a relaxed afternoon at The Courtyard Garden, where afternoon tea is served among lush greenery and private cabanas. The setting offers a quiet break from the pace of everyday city life.

For guests who prefer to spend their leisure time outdoors, the experience also includes access to activities at The Leela Ambience Golf Greens and The Leela Cycling Trail, available at an additional charge. The 9-hole golf course offers views of the surrounding landscape, while the cycling trail features curated routes for guests looking to explore the outdoors. After an active afternoon, guests can unwind at the spa with an exclusive credit, which can be used towards personalised therapies.

As the day comes to an end, Zanotta offers an Italian dining experience with panoramic Pearl and Ruby views overlooking Gurugram’s skyline. The restaurant combines Italian cuisine, elegant interiors and a curated beverage selection for a refined evening. The experience also includes round-trip transfers within a 10-kilometre radius and a bottle of house wine, adding to the ease of the stay from arrival to departure.

Available for bookings from 1 September 2026, Luxury Retreat Reserve is designed for guests looking to step away from busy schedules and simply enjoy a slower pace, good food, outdoor experiences and the comfort of having nowhere else to be.

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