Hyatt Centric Makes Its Debut in Kolkata with New Ballygunge Location

Hyatt Centric Makes Its Debut in Kolkata with New Ballygunge Location

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 5, 2024

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled the Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, marking a significant expansion of the Hyatt Centric brand in Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy. This launch, in collaboration with Mukti Projects Limited, introduces a vibrant lifestyle hotel experience, intricately woven with the rich cultural backdrop of Ballygunge.

The hotel features 93 modern rooms and suites designed to offer supreme comfort and a stylish base from which guests can explore the city. Located in the heart of Ballygunge, the Hyatt Centric encourages guests to dive into the local culture and discover the neighborhood’s dynamic blend of art, culture, and hospitality.

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Glen Dsouza, General Manager of Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, expressed his enthusiasm about the opening, stating, "We are excited to bring Hyatt Centric's unique hospitality to Kolkata, offering guests not just a place to stay but a gateway to deeply experience the city’s essence. Our aim is to create memorable stays that connect our guests to the heart and soul of Ballygunge."

The hotel is strategically positioned to provide easy access to iconic local attractions such as the Birla Planetarium, Science City, Victoria Memorial, and Eden Gardens. Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata aims to create an unforgettable experience for its guests, starting with a warm welcome drink and unfolding into a journey filled with exploration and discovery.

Dhruva Rathore, Vice President of Development, India & South West Asia at Hyatt, noted, "The opening of Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata is a proud moment for us as it not only adds to our growing portfolio in India but also aligns with our commitment to integrating into regions rich in culture and history like Kolkata."

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Guests of the Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata can enjoy a variety of onsite amenities, including a tranquil outdoor pool on the seventh floor, a rejuvenating spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel also offers exceptional culinary experiences and versatile event spaces, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

This new opening marks the seventh Hyatt Centric hotel in India, joining others in prime cities such as New Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Dehradun, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh. It represents a notable enhancement of Hyatt’s footprint in Kolkata, promising a sophisticated, culturally rich lodging option for travelers.


THSC and The Lalit Suri Hospitality School Join Hands to Boost Hospitality Skilling in India

THSC and The Lalit Suri Hospitality School Join Hands to Boost Hospitality Skilling in India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 24, 2025

In a major step towards building a skilled and inclusive workforce in India's hospitality sector, the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS). The signing ceremony took place at The Lalit, New Delhi, in the presence of prominent leaders from both organisations.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC. Also present at the event were Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC, Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Mr. Anupam Mukherjee, Dean, TLSHS, along with senior officials.

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This partnership signifies a shared commitment to enhancing hospitality education by aligning academic training with real-time industry requirements. The focus is on structured, inclusive, and employability-driven programs to skill youth and open national and international career opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri stated, "This partnership signifies a powerful convergence of academic expertise and industry demand. At The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, we believe in building not just businesses but communities, and skilling is a key pillar of that philosophy."

Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC, added, "Such partnerships are the backbone of a strong, demand-driven skilling ecosystem that responds to real industry needs and unlocks true potential among India's youth—especially in tourism, one of the most people-centric sectors."

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Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC, highlighted the sector's evolution, saying, "With institutions like TLSHS, we can ensure that students receive not only domain knowledge but also industry-relevant exposure, life skills, and certifications that open doors globally."

Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, emphasized inclusivity, stating, "Through this partnership, we hope to skill and place youth from diverse backgrounds—including the LGBTQIA+ community and economically weaker sections—so they can thrive in an industry built on service and compassion."

This MoU is expected to play a key role in bridging the gap between industry expectations and academic delivery, ensuring a job-ready and globally competent talent pool for India’s ever-growing hospitality and tourism sector.


IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to Add 15 New Hotels Across East and North India

IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to Add 15 New Hotels Across East and North India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced a major expansion of its partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group through the signing of agreements for 15 new hotels. These properties will be spread across West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh, and will be a mix of greenfield, brownfield, and conversion projects. The partnership is set to grow to over 40 hotels in total.

These new projects will include iconic brands from IHCL’s portfolio, with a majority expected to operate under the Taj brand. Among the first four confirmed projects are a Taj in Darjeeling, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri, and a Tree of Life in Lataguri. Several of the properties will also include Taj branded villas in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lataguri, and Raichak.

Commenting on the development, IHCL’s Managing Director & CEO Puneet Chhatwal said,

“IHCL’s pioneering legacy of building destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and the Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands will now extend to unlocking the tourism potential of the East and North East with this agreement.”

He added that the capital-light model and strategic locations will support tourism development in relatively unexplored regions.

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, echoed this vision:

“North East, the unexplored region of India has tremendous potential for bespoke luxury travel… The addition of premium room inventory this fiscal to Taj Chia Kutir in Kurseong as well as the upcoming Taj branded luxury villas in Darjeeling, Lataguri, and Gangtok reflects the growing demand from the segment.”

This partnership highlights IHCL’s focus on destination-led development. With Taj recently named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, the group is poised to bring world-class hospitality to new Indian regions and strengthen its footprint in the leisure travel segment.

Timeline (Indicative):

  • Current FY: Launch of Taj Chia Kutir, Kurseong and Taj villas in key destinations.

  • Next 5 Years: Progressive launch of 15 hotels under Taj, SeleQtions, and Tree of Life across the identified locations.


A Global Masterpiece: CRC The PERIDONA Redefines Ultra-Luxury Living in NCR

A Global Masterpiece: CRC The PERIDONA Redefines Ultra-Luxury Living in NCR

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2025

CRC Group, a prominent name in North India’s real estate market, has unveiled its most ambitious residential project yet—The PERIDONA—an ultra-luxury experiential development located in the lush expanse of Jaypee Greens Golf Course, Greater Noida. With an investment of ₹1500 crore (excluding land cost), the project is a bold step into the super-premium segment, bringing together world-renowned collaborators to shape an elite residential experience.

Spanning 3.1 million sq. ft. of built-up area, The PERIDONA will feature just 341 exclusive apartment units, each occupying an entire floor, offering unparalleled privacy and panoramic views. This one-apartment-per-floor model redefines space, elegance, and exclusivity in luxury urban living.

What truly sets the project apart is its unprecedented global collaboration. The PERIDONA boasts a design ensemble featuring:

  • Killa Design, creators of Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future;

  • Gensler Architects, global leaders in futuristic architecture;

  • Rockwell Group, the interior visionaries behind India’s most opulent lifestyle clubs;

  • SWA Group, known for sustainability-led landscape architecture;

  • MACE, the UK-based global consultancy firm specializing in project delivery and execution.

Unveiled at an exclusive event in Dubai, the project reflects CRC Group’s bold ambition. “With The PERIDONA, we are entering the ultra-luxury space with intent and vision,” said Kunal Bhalla, Founder & CEO of CRC Group. “From eco-sensitive planning to globally curated materials and amenities, every detail is designed around our core philosophy: Live More. This project is not just about homes—it’s about delivering a complete, elevated lifestyle.”

Adding to the vision, Salil Kumar, Director (Marketing & Business Management), shared, “This is more than just real estate—it’s a legacy. With international consultants, lush green surroundings, and proximity to major infrastructure like the upcoming Noida International Airport, PERIDONA is set to become one of the most sought-after addresses in India.”

The development also features a luxurious multi-level clubhouse, wellness zones, serene water bodies, and smart home integration. MACE’s project management will ensure timely, precision-led delivery. With construction commencing next month, The PERIDONA is expected to reshape expectations of modern urban living in NCR.

Strategically located just 20 minutes from the upcoming Noida International Airport—touted to be the fourth-largest in the world—this ultra-luxury enclave is not just a place to live, but an asset poised for strong long-term returns.

With design pedigree, global execution, and a hyper-curated lifestyle approach, CRC The PERIDONA is more than just a residential project—it’s an architectural statement, setting a bold new benchmark for Indian luxury real estate.

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