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.


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.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Gurugram with Two New ‘The Hoften’ Properties

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Gurugram with Two New ‘The Hoften’ Properties

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced a major boost to its Gurugram portfolio with the addition of two hotels Elite Millennium (South City 1) and Elite 32 Mile Stone. Both properties will now operate under “The Hoften” brand, taking ALIVAA’s total footprint in the city to four operating hotels.

Known for its smart service and youthful vibe, The Hoften brand caters to modern travellers who prefer contemporary amenities and a seamless experience. With these new signings, ALIVAA continues its mission to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing hospitality market.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Elite Millennium and Elite 32 Mile Stone into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection”, said Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business). “Gurugram is a truly dynamic destination, experiencing remarkable growth and attracting a diverse range of travellers. This strategic partnership significantly enhances our offerings, allowing us to provide our guests with an even broader range of exceptional experiences”.

Echoing this, Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted Gurugram’s importance in the company’s expansion journey. “As we strategically move towards becoming a leading national player in India’s hospitality sector, Gurugram holds a critical position in our roadmap. The city’s corporate sector, vibrant youth culture, and rising tourism make it an indispensable market for our growth, particularly for brands like The Hoften”.

For Harshal Sharma, owner of Elite Hotels, this partnership opens exciting possibilities. “Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing our hotels under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for providing outstanding stays in Gurugram,” he said.

With these two additions, ALIVAA now operates one ALIVAA Hotel and two Hoften hotels in Gurugram, further cementing its position in the city’s hospitality landscape.

About ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts
ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts is a growing hospitality group known for curating exceptional guest experiences. Its collection includes properties under the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands, focusing on quality, innovation, and guest delight. The group aims to create memorable stays across both established and emerging destinations in India


Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata

Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

Summit Hotels & Resorts, one of Eastern India’s leading hospitality groups, has unveiled its newest gem, Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata. Positioned as West Bengal’s latest luxury mountain retreat, the property is just 22 kilometers from Darjeeling and offers the rare balance of easy accessibility with unmatched tranquility.

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What makes the resort stand out is its uninterrupted views of the entire Kanchenjunga range. Guests can now enjoy what is usually reserved for early-morning treks to Tiger Hill,  all from the comfort of their private balcony. The boutique property features 16 elegant rooms, including cozy Premium Rooms and spacious Balcony Rooms, each designed to showcase the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Wellness sits at the heart of Summit Enigma’s philosophy. The signature Meta Spa blends local inspirations into its therapies, alongside facilities like steam, sauna, and a Kanchenjunga-facing Jacuzzi that offers an indulgent yet immersive mountain experience. Dining is equally thoughtful at CloudSong Restaurant, where menus focus on farm-to-table freshness, local produce, and specialties such as the popular Desi Kukkad Curry.

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Beyond luxury, the resort emphasizes authentic cultural and ecological connections. Guests can walk to nearby farms, experience sustainable mountain agriculture, and engage with local communities where traditions still thrive in harmony with nature. Wildlife too adds its charm, with deer sightings on the property reminding guests of the region’s natural richness.

Lamahata’s location further enhances the appeal. While Darjeeling offers its bustling hill-station vibe, Lamahata provides a peaceful alternative, yet remains close to monasteries, tea gardens, the Lamahata Eco Park, and heritage attractions. This balance allows travelers to enjoy serenity without missing out on iconic experiences.

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“Enigma is more than just a property launch, it is Summit’s boldest interpretation of mountain hospitality to date. We have created a retreat where every moment, every view, and every detail reflects the mystery and beauty of the Himalayas”. said Sumit Mitruka, CEO and Founder of Summit Hotels & Resorts.

With this opening, Summit Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position in India’s premium hospitality market. Guided by Mitruka’s vision, the group now operates over 30 hotels and resorts across 17 destinations, employing more than 1,000 people, most from local communities. Looking ahead, Summit plans to expand to 50 properties by 2030 while continuing to blend luxury, sustainability, and authentic regional experiences.

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