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.


Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a specially curated Independence Day stay package, available from 1st to 19th  August 2026 across its properties, except Udaipur. Designed for leisure travellers and families, the limited-period offer combines festive touches with signature hospitality to create a memorable holiday experience.

Guests booking the package will be welcomed with a signature tricolour beverage on arrival, along with an exclusive Independence Day amenity. The stay also includes complimentary early check-in and late check-out, as well as a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, all subject to availability.

To make the celebration even more enjoyable, guests can savour a chef-curated three-course meal once during their stay, along with complimentary evening snacks. They can also enjoy 20% savings on food and beverages across participating hotel outlets.

Families travelling together will benefit from the offer, with up to two children below 12 years staying complimentary when sharing the existing bedding.

Available for a limited period, the Independence Day package reflects Ramee Group of Hotels' commitment to creating thoughtful and comfortable guest experiences, bringing together festive celebrations, dining, and family-friendly benefits under one offering.


ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

By Hariharan U

Published on August 6, 2026

ELIVAAS has strengthened its presence in Jim Corbett with the launch of five new hospitality experiences Farm Naturelle, Sylvaara, Puvalgarh Farms, Aranya Library, and Dhela Jungle Retreat, expanding its portfolio in one of India's fastest-growing wildlife and leisure destinations.

The expansion reflects the evolving preferences of modern travellers, who are increasingly seeking immersive, experience-led holidays over conventional hotel stays. Together, the five properties offer diverse accommodation formats ranging from luxury farm stays and boutique retreats to private villas and full-service resort experiences, all underpinned by ELIVAAS' focus on personalised hospitality.

Farm Naturelle is an eight-acre farm retreat surrounded by orchards, organic farmland, and lush green landscapes, offering guests a luxury villa experience inspired by slow rural living.

Sylvaara has been designed as an intimate boutique retreat, catering to couples, families, and small groups looking for contemporary luxury amidst nature.

Puvalgarh Farms combines the charm of an English countryside estate with the serenity of Jim Corbett's wilderness. The property features a four-bedroom villa and a cottage-style suite, making it ideal for exclusive family holidays and group getaways.

Aranya Library introduces thoughtfully designed row villas featuring landscaped surroundings, dedicated reading spaces, and private accommodations suited for extended family vacations and longer stays.

Completing the collection, Dhela Jungle Retreat offers a nature-inspired resort experience with spacious suites, duplex accommodations, dining venues, and recreational facilities designed to complement the natural landscape of Jim Corbett.

Across all five properties, guests can enjoy curated destination experiences including wildlife safaris, bonfire evenings, farm activities, outdoor dining, private celebrations, and personalised concierge services, allowing visitors to experience Jim Corbett beyond the traditional hotel stay.

image

Commenting on the expansion, Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO, ELIVAAS, said that Jim Corbett has evolved into much more than a wildlife destination, with travellers increasingly seeking authentic, immersive, and personalised hospitality experiences. He added that the five new properties have been developed to cater to different travel preferences while maintaining ELIVAAS' commitment to thoughtful design, exceptional service, and memorable stays.

The latest expansion reinforces ELIVAAS' strategy of building destination-led hospitality experiences that provide travellers with the flexibility to choose between farm stays, boutique retreats, luxury villas, and resort accommodations under a single hospitality brand.


Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.

The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.

The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.

The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.

Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.

He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.