IHCL Signs Ginger Hotel in Chakan, Maharashtra

IHCL Signs Ginger Hotel in Chakan, Maharashtra

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 7, 2024

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Ginger hotel in Chakan, Maharashtra. This new hotel will offer a premium experience that reflects the brand’s signature lean luxe philosophy. With 210 keys, it will be part of a mixed-use development, bringing modern amenities and a welcoming environment to this key industrial region.

Strategic Location in Industrial Hub

Chakan is a rapidly growing industrial area, strategically located on the northern edge of the Pune Metropolitan Region. It is home to numerous multinational companies, particularly in the automobile and engineering sectors. The hotel’s location ensures easy connectivity to Pune, Nashik, and Mumbai, making it an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Modern Amenities and Dining Experience

The Ginger Chakan will feature a range of modern amenities, including Ginger's signature all-day-dining restaurant, Qmin, and a bar offering a blend of global cuisine and local specialties. Guests will also enjoy a well-equipped gym and versatile meeting spaces, making it suitable for both relaxation and business needs.

Collaboration with Bhansali and Hermes Groups

This exciting project is a collaboration between IHCL, The Bhansali Landmark Group, and The Hermes Group. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President of Real Estate & Development at IHCL, said, “Chakan’s position as a major industrial hub, along with its connectivity to Pune city, Nashik, and Mumbai, makes it integral to IHCL’s strategy of expanding into key industrial and manufacturing hubs across the country. We are delighted to partner with The Bhansali Landmark Group and The Hermes Group for this project.”

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Sachin Bhansali of The Bhansali Landmark Group added, “We are delighted to join forces with IHCL, a name synonymous with trust and excellence in the hospitality sector. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for us.”

Ketan Thakkar of The Hermes Group expressed, “We are honoured and excited to collaborate with IHCL of the Tata Group, whose legacy of excellence and trust inspires us.”

Expanding IHCL's Presence in Maharashtra

With the addition of Ginger Chakan, IHCL will now operate 38 hotels in Maharashtra, with 14 more under development. The new hotel will strengthen the company’s presence in the state, further solidifying its reputation in the hospitality industry.

The Bhansali Landmark Group, founded in 1971, and The Hermes Group, established in 1972, bring decades of expertise in real estate and development, making them ideal partners for this project.

An Important Milestone for IHCL

The signing of Ginger Chakan marks an exciting development for IHCL in one of Maharashtra's most vital industrial regions. The hotel will offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and modern amenities, ensuring it becomes a preferred choice for guests visiting this thriving hub.


Lords Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Gujarat Presence with Four New Signings

Lords Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Gujarat Presence with Four New Signings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 27, 2024

Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of four new properties in Gujarat, taking its total presence in the state to 28 hotels. This strategic expansion highlights the group's unwavering commitment to offering premium hospitality in one of India's most dynamic regions.

The newly signed properties include:

  • Lords Inn Sanand: A 61-room hotel scheduled to open by July 2025.

  • Lords Studio Inn Kodinar: A boutique property with 23 rooms, opening in October 2025.

  • Lords Inn Una: Featuring 40 rooms, set to welcome guests by December 2025.

  • Lords Inn Gir: Offering 44 rooms, projected to open in 2026.

These hotels promise thoughtfully designed amenities, including banquet facilities and multi-cuisine restaurants that embrace local culinary traditions. With a focus on providing unforgettable experiences, each property is tailored to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Pushpendra Bansal, Chief Operating Officer of Lords Hotels & Resorts, shared his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the signing of four hotels in Gujarat, a state celebrated for its rich culture, vibrant heritage, and thriving ecosystem. These signings reflect the strong momentum our brand has built over the years."

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He further added, "We remain committed to upholding the legacy of the Lords brand as we continue our journey toward success."

With these additions, Lords Hotels & Resorts now manages a portfolio of 70 hotels and over 3,000 keys across three countries. As the brand grows, its core philosophy of delivering "True Value Hospitality" remains steadfast, ensuring exceptional guest experiences across all its properties.


OYO Faces Rising Turmoil: Layoffs, Legal Troubles, and Hotelier Backlash

OYO Faces Rising Turmoil: Layoffs, Legal Troubles, and Hotelier Backlash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

The troubles for OYO, one of India’s most prominent unicorn startups, continue to escalate. According to an Economic Times report, the company plans to lay off 2,000 employees by the end of January as part of its cost-cutting measures, which also include automation of processes. While OYO touts itself as one of the “best places to work,” the planned layoffs come amidst mounting internal and external challenges.

An OYO spokesperson stated, “OYO continuously tracks performances of individuals, and depending on the results and the individual’s interests, we may replace some candidates after giving them the opportunity to go through a performance improvement programme.” However, layoffs are just one part of the growing crisis the company faces.

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Backlash from Hotel Owners

OYO’s problems extend beyond its workforce. The startup is under fire from hotel owners across various markets for unpaid dues and unfavorable contract terms. In India, the dissatisfaction has even led to legal action. Recently, a Bengaluru hotelier filed a cheating case against OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal and six others, alleging non-payment of INR 7 lakh per month since May 2019.

Globally, similar issues persist. In the United States, hotel owners have raised concerns about OYO’s partner management system, citing its inefficiency and failure to meet payment commitments. In Japan, Yahoo terminated its partnership with OYO due to increasing complaints from hotel owners. Even in China, where OYO claims to be one of the largest hotel chains, property owners report receiving lower payments than initially promised.

Regulatory Scrutiny

Adding to its woes, OYO is also under investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The probe focuses on a commercial agreement between OYO and MakeMyTrip, examining whether the partnership creates an unfair dominant position in the market.

Global Troubles Continue

The startup’s ambitious expansion into the US market has not been smooth, with several hotel owners expressing dissatisfaction with OYO’s operations. The issues of unpaid dues and operational inefficiencies seem to mirror the problems reported in other markets.

Despite these challenges, OYO continues to assert its commitment to growth and operational excellence. However, the growing dissent from hotel owners, legal battles, and regulatory scrutiny highlight a critical need for the company to address its operational inefficiencies and rebuild trust with its partners.

With these mounting issues, the road ahead for OYO appears increasingly complex. Will the unicorn be able to navigate these turbulent waters, or is its ambitious expansion strategy taking a toll on its foundational stability?


Mahakumbh 2025 Welcomes First Upscale Hotel: Regenta Evolife Dome City

Mahakumbh 2025 Welcomes First Upscale Hotel: Regenta Evolife Dome City

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) is all set to elevate the hospitality experience during Mahakumbh 2025 with the launch of Regenta Evolife Dome City, a one-of-a-kind upscale pop-up resort in Prayagraj. Strategically situated near the main bathing point and activity areas of the Mahakumbh Mela, this luxury offering will cater to international and domestic travelers looking for premium accommodations during the world’s largest religious gathering.

A Unique Hospitality Milestone

Scheduled to open on 15th January 2025, Regenta Evolife Dome City will feature a variety of accommodations, including luxurious tents and architecturally stunning domes. These unique domes not only offer a serene retreat but also provide guests with immersive stargazing opportunities. Complementing this are wellness activities such as yoga and meditation, a private beach for intimate ceremonies, and curated culinary experiences.

Exclusive Services for Memorable Stays

Guests at Regenta Evolife Dome City can enjoy a host of exclusive offerings, including complimentary airport transfers, meals tailored to preferences, and boat rides. The resort aims to blend spiritual enrichment with recreational luxury, making it a preferred destination for those attending Mahakumbh 2025.

Reimagining Spiritual Hospitality

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Arjun Baljee, President of ROHL, shared his vision, stating, “2024 was the year we began redefining our hospitality brands, and 2025 is when we execute those plans. Mahakumbh 2025 provides the perfect stage to showcase Regenta Evolife Dome City, combining quality accommodations and unparalleled service in a spiritual epicenter.”

Meeting a Growing Demand for Luxury Accommodations

Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to attract an unprecedented 400 to 450 million visitors. Despite its spiritual significance, Prayagraj has long faced a shortage of high-quality accommodations for international tourists. Regenta Evolife Dome City aims to address this gap, offering world-class hospitality during this iconic event.

Collaboration and Innovation

Highlighting the collaborative effort, Mr. Alok Chauhan, the project’s developer, said, “We are thrilled to partner with ROHL to create this one-of-a-kind upscale property. With our excellence in dome architecture and Regenta’s signature hospitality, we aim to make every visitor’s stay unforgettable.”

Discover Prayagraj

Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers, holds immense spiritual significance. As one of the four cities to host the Kumbh Mela, the city attracts millions of pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and tourists. Its rich heritage, ancient temples, and historical monuments make Prayagraj a must-visit destination during the Mahakumbh.

About Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels

With over 110 hotels across India, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. is one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains. The Regenta brand extends its offerings to discerning travelers through categories like Regenta Resort, Regenta Inn, and more, combining convenience, affordability, and luxury.

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