Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s leading hospitality company, has expanded its brand portfolio by launching Gateway, a new full-service upscale hotel brand. The debut of this brand begins with the opening of Gateway Bekal, a riverside retreat located in Kerala.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, announced the brand's launch, stating, "Expanding IHCL’s brandscape, the reimagined Gateway introduces a full-service hotel offering in the upscale segment, an ideal fit to capture growth opportunities in micro markets of metros and Tier II and Tier III cities." He emphasized that Gateway is designed to meet the growing domestic demand for quality accommodations and large banqueting facilities in emerging cities.

The roll-out of the Gateway brand starts with Gateway Bekal and includes the transition of four existing hotels in Nashik, Coonoor, Madurai, and Chikmagalur. IHCL aims to expand the current portfolio from 17 hotels to 100 by 2030.

The re-imagined Gateway brand is committed to capturing the unique spirit and culture of each destination it serves. Every Gateway hotel will offer generously sized guestrooms and suites, locally inspired culinary options, and vibrant, culturally rich spaces. Guests can also expect extensive meeting and event spaces, as well as recreational facilities, including a pool, fitness center, and children's activity areas. Additionally, the integration of technology, such as in-lobby digital touchscreens, will offer interactive ways for guests to explore the hotel and its surroundings.

Leah Tata, Vice President and Brand Leader of Gateway Hotels & Resorts, described Gateway Bekal as a "riverside retreat nestled amidst the serene backwaters of Kerala." She added that the hotel serves as a unique showcase for the destination's character through its art, design, and cultural nuances. Special features like the hi-tea cart in the hotel lobby highlight local food culture and offer guests a window into the destination.

Gateway Bekal offers 151 well-appointed guest rooms, cottages, suites, and villas. The hotel features a diverse range of dining options, including Earth Pavilion, an all-day diner, and High Tide, a bar known for its signature cocktails. For events and celebrations, Gateway Bekal provides versatile banqueting spaces, including a sundial amphitheatre, a grand ballroom, a banquet hall, and two meeting rooms.

The hotel's recreational amenities include a pool bar with a children's pool and jacuzzi, a spa, and a state-of-the-art gym. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities such as birdwatching, local art and dance workshops, houseboat rides, and a 1.5 km jogging track along the riverside.