IHCL Unveils Taj Puri Resort & Spa: A Coastal Gem in Odisha

IHCL Unveils Taj Puri Resort & Spa: A Coastal Gem in Odisha

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 28, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has officially unveiled its latest luxury offering, Taj Puri Resort & Spa, in the revered coastal town of Puri, Odisha. This luxurious beachfront property, located along the Bay of Bengal, marks IHCL’s entry into one of India’s most culturally rich destinations.

A Tribute to Heritage and Luxury

Just a short stroll from Puri Beach, the resort features 90 elegantly designed rooms and suites that offer breathtaking views of the ocean and lush landscaped gardens. The property’s design draws inspiration from Odisha’s Kalinga architecture, with interiors showcasing intricate Pattachitra art, Ikat weaves, Khondalite and laterite stonework, and terracotta details, blending timeless elegance with local heritage.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, including:

  • Vista: An all-day dining restaurant.
  • Jaatra: A specialty restaurant fusing Odia and Indonesian flavors with South East Asian cuisine.
  • Jaatra Bar: Offering innovative cocktails with spectacular views of the Bay of Bengal.

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Wellness and Event Spaces

For relaxation and rejuvenation, the J Wellness Circle offers therapies inspired by ancient traditions, complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort also boasts a sprawling 14,000 sq. ft. lawn for weddings and large gatherings, alongside modern indoor banquet facilities.

A Strategic Move

Speaking at the launch, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, stated, “By introducing iconic locations like Puri to the global luxury stage, we honor India’s rich heritage while pioneering new markets. This resort is a significant addition to our east coast spiritual circuit, further unlocking the region’s tourism potential.”

Welcoming Guests with Warm Odia Hospitality

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Ankit Tandon, General Manager of Taj Puri Resort & Spa, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are delighted to welcome guests to Taj Puri Resort & Spa. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences that reflect the warmth of Odia hospitality.”

Exploring Puri: Beyond Spiritual Significance

Puri, home to the iconic Jagannath Temple and one of the four Char Dhams, draws millions of pilgrims annually. Beyond its spiritual allure, the destination enchants travelers with its golden beaches, vibrant festivals like Rath Yatra, and traditional crafts, including Pattachitra art.

With the addition of Taj Puri Resort & Spa, IHCL now operates six properties in Odisha, including one under development, reinforcing its commitment to showcasing India’s diverse cultural and natural beauty.


Hilton Bengaluru Manyata Turns 3 with a Unique Green Pledge

Hilton Bengaluru Manyata Turns 3 with a Unique Green Pledge

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2025

Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park is celebrating its third anniversary with a heartfelt sustainability initiative: for every room booked during May 2025, a tree will be planted in the guest’s name. This thoughtful program is being carried out in collaboration with SayTrees Environmental Trust, reinforcing the hotel’s ongoing commitment to the environment and community well-being.

More than a symbolic act, the initiative ensures real impact. Each tree planted will be geotagged, maintained by a local farmer, and visible to the guest through a digital dashboard. With a survival rate of over 90%, these trees not only offset carbon but also support rural livelihoods and promote long-term ecological growth.

“Our third anniversary is not just a celebration — it’s a reaffirmation of our values,” said Mr. Manish Garg, General Manager, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park.
“This year, we wanted to create something lasting. Planting a tree for every booking is our way of saying thank you — to our guests, to our community, and to the planet we all share.”

The hotel’s broader sustainability efforts are already well recognized. From heating 15,000 liters of water daily through solar energy to replacing 2,500 plastic bottles with in-house glass bottling and eliminating single-use plastics in guest rooms, Hilton Bengaluru Manyata is paving the way in responsible hospitality. Refillable amenities and eco-friendly mugs further reflect its mindful approach to environmental stewardship.

Since opening in 2022, the hotel has emerged as a leading business and MICE destination in North Bengaluru, offering nearly 60,000 sq. ft. of event space across 22 modern venues. Its location within the Embassy Manyata Business Park and just 30 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport makes it ideal for both international and domestic travelers.

With a dual-brand setup housing both Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn under one roof, the hotel combines convenience, luxury, and sustainability. Guests also enjoy easy access to Bengaluru’s top entertainment, dining, and shopping spots—making it a complete lifestyle destination.

By choosing to plant a tree for every stay, Hilton Bengaluru Manyata is turning hospitality into a movement—one that contributes to a greener India, one guest at a time.


Pride Hotels Group Strengthens Gujarat Presence with New Signings in Gandhinagar and Surat

Pride Hotels Group Strengthens Gujarat Presence with New Signings in Gandhinagar and Surat

By Mnau Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2025

Pride Hotels Group has announced two strategic signings in Gujarat—Pride Elite Gandhinagar and Biznotel by Pride Surat—further cementing its presence in western India. These additions reflect the Group’s ongoing expansion plans and elevate its hotel count in Gujarat to 6 under the Biznotel brand and 4 under the Elite brand.

Pride Elite Gandhinagar, developed in collaboration with the Plutus Group, brings 70 elegantly designed rooms, over 10,000 sq. ft. of adaptable banquet space, and two signature dining experiences to the state capital. Strategically located near the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, the property aims to cater to a growing demand from exhibitions, trade fairs, and government conventions.

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Meanwhile, Biznotel by Pride Surat, in partnership with the Samprati Group, features 57 luxurious rooms and a striking 13,000 sq. ft. banquet hall with an impressive 20-ft ceiling. Located in one of India’s leading hubs for diamonds and textiles, the property is expected to serve the booming demand from MSMEs and corporate gatherings in the region.

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“At Pride Hotels Group, we remain focused on our vision to penetrate high-growth Tier 2 cities with differentiated brands catering to evolving traveler preferences,” said Mr. Atul Upadhyay, Executive Vice President, Pride Hotels Group.
“Both Gandhinagar and Surat represent tremendous opportunities driven by trade activity and business tourism.”

Mr. Koustuva Mukherjee, AVP – Gujarat Region, added,

“These new signings in two distinctly thriving economic corridors mark an exciting chapter for our West Zone portfolio. Gandhinagar’s positioning as a state capital and Surat’s strength in MSME exports align perfectly with our brand strategy.”

With these additions, Pride Hotels Group now operates over 60 hotels (with 20 more in the pipeline) and more than 5,500 rooms (plus 2,000 upcoming) across India. With brands like Pride Plaza, Pride Premier, Pride Elite, and Biznotel, the Group continues to cater to a wide range of travelers—from upscale urban visitors to boutique leisure seekers and mid-scale business clients.

This expansion highlights Pride Hotels Group’s commitment to delivering culturally rooted, world-class hospitality across India’s rapidly growing cities.


Lemon Tree Hotels Strengthens Maharashtra Network with 13th Property

Lemon Tree Hotels Strengthens Maharashtra Network with 13th Property

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has officially launched its newest property—Lemon Tree Hotel, Mira Road, Mumbai—marking the group’s 13th hotel in Maharashtra. The stylish and vibrant hotel features 108 well-appointed rooms along with a range of amenities for both business and leisure travelers.

The hotel houses Citrus Café, a multi-cuisine restaurant offering diverse dining options. It also includes a well-equipped fitness center, spa, and swimming pool, catering to health and relaxation needs. For business guests, the hotel offers modern meeting and conferencing facilities designed to suit various professional requirements.

Strategically located in Mumbai, often known as the “City of Dreams”, the property benefits from the city’s thriving commercial environment. Mumbai’s west coast location and status as a major hub for business, entertainment, and international trade make it a key destination for both corporate and leisure visitors.

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTHL) is among India’s largest and most recognized hotel chains. The group owns, leases, operates, and franchises hotels across various segments from economy to upscale. With a focus on delivering quality experiences at every price point, the company operates under seven distinct brands: Aurika Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Premier, Lemon Tree Hotels, Red Fox Hotels, Keys Prima, Keys Select, and Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels.

The launch of the Mira Road hotel reinforces Lemon Tree’s growing presence in Maharashtra and its commitment to expanding across key Indian cities.

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