IHG Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kashmir with Signing of a voco Hotel

IHG Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kashmir with Signing of a voco Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced its debut in Kashmir with the signing of a management agreement for voco Srinagar, in partnership with Geelan Residency. This marks IHG’s first hotel in Kashmir and the sixth voco hotel being developed in India. Scheduled to open in October 2026, the hotel aims to cater to both leisure travelers and social gatherings, including MICE events.

The new voco Srinagar will be located in the upscale commercial area of the city, easily accessible by road from the airport and major tourist attractions. It will be a two-hour drive from popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg. The hotel will feature 95 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a pool deck, and a fitness center.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director of South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the new venture: “We are thrilled to establish our footprint in Kashmir with our premium brand, voco, in partnership with Geelan Residency. Kashmir is one of the most popular leisure destinations in the country and has experienced an unprecedented boom in tourism in the past years. This has led to an increase in demand for quality branded accommodation. With its bold design and welcoming service, we are confident that voco Srinagar will become a preferred hotel for travelers visiting Kashmir.”

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Javeed Jeelani, Managing Partner at Geelan Residency, added, “We are delighted to partner with an internationally and locally trusted hospitality brand like IHG Hotels & Resorts to debut the voco brand in Kashmir. We are confident that the hotel’s prime location coupled with IHG's global standards, voco Srinagar is set to become an ideal choice for our guests.”

The voco brand, known for its unique blend of informality and quality, has quickly gained popularity in India since its debut in 2023. With properties already established in markets such as Jim Corbett, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa, and Punjab, the addition of voco Srinagar underscores IHG’s commitment to expanding its presence in key leisure destinations across the country.


Lemon Tree Hotels Announces New Signing in Jaipur, Expands Rajasthan Portfolio

Lemon Tree Hotels Announces New Signing in Jaipur, Expands Rajasthan Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of its latest property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Pacific Mall, Jaipur. Managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the hotel further strengthens the group’s growing footprint in Rajasthan, catering to both business and leisure travellers looking for a refreshing, value-driven stay.

Located in the heart of the Pink City, the new hotel brings guests closer to Jaipur’s mix of royal heritage and modern vibrancy. From iconic landmarks like Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal to colourful bazaars filled with handicrafts, jewellery, and traditional Rajasthani flavours, visitors can enjoy the charm that makes Jaipur one of India’s most-loved destinations.

The upcoming property will feature 124 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant and lounge, a meeting room, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fitness centre. Conveniently located, the hotel is around 8 km from Jaipur International Airport and 8.4 km from Jaipur Railway Station, with smooth connectivity across public and private transport.

Sharing his thoughts, Vilas Pawar, CEO — Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we will expand our leisure and business portfolio in Rajasthan, where we have 12 operational and 9 upcoming properties in addition to this one. The state, with its booming commerce, distinct culture and testament to India’s rich heritage, is the perfect destination for hospitality. This signing aligns perfectly with our vision of offering refreshing and comfortable stays across all destinations.”

With this addition, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to strengthen its presence across tiered cities, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, comfortable, and modern hospitality.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Earns EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai Earns EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2025

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai has achieved a major sustainability milestone by securing the EarthCheck Certified Silver status for 2025, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and eco-friendly hospitality in Tamil Nadu.

EarthCheck is one of the world’s leading certifications for environmental and social responsibility in the tourism sector. Earning Silver status requires rigorous assessments, benchmarking, and continuous improvement across areas such as energy use, waste management, community impact and cultural preservation.

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The hotel’s achievement reflects its ongoing efforts toward green operations. Over the past year, Hyatt Regency Chennai has strengthened its sustainable practices with initiatives such as EV charging facilities, water refill stations, reduced plastic usage and improved eco-efficiency measures. These steps not only support environmental goals but also enhance the guest experience with planet-friendly choices.

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This recognition also aligns closely with Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s global ESG platform, World of Care, which focuses on environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and responsible business operations. Hyatt has already shown global progress, meeting its target of reducing per-square-meter greenhouse-gas emissions by 25% under its 2020 framework ahead of schedule, a testament to the brand’s long-term sustainability commitment.

As part of the certification, Hyatt Regency Chennai will receive the official EarthCheck Certified Silver digital certificate and will gain permission to use the EarthCheck Silver logo, following the organisation’s branding guidelines. EarthCheck has also shared a Communications Toolkit to help the hotel highlight this achievement to guests, partners and the wider Chennai community.

This milestone reinforces the hotel’s vision of creating a more sustainable future for hospitality in South India, while encouraging travellers to choose responsible stays without compromising on comfort or experience.


Hilton Opens Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, a 20-Acre Urban Retreat

Hilton Opens Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, a 20-Acre Urban Retreat

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Hilton has officially opened Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, marking the brand’s entry into Hyderabad and expanding its footprint in South Asia. Strategically located in India’s Biotech Hub, the resort combines Hilton’s signature hospitality with a design inspired by Telangana’s rich Kakatiya architectural heritage.

Set across 20 acres of greenery with a natural creek, the resort features 115 guest rooms, including 13 pool villas and six suites. Every element, from locally sourced stone and wood to native flora, reflects a commitment to sustainability while creating spaces that honour the region’s culture.

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Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton, said, “This resort brings Hilton’s signature hospitality to a new destination and offers a multi-dimensional experience to guests. From dynamic spaces and energizing environments to exceptional culinary experiences and revitalizing amenities, this property is poised to set a new benchmark for leisure-meets-lifestyle experiences in India.”

The resort is ideal for grand weddings and corporate events, offering 89,000 sq. ft. of versatile event spaces, including pillarless ballrooms, meeting rooms, expansive lawns, and a creekside mandapam. Open-air courtyards, bespoke interiors, and earthy tones provide guests a sense of the Deccan landscape.

Vincent Ong, Vice President, Full Service Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added, “Every element of the resort reflects our dedication to hosting guests with charisma, culture and confidence. We are proud to bring Hilton’s global legacy to Hyderabad.”

Wellness and recreation are central to the property. The resort debuts eforea Spa, Hilton’s global spa brand in India, with eight treatment rooms, a sauna, steam and ice shower, and a no-device relaxation zone. Families and guests of all ages can enjoy basketball, pickleball, cricket, futsal, mini golf, tennis, a dedicated children’s arcade, Junior Chef’s Club, farm-to-table experiences, and guided mixology sessions at Grid 78.

Srinivas Chintala Reddy, Managing Director, C.K.R Resorts Pvt. Ltd., said, “Partnering with Hilton to bring this resort to life has been deeply fulfilling. Hyderabad is home to a globally connected community that values culture, wellness, and access, and this resort delivers on all three.”

With the opening of Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, Hyderabad now boasts a world-class urban retreat that combines luxury, culture, and sustainable hospitality, offering both leisure and business travellers a unique destination in the heart of the city’s biotech hub.

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