IHG Opens 50th Hotel in India with Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Eyes Major Expansion

IHG Opens 50th Hotel in India with Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Eyes Major Expansion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 1, 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its 50th operational property in India with the grand opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow, marking a major milestone in its journey of growth across the country’s premium hospitality landscape.

Strategically located along Lucknow-Sultanpur Road, the new Crowne Plaza offers easy access to prominent areas like Shahid Path IT hub and the local cricket stadium. Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel features 110 rooms and an expansive 40,000ft² of meeting and event space, making it a key destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events in the region.

Guests can also enjoy an all-day dining restaurant, a stylish bar, a club lounge, a gymnasium, and an outdoor pool—facilities that make the property ideal for everything from corporate stays to family getaways.

This launch comes on the heels of an impressive 2023, during which IHG signed 18 new hotels in India, nearly 30% of which were in the premium and luxury categories. The brand is not slowing down—in fact, it is preparing to more than double its presence in India, with a robust pipeline of around 70 hotels.

Among the upcoming projects are five InterContinental hotels, ten new Crowne Plaza properties, and five voco hotels, all set to open in the next two to five years.

Commenting on the expansion, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are committed to accelerating our expansion across brand segments, with several more hotels in the pipeline this year. Our goal is to deepen our presence in high-growth cities and deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.”

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Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – MEA & Southwest Asia, added, “India remains one of our most strategic markets globally. While mainstream brands like Holiday Inn and Garner drive our growth, we are also strengthening our premium and luxury offerings with iconic names like Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, and Six Senses.”

IHG currently operates hotels under five key brands in India—InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Six Senses, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express.

In another development, IHG has partnered with Girija Land Ventures to launch the Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, underlining the group’s commitment to expanding into diverse and high-demand locations across India.

A recent white paper by Crowne Plaza also highlighted a growing trend among Indian travellers towards “blended travel”—a mix of work and leisure—with 33% of Indian respondents acknowledging they have engaged in this new travel style, the highest among surveyed countries.

As IHG steps up its India game, its latest opening in Lucknow signals not just a milestone, but a clear sign of things to come in India’s evolving hospitality market.


Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Taj Chandigarh has marked a major milestone by achieving the EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years. This recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent efforts towards sustainability and responsible operations, setting it apart as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality.

The certification is awarded by EarthCheck, a globally recognised scientific benchmarking and certification body for the travel and tourism sector. Earning Platinum status is a significant achievement, given that it requires at least 10 continuous years of verified performance across key sustainability measures. By maintaining this level for 13 years, Taj Chandigarh has gone beyond the standard and strengthened its position in responsible hospitality.

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This achievement also reflects the larger vision of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), under which Taj Chandigarh operates. Across its portfolio, IHCL has focused on reducing energy use, conserving water, and cutting down waste, all while ensuring a high-quality guest experience. The EarthCheck framework also aligns with global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making these efforts part of a broader purpose.

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Speaking on the milestone, Surinder Singh, Area Director – Operations & General Manager, Taj Chandigarh, said,

“Achieving EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years is a proud milestone for us. It reflects our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. At Taj Chandigarh, we believe that luxury and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand and this recognition reinforces our continued efforts towards creating a greener future.”

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Ankur Sharma, Chief Engineer, Taj Chandigarh, added, “This achievement is the result of consistent efforts, innovation and a strong focus on resource efficiency. From energy conservation to water management and waste reduction, our teams work tirelessly to ensure that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our operations. We remain committed to enhancing our practices and setting new benchmarks in environmental performance.”

With travellers increasingly looking for responsible and sustainable choices, recognitions like this build trust and confidence. Taj Chandigarh’s continued success with EarthCheck Platinum not only celebrates a long-standing achievement but also sets a strong example for the hospitality industry, showing that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.


The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Marking Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced an immersive e-cycle experience in collaboration with Svitch, reinforcing its focus on sustainability-led luxury.

The initiative is designed to offer guests a low-impact, mindful way to explore Gandhinagar, encouraging slower, more conscious travel while reducing carbon footprint. By integrating eco-friendly mobility into the guest journey, the hotel continues to position sustainability as a core element of its hospitality experience.

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Set against the city’s serene surroundings, the e-cycle experience allows guests to engage more deeply with their environment, blending wellbeing, exploration, and environmental responsibility. The offering reflects a broader shift in luxury travel, where guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that are enriching while embedding responsible practices into everyday operations.

The launch was complemented by an Earth Day cyclethon, bringing together guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community. The activity aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainable living, while encouraging active participation in eco-conscious initiatives.

Following the ride, guests experienced the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, aligning the sustainability narrative with wellness-focused dining.

Through initiatives like this, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury, where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, enhancing both comfort and awareness.


WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury getaways in the hills with its expansive offering set amidst the scenic Kasauli Hills.

Perched in the lush Shivalik range, the resort blends natural beauty with refined hospitality, offering guests a tranquil escape marked by panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a thoughtfully curated luxury experience. Designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, the property combines modern amenities with a serene setting that encourages guests to unwind at a leisurely pace.

Operated under the WelcomHeritage umbrella since December 2022, the resort has positioned itself as a full-scale five-star destination in Solan. With 93 well-appointed rooms, the property caters to a wide range of travellers, offering accommodation options that include deluxe rooms, suites, family-friendly cottages, and an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa.

The resort is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities, including a luxury spa and salon, wellness centre, and an all-weather heated indoor swimming pool, along with a dedicated children’s pool. These features ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for guests across seasons.

Beyond leisure stays, the property has also emerged as a preferred venue for destination weddings, corporate conferences, and large-scale events, supported by its expansive layout and premium infrastructure.

The design philosophy strikes a balance between modern sophistication and timeless charm, creating a space that feels both elegant and inviting. From intimate vacations to grand celebrations, the resort offers an environment that blends comfort with understated luxury.

With its scenic location, comprehensive facilities, and focus on guest experience, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa stands out as a premier mountain retreat, offering travellers a refined escape in the hills.

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