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.


ELIVAAS Launches Eco-Luxury Retreat Sirmour Baag in Kasauli

ELIVAAS Launches Eco-Luxury Retreat Sirmour Baag in Kasauli

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 2, 2025

ELIVAAS, the luxury vacation rental brand, has announced the opening of Sirmour Baag, a 16-cottage eco-retreat set amidst the tranquil hills of Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Spread across one acre, the new property blends sustainable hospitality with immersive nature-based experiences, offering a haven for conscious travellers.

Each of the 16 standalone cottages features wooden interiors, private decks, jacuzzis, skylights, and panoramic views of pine-covered hills. Built with eco-conscious design in mind, the cottages offer both heating and air conditioning, allowing guests to enjoy the retreat year-round.

The retreat is also pet-friendly, with open green spaces that welcome animal companions. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences including indoor and outdoor games, a clubhouse accommodating up to 60 guests, picnic areas, and nature trails that connect visitors with the local environment.

Dining at Sirmour Baag is focused on traditional Himachali cuisine, served in an open-air setting, adding to the retreat’s commitment to local culture and sustainable living. A chef-on-call, concierge service, and round-the-clock caretaker support ensure a personalised and comfortable stay.

“Sirmour Baag is a reflection of our vision to offer a new kind of luxury travel that combines comfort with authenticity,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO of ELIVAAS. “We believe that today’s travellers seek more than just a place to stay—they want an immersive experience that connects them to nature, local culture, and sustainable practices.”

The property avoids single-use plastics and instead provides biodegradable amenities such as jute slippers, wooden combs, and refillable toiletries, reinforcing ELIVAAS’ focus on low-impact travel.

With the launch of Sirmour Baag, ELIVAAS continues to expand its footprint in offbeat destinations, promoting community engagement and responsible tourism as core values of its brand.


Raffles Udaipur Unveils Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur by Udai Sagar Lake

Raffles Udaipur Unveils Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur by Udai Sagar Lake

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 2, 2025

Raffles Udaipur has unveiled its latest luxury offering, Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur, nestled on the tranquil shores of Udai Sagar Lake. The newly launched property boasts 36 carefully crafted accommodations, including 28 rooms and 8 suites, designed with influences from colonial-era aesthetics and the intricate artistry of Rajasthan.

Framing breathtaking views of the lake through expansive windows, the interiors feature bespoke furnishings, natural textures, and calming tones that together exude an ambiance of refined serenity. The suites, equipped with freestanding bathtubs and thoughtfully chosen palettes, are curated to offer guests a space for quiet reflection and luxurious comfort.

“This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to redefining luxury hospitality in Udaipur,” said Ratan Kant Sharma, Owner, Vardha Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. “We continue to set new benchmarks by blending heritage, elegance, and world-class service.”

Richard Schestak, Vice President Operations, Asia Pacific, Raffles & Fairmont, added, “Lakeshore is a proud continuation of the Raffles legacy—an invitation to enjoy world-class hospitality while remaining deeply connected to the cultural fabric of the destination.”

The property offers more than luxurious rooms. Guests can enjoy an infinity pool by the lake, manicured lawns with native flora, and meandering pathways designed to encourage connection with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

“Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur is more than a destination—it’s an evolution,” said Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur. “It embodies our dedication to creating extraordinary experiences while embracing the cultural soul of this enchanting city.”

With this addition, Raffles Udaipur continues to elevate luxury hospitality in the region, merging timeless service with the richness of Rajasthan’s heritage.


DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon Appoints Pranab Paul as Executive Chef

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon Appoints Pranab Paul as Executive Chef

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon New Delhi NCR is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Pranab Paul as its new Executive Chef. With an illustrious career spanning 24 years, Chef Paul is poised to bring a new era of culinary innovation and excellence to the hotel’s dining experiences.

In his new role, Chef Paul will lead all kitchen operations, blending international culinary trends with authentic flavors to deliver memorable meals. Known for his hands-on leadership, he will mentor and guide the culinary team to uphold the highest standards of quality, presentation, and operational efficiency.

Chef Paul’s responsibilities will span strategic menu development, operational oversight, cost management, and ensuring consistency in quality and guest satisfaction. His approach is grounded in creativity, discipline, and a passion for learning.

Having worked with some of the most renowned hotel brands including Intercontinental Hotels, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Starwood, Chef Paul brings unmatched expertise, particularly in Western and Middle Eastern cuisines. His culinary style marries sophistication with the rich, aromatic notes that resonate deeply with diverse palates.

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Reflecting on his journey, Chef Paul shared, “My passion for culinary innovation while honoring traditional flavors makes me more inclined to learn more every day and create something extraordinary for my guests.”

General Manager Mr. Tuli praised the appointment, saying, “Chef Paul continues to inspire culinary team members, mentoring emerging chefs and fostering a culture of creativity and precision. His vision is to keep pushing culinary boundaries while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the cuisines he masters.”

With his innovative mindset and dedication to excellence, Chef Paul’s leadership is set to redefine the culinary narrative at DoubleTree by Hilton Gurgaon.

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