IHG to Launch Holiday Inn Express in Maharashtra’s Pen by 2028

IHG to Launch Holiday Inn Express in Maharashtra’s Pen by 2028

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 7, 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts is all set to expand its footprint in Maharashtra with the upcoming launch of a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Pen. The group has signed a management agreement with Haware Engineers & Builders to open the hotel in the first quarter of 2028, adding 126 rooms to its growing portfolio in India.

The upcoming property will mark the debut of the Holiday Inn Express brand in Pen, a rising industrial town located in the Raigad district, and will serve the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Strategically designed for business travellers, the hotel will feature a dining venue, banquet and meeting spaces, and a fitness centre—offering convenience and comfort in one of Maharashtra’s emerging business corridors.

“We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Holiday Inn Express to Pen. With its proximity to major industrial hubs, the hotel is well-positioned to cater to a diverse segment of travellers," said Ujjwala Haware, Chairperson and Director, Haware Lotus Hotels.
“Together with IHG’s global expertise and our local insights, we look forward to creating a world-class stay experience in this emerging business destination.”

With more than 3,200 Holiday Inn Express hotels globally, IHG’s latest signing reinforces the brand’s presence in India’s high-demand and fast-developing regions.

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Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared:
“We are delighted to debut the Holiday Inn Express brand in Pen, offering travellers smart, simple stays. With its strategic location, the hotel will provide easy access to key destinations, making it an ideal choice for business travellers. We reinforce our commitment to strategically expanding in high-demand and emerging markets across India. Holiday Inn Express continues to be a globally trusted brand, and with this latest signing, we aim to meet the rising need for quality accommodation in Maharashtra’s industrial corridors.”

This announcement follows IHG’s broader expansion plan in India, which currently includes 47 operational hotels across six brands, with a robust pipeline of 60 more properties expected over the next three to five years. Among these is a recently signed Holiday Inn Resort in Karjat, Maharashtra, in partnership with XECO Media, slated to open in 2027.

As IHG continues to grow across India, its strong focus on strategic partnerships and emerging markets reflects the evolving demand for quality midscale accommodation in business and leisure hubs.


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, invites guests to experience the culinary spirit of southern India with the launch of Kaveri Grills, a special promotion running from 14th to 23rd November 2025 at WelcomCafe Jacaranda.

Inspired by the nurturing flow of the Kaveri River, this unique dining experience pays homage to the waters that sustain the region’s culture, cuisine, and communities. Guests can savour a handpicked selection of river-fresh seafood, grilled to perfection at a live counter, celebrating the authentic flavours of southern India with a refined touch.

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The menu blends local ingredients and traditional cooking styles with the signature craftsmanship of ITC Hotels, offering a feast that is both comforting and contemporary. Complementing this special curation is a revamped dinner buffet, featuring a wide array of Indian and international favourites, crafted with the care, precision, and sustainability ITC Hotels are known for.

Every evening, the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies fills the air, transforming WelcomCafe Jacaranda into a riverside-inspired haven that captures the spirit of the Kaveri in every bite.

Guests can indulge in this immersive dining experience between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

For reservations, please call +91 9840535520 (9 AM – 11 PM) or email mytable.whbengaluru@itchotels.com.


Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Zuper Resorts proudly announces the opening of Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal, a luxurious new destination in Bakaniya, located just an hour’s drive from Bhopal. Designed to capture the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering refined comfort, Empire represents a new benchmark in leisure hospitality for Central India.

Set across twelve acres of lush greenery, the resort greets guests with a sense of space, serenity, and understated elegance. With 38 well-appointed accommodations including 2 Tulip Exclusive Rooms, 2 Lillian Exclusive Rooms, 17 Magnolia Rooms, and 17 Azalea Rooms, each features a private portico that opens to panoramic views of the landscape.

Guests can indulge their taste buds at Savor, the resort’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant serving global favourites, or unwind at Chaska, a stylish rooftop brasserie with expansive views and an inviting ambiance. For intimate gatherings, a private dining room seating up to 12 guests offers an ideal setting for celebrations and conversations.

The resort also features a bar with expertly crafted cocktails, indoor recreation facilities such as carrom and table tennis, and a well-equipped fitness area. Every detail at Empire is designed to provide comfort, modernity, and a deep connection to nature.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Akaal Singh Manchanda, Director of Zuper Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Empire by Zuper is a refreshing perspective to hospitality and reveals an unseen side of India. It is more than a resort, it’s a landmark where design and world-class comfort culminate. This is one of our most progressive ventures yet, positioning the region prominently on India’s leisure map.”

He added, “Empire stands out as one of the finest resorts in Bhopal, ideal for weddings, private gatherings, and grand celebrations. Thoughtfully crafted for the people of Bhopal, the resort blends luxurious spaces with warm hospitality to make every stay truly memorable.”

About Zuper Hotels & Resorts

Zuper Resorts is a reputed hospitality management company known for curating boutique resorts and premium getaways across Maharashtra and beyond. With over a decade of expertise, Zuper has built a strong reputation in leisure and event hospitality, managing weddings, corporate events, and exclusive celebrations with precision and creativity.


SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

SAii Phi Phi Island Village, part of SAii Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled an enhanced version of its popular “Astro Moments” experience, a stargazing-inspired escape that connects guests with the cosmos on the resort’s private beach.

Following the recent repositioning of SAii Hotels & Resorts as a lifestyle brand centred on the belief that peace of mind is the ultimate luxury, this new chapter of Astro Moments combines scientific discovery with soulful relaxation.

Once a month, on Saturday evenings during the third week, guests gather on the island’s pristine stretch of sand for guided stargazing sessions led by astronomy experts from the BCIS Planetarium in Phuket. With clear skies most of the year and almost no light pollution, the resort’s remote location offers perfect conditions for spotting constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders through a telescope.

As twilight sets in, guests can choose to elevate the evening with a Starry Picnic by the Beach, a romantic basket of gourmet bites and celestial-themed drinks. The curated hamper includes Asian-inspired delights like tortilla wraps with wok-minced chicken and chilli basil, and herb-marinated pork neck, complemented by sparkling wine.

Adding a personal touch, the resort has also introduced a Zodiac-to-Experience Guide, helping guests discover activities that match their astrological signs. Adventurous Aries can explore kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkelling vibrant reefs; nurturing Cancers are encouraged to reconnect with nature through forest walks and marine discoveries; and focused Capricorns can unwind with sea-view spa rituals or wellness sessions overlooking the horizon.

Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager, SAii Phi Phi Island Village & SAii Laguna Phuket, shared, “A cherished haven for nature lovers, SAii Phi Phi Island Village continues to create experiences that resonate deeply, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and the natural world, one starry night at a time. Whether one is drawn to the science of astronomy or the spirit of astrology, the stars offer the perfect guide.”

The stargazing sessions are complimentary for in-house guests, while the Starry Picnic by the Beach can be booked for an additional charge.

For reservations or more information, visit SAii Phi Phi Astro Moments

About SAii Hotels & Resorts:

SAii Hotels & Resorts is an upper-upscale lifestyle brand by Thailand-based S Hotels and Resorts PCL, known for blending sustainable hospitality with heartfelt service. The brand redefines affordable luxury through personalised experiences set amidst serene, nature-inspired destinations in Thailand and the Maldives.

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