Indian Hospitality Shines: The Oberoi Amarvilas Among World's 50 Best Hotels

Indian Hospitality Shines: The Oberoi Amarvilas Among World's 50 Best Hotels

By Author

Published on September 23, 2023

The Oberoi Amarvilas, part of The Oberoi Group, secured the 45th spot on the inaugural list of the World's 50 Best Hotels, an elite ranking that featured establishments from 35 different locations across six continents. This achievement positions The Oberoi Amarvilas as the sole Indian representative on this prestigious list.

The top-ranking hotel on the list was Passalacqua in Italy, with Rosewood Hong Kong, Four Seasons Chao Praya River in Bangkok, The Upper House in Hong Kong, and Aman Tokyo following closely as the top five. Valentina De Santis, the proud owner of Passalacqua, expressed her excitement, stating, "If you can dream it, you can do it! Here we are!"

The Oberoi Amarvilas, located just 600 meters from the iconic Taj Mahal, offers luxury accommodations with unobstructed views of this architectural wonder from all of its 95 rooms and 7 suites. Arjun Oberoi, the Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, expressed his pride in this recognition, “We are honoured to be the sole representative of India on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list. This recognition is a reflection of our relentless pursuit of perfection, the dedication of our team, and the timeless allure of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Our commitment to providing guests with unrivalled experiences remains unwavering, and we invite travellers from around the world to join us in discovering the magic of the Taj Mahal from our exceptional vantage point.”

Vikram Oberoi, CEO and MD of The Oberoi Group, said, “We are delighted to be included in the inaugural listing of the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our loyal guests for their unwavering support and our exceptional colleagues for their dedication and commitment to excellence. This prestigious listing affirms Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to providing guests with exceptional facilities and unparalleled service. Our founder, Rai Bahadur M S Oberoi, and P R S Oberoi, our former Chairman and mentor, have consistently emphasized that our colleagues are our most valuable asset. Time and again, our colleagues demonstrate their dedication to this enduring belief.”

Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, comments, “Our heartfelt congratulations go out to every hotel on the list, each of which has clearly made a lasting impression on our academy of travel experts. After seeing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, it’s been especially fulfilling to see so many hoteliers from around the world gather in London to celebrate each other’s achievements under one roof for the first-ever awards’ ceremony for The World’s 50 Best Hotels. We hope this list inspires travel lovers to book somewhere truly spectacular for their next trip.”

The launch of the World's Best 50 Hotels represents a significant milestone in 50 Best's journey to become a comprehensive global reference for the hospitality sector, covering not only restaurants and bars but also hotels.


Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates One Year of Culture, Creativity and Hospitality

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates One Year of Culture, Creativity and Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 7, 2026

Le Méridien Ahmedabad has completed one year since its transformation from Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, marking a year of offering guests culturally inspired hospitality experiences rooted in creativity, design and discovery.

Following its rebranding last year, the hotel introduced Le Méridien's signature approach to hospitality, combining mid-century modern design with a European-inspired philosophy of savouring life's meaningful moments. Located in Ahmedabad, a city known for its architectural heritage, vibrant textiles and evolving culinary scene, the hotel continues to create experiences that connect guests with the city's rich cultural identity.

The property offers a range of thoughtfully curated experiences across its dining and social spaces. Java+, the brand's signature café, serves as a contemporary venue for coffee, conversations and casual gatherings. Drift provides a refined setting for private celebrations and intimate family occasions with bespoke dining experiences and city skyline views, while Bayleaf showcases the flavours of Awadhi cuisine through traditional recipes inspired by regional culinary heritage.

Le Méridien Ahmedabad also continues to enhance guest experiences through wellness offerings, contemporary social spaces and immersive programmes designed to encourage meaningful engagement with Ahmedabad's cultural and culinary landscape.

Signature brand experiences, including La Vie and destination-inspired programmes centred around culture, cuisine and creativity, remain key elements of the hotel's guest experience, reflecting Le Méridien's philosophy of helping travellers discover destinations in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Commenting on the milestone, Prashant Chadha, General Manager, Le Méridien Ahmedabad, said, "Le Méridien has always been a brand rooted in culture, creativity and discovery. Over the last year, our focus at Le Méridien Ahmedabad has been on thoughtfully bringing that philosophy to the city through experiences that feel immersive, contemporary and connected to Ahmedabad's rich cultural identity."

He further added, "The transition to Le Méridien Ahmedabad gave us the opportunity to evolve the guest experience while continuing to build on the strong legacy the property has enjoyed over the years. From coffee culture programmes and destination dining concepts to wellness-led offerings and curated experiences, the focus has been on creating moments that encourage guests to pause, connect and savour the good life."

As it enters its second year, Le Méridien Ahmedabad continues to strengthen its position as a contemporary hospitality destination where culture, creativity and connection come together to offer guests memorable stays in one of India's most vibrant cities.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Celebrates Bastille Day with Authentic French Culinary Experience

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Celebrates Bastille Day with Authentic French Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 7, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is set to bring the flavours of France to the city with a special Bastille Day celebration on 14 July 2026 at its signature restaurant, Food Exchange. The evening will be dedicated to showcasing France’s culinary heritage through a thoughtfully curated dining experience.

Designed to reflect the charm of Parisian bistros and the warmth of French countryside cooking, the celebration will feature an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses including Brie, Camembert, Roquefort and Comté, served with traditional accompaniments such as cornichons, Dijon mustard, olives and freshly baked baguettes.

Guests can begin their culinary journey with classic French hors d’oeuvres like Gougères, Salmon Rillettes on Crostini, Pâté de Campagne and Olive Tapenade, setting the tone for an authentic and elegant dining experience.

The menu continues with iconic French dishes such as French Onion Soup, Coq au Vin, Crème Brûlée and Tarte Tatin, each crafted to highlight the depth and richness of traditional French cuisine. The experience is designed to balance comfort and sophistication, offering guests a true taste of France.

No Bastille Day celebration would be complete without desserts, and the evening will conclude with a lavish pâtisserie spread featuring Éclairs, Profiteroles, Madeleines, Crêpes Suzette and Mousse au Chocolat, alongside classic favourites like Tarte Tatin.

Speaking through the concept of the evening, the hotel aims to transport guests into the heart of France through flavours that celebrate both tradition and craftsmanship.

The Bastille Day dinner will take place at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM,


Treat Hotels Signs New Property in Vrindavan, Expands North India Portfolio

Treat Hotels Signs New Property in Vrindavan, Expands North India Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Treat Hotels has announced the signing of Treat Hotels, Vrindavan, further strengthening its presence in North India with a new hospitality project in one of the country's most significant spiritual destinations.

Located close to Vrindavan's revered temples, the upcoming hotel is being developed to offer contemporary comfort while reflecting the city's cultural and spiritual heritage. The property is scheduled to open in 2027.

The hotel will feature 72 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant, a rooftop swimming pool, and a spacious banquet hall designed to host weddings, celebrations, and social gatherings.

According to the company, the signing represents more than a portfolio expansion, as it marks Treat Hotels' entry into a destination closely associated with the life and legacy of Lord Shri Krishna and visited by millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.

The company stated that the project has been planned to complement Vrindavan's spiritual character while providing modern hospitality experiences for both leisure travellers and devotees visiting the holy city.

Treat Hotels also expressed gratitude to its development partners for their confidence in the brand and said it looks forward to welcoming guests when the property opens in 2027.

The signing forms part of Treat Hotels' broader expansion strategy as the company continues to grow its footprint across key leisure, pilgrimage, and business destinations in India.

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