ITC Hotels Brings Welcomhotel to Bodhgaya with 98-Key Pilgrimage Retreat

ITC Hotels Brings Welcomhotel to Bodhgaya with 98-Key Pilgrimage Retreat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

ITC Hotels Limited (ITCHL) has announced the signing of its latest Welcomhotel property in Bodhgaya, Bihar, in partnership with Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Private Limited. This marks the brand’s strategic foray into another of India’s prominent spiritual destinations, reinforcing its presence in culturally significant locations.

Spanning a generous 18-acre plot, the upcoming Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bodhgaya will feature 98 well-appointed guest rooms, a 2,000-seat main auditorium, a secondary 500-seat venue, and a banqueting space of 800 sqm, catering to both leisure and large-format event needs. Guests will also enjoy facilities like an all-day dining outlet, a specialty restaurant, swimming pool, and a spa.

Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels, commented on the development:

"We are proud to announce the signing of ‘Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bodhgaya’ in Bihar, a milestone that marks ITCHL's commitment to offering our signature hospitality in culturally rich destinations. Situated in the holy town of Bodhgaya, this property shall offer not only comfort but an immersive experience for travellers."

Manish Kumar, Director, Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Private Limited, added:

“We are excited to have entered into agreement for Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bodhgaya with ITC Hotels Limited. It is a matter of pride for us to develop this new hotel with the vision and support of the Government of Bihar.”

Conveniently located just 10 km from Gaya International Airport, the hotel will be easily accessible from Gaya, as well as nearby cities like Patna, Asansol, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Varanasi. The project is expected to bolster Bodhgaya’s hospitality infrastructure, offering travellers a refined and culturally resonant stay.

This move by ITC Hotels further cements its commitment to promoting responsible tourism and regional development, aligning with Bihar’s growing efforts to enhance its pilgrimage and heritage tourism offerings.


The Fern Brentwood Resort Brings the Soul of Punjab to Mussoorie with ‘Punjab di Khushboo’ Food Festival

The Fern Brentwood Resort Brings the Soul of Punjab to Mussoorie with ‘Punjab di Khushboo’ Food Festival

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 24, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa, Mussoorie has announced Punjab di Khushboo, a lively Punjabi food festival set against the scenic backdrop of the Queen of Hills. Taking place from June 19 to 29, 2025, the 10-day culinary celebration promises a journey through the hearty, bold, and soul-satisfying flavours of Punjab.

Hosted at Whistling Pines, the resort’s open-air venue, the festival invites both resident guests and local visitors to immerse themselves in an experience full of warmth, flavour, and cultural charm. Each evening kicks off with Rumuk Hi Tea, Tambola, and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. This is followed by a 1+1 happy hour on selected drinks from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and drinks at MRP—ensuring an atmosphere of casual cheer before the main feast begins.

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The centrepiece of Punjab di Khushboo is a daily rotating dinner buffet served from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Guests can savour Punjabi staples like Butter Chicken, Sarson da Saag, Amritsari Macchi, Rajma, Chole Bhature, and stuffed parathas. For dessert lovers, sweet treats like Jalebi, Phirni, Gajrela, and Makai ka Halwa make every evening indulgent.

To make the experience even more authentic, the menu is curated as a culinary journey across Punjab, featuring specialities like Atta Chicken, Kunna Gosht, Mutton Beliram, Patiala Chicken, Taftan, and Amritsari Kulche, paired with regional chutneys, murabbas, and rotating live chaat stations. Kulhad specials and rustic touches reflect the earthy charm of Punjabi kitchens.

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Arindam Bahel, General Manager of The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa, shared, “We’re excited to bring a flavourful and festive experience like Punjab di Khushboo to Mussoorie. Punjabi food has a way of making people feel at home – it’s hearty, bold, and full of soul. This is our way of combining great food with the joy of community.”

The festival is open to all, whether you're staying at the resort or just visiting. Located right on Mall Road, just a short drive from Dehradun, The Fern Brentwood Resort offers the perfect setting to slow down, celebrate, and enjoy food the way it’s meant to be—together.

About The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa:

Nestled in the heart of Mussoorie, The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa is known for its eco-conscious approach, warm hospitality, and panoramic valley views. The resort blends nature with culture to deliver memorable experiences for leisure travellers. Visit: https://www.fernhotels.com/fern-mussoorie/


Saya Group Partners with Lemon Tree Hotels to Launch 336 BIZTOP Business Class Suites in Greater Noida West

Saya Group Partners with Lemon Tree Hotels to Launch 336 BIZTOP Business Class Suites in Greater Noida West

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 24, 2025

In a significant move to transform business hospitality in Greater Noida West, Saya Group has entered into a strategic agreement with Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels, to operate 336 fully-serviced BIZTOP Business Class Suites at Saya SouthX.

Occupying the 7th to 25th floors of the flagship mixed-use development, each BIZTOP suite averages 668 sq. ft. and is designed to meet the evolving needs of professionals, entrepreneurs, and business travellers. The suites will be operated under the BIZTOP brand by Lemon Tree Hotels, ensuring the chain’s signature hospitality standards, efficient service, and guest-centric design.

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Mr. Vikas Bhasin, Managing Director, Saya Group, commented, “This collaboration with Lemon Tree Hotels aligns perfectly with our vision of integrating business efficiency with comfort. With BIZTOP at Saya SouthX, we are not just building spaces; we are creating business destinations.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Vilas Pawar, CEO, Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., added, “We are delighted to partner with Saya Group. This synergy combines Saya’s high-quality infrastructure with our hospitality expertise to deliver a truly premium accommodation solution.”

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Saya SouthX spans 3 acres with a total built-up area of approximately 6.8 lakh sq. ft., offering a vibrant ecosystem of retail outlets, fine dining, multiplexes, a gym, banquets, and now, business suites. The commercial hub is expected to attract over 50,000 daily footfalls, servicing a catchment area of over 5 lakh residents.

This partnership underscores Saya Group’s growing footprint in luxury commercial real estate. The group has already delivered 5.37 million sq. ft. of residential space and is nearing completion of 2.37 million sq. ft. of commercial projects. It continues to reinforce its legacy of timely delivery and innovation in design.

With Lemon Tree Hotels at the operational helm, the BIZTOP suites are poised to offer best-in-class business stays, positioning Greater Noida West as a rising destination for premium corporate hospitality.


Minimalist Hotels Expands in Varanasi with Second Design-Led Property

Minimalist Hotels Expands in Varanasi with Second Design-Led Property

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 22, 2025

Minimalist Hotels has strengthened its presence in India’s spiritual capital with the opening of its second property in Varanasi, located in DIG Colony, just two kilometres from its first hotel. Launched on 15 June 2025, the new 24-room hotel reflects the brand’s sharp focus on design-led urban hospitality that appeals to both spiritual and leisure travellers.

The decision to expand came on the back of sustained high occupancy at its first Varanasi outpost, especially during major cultural and religious events. With the city drawing both domestic and international visitors year-round, the new hotel offers a minimal yet modern stay experience for travellers seeking comfort without excess.

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Gautam Munjal, Founder of Minimalist Hotels, commented,

“Our first hotel in Varanasi saw consistent high occupancy, especially during spiritual and cultural seasons. Opening a second property allowed us to better serve guests while reinforcing our commitment to the region’s hospitality landscape.”

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Built with understated elegance, the property maintains the brand’s clean aesthetic and calm atmosphere, offering a refreshing take on boutique hospitality. It also features a 50-seater casual dining restaurant and pizzeria, providing a relaxed culinary option for guests after a day of temple visits or sightseeing.

Situated in proximity to key religious and cultural landmarks, the hotel is ideally positioned to serve pilgrims and tourists alike, particularly with major events like the Kumbh Mela approaching.

“The timing of this launch helps us meet rising demand and further cement our position as a premium yet approachable hospitality brand,” added Munjal.

With two operational properties in Varanasi and plans for growth in other high-footfall cities, Minimalist Hotels is poised to redefine understated hospitality across India's urban destinations where design, functionality, and convenience meet.

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