ITC Hotels Celebrates Major Milestone with Welcomhotel Expansion

ITC Hotels Celebrates Major Milestone with Welcomhotel Expansion

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 28, 2024

ITC Hotels, India's leading hospitality chain, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 25th property under the Welcomhotel brand. The newest addition, Welcomhotel Belagavi in Karnataka, reflects ITC Hotels’ strategy to expand while maintaining exceptional service and hospitality standards.

The Welcomhotel brand has become a key driver for ITC Hotels’ growth. Over the past five years, the brand has opened seven managed hotels and three owned properties, adding a total of 916 rooms. In the most recent financial year, four new management deals with 406 rooms were signed, with these properties expected to open within the next four to five years.

Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “The expansion of the Welcomhotel brand is a significant achievement for ITC Hotels. Welcomhotel is the new age travellers’ key to curated immersive experiences. Present in locations ranging from hills to beaches, and deserts to cities, the opening and signing of more properties under the brand Welcomhotel is aligned with ITC Hotels’ asset right growth strategy to take our brand and services to tier-2 markets in addition to prime metro cities. Welcomhotel Belagavi, our 25th property, embodies our endeavour to create unparalleled hospitality experiences, ensuring that guests enjoy a stay that is both luxurious and in harmony with the environment. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and excellence.”

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Located in the serene area of Kakati, Welcomhotel Belagavi offers stunning views of hills and greenery. This new property spans over five acres and is conveniently located near the airport, making it a prime destination for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel features 116 well-appointed rooms, each with a balcony offering peaceful views of the landscape.

The architecture and interior design of Welcomhotel Belagavi reflect the local beauty and vibrant lifestyle of Belagavi, blending classic and contemporary elements. Emphasizing geometric shapes and large windows, the design ensures natural light floods the spaces. The interiors celebrate Belagavi's monsoon rains with art pieces, a water droplet sculpture, and a crystal chandelier.

The hotel caters to various events with nine versatile venues, including two grand ballrooms, a conference room, an open sky deck, and three lush lawns, making it an ideal location for weddings and business gatherings.

Welcomhotel Belagavi offers diverse dining options. WelcomCafe serves global and regional Indian cuisine all day, while Dough & Co. provides freshly baked treats and beverages. Swizzle Bar offers classic and signature cocktails with finger food. The WelcomSthalika menu features curated dishes from North Karnataka, showcasing the region's culinary heritage.

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Guests can also enjoy a well-equipped fitness center, an outdoor infinity swimming pool, and the renowned K by Kaya Kalp spa, offering traditional therapies for a rejuvenating experience.

Basava Prasad Jolle, Managing Director of Jolle Hospitality Group, expressed pride in the new addition, stating, “Brand Welcomhotel is very popular with guests and we are extremely proud to bring Welcomhotel Belagavi to this city, which boasts a rich cultural heritage and is also a prominent business destination. This hotel is a perfect blend of modern amenities and local cultural elements, providing our guests with a unique and enriching experience.”

Focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, ITC Hotels continues to lead the hospitality industry, providing exceptional stays that honor tradition and the environment. The expansion of the Welcomhotel brand across India exemplifies the brand's focus on strategic growth and commitment to excellence. As ITC Hotels grows its footprint, guests can look forward to more unique and enriching experiences blending contemporary luxury with local cultural elements.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Kerala with New Property in Thiruvananthapuram

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Kerala with New Property in Thiruvananthapuram

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing mid-scale and premium hotel chains, has announced the opening of its newest managed property, Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram.

This launch adds another milestone to the brand’s expansion across southern India and marks its sixth property in Kerala, further strengthening its presence in the state.

Located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, the new hotel enjoys proximity to both business and leisure hubs. The city, known for its blend of heritage and modernity, is home to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, scenic Kovalam Beach, and the thriving Technopark IT hub, making it a key destination for travellers.

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Designed with Lemon Tree’s signature contemporary style, the hotel combines comfort, service, and a refreshing atmosphere. The property features 80 well-appointed rooms and suites, offering a relaxed yet elegant stay experience.

Guests can dine at the Citrus Café, a multi-cuisine restaurant, or enjoy authentic Indian flavours at Kebab Theater. The hotel also houses Slounge, a lively bar and lounge, along with a pastry shop, banquet and meeting spaces, a fitness centre, spa, salon, and swimming pool all designed to deliver a complete leisure and business experience.

Commenting on the opening, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With the opening of Lemon Tree Premier, Thiruvananthapuram, we are pleased to further extend our footprint across Kerala. This hotel in a prime location is ideal for both the business and leisure traveller.”

With this addition, Lemon Tree Hotels continues its journey of growth across India, bringing its signature blend of comfort, hospitality, and value to more destinations.


The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence with New Signings in Rajkot and Itanagar

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence with New Signings in Rajkot and Itanagar

By Hariharan U

Published on November 10, 2025

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of two new properties to its growing portfolio, The Fern Residency Rajkot, Gondal, Series by Marriott and The Fern Residency Itanagar, Series by Marriott.

With these signings, the brand continues to strengthen its presence across India, combining regional authenticity with modern hospitality.

Speaking about the expansion, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Gujarat continues to be one of our strongest growth markets and this addition underscores our commitment to deepening our presence across key cities of the state. Gondal’s historical significance, coupled with its growing appeal as a business and cultural destination, makes it a natural fit for our portfolio. This signing represents our continued focus on providing exceptional hospitality experiences defined by comfort, sustainability and regional character.”

He further added, “Itanagar’s blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and rising economic activity makes it an important destination within our growth vision for the Northeast. This sign-up represents our ongoing commitment to creating sustainable hospitality experiences that reflect the spirit of each location while upholding the brand’s promise of exceptional comfort and service.”

The Fern Residency Rajkot, Gondal, Series by Marriott will feature 55 rooms and suites, blending contemporary design with inviting warmth for both business and leisure guests. The property will house a fine dining restaurant offering a mix of local and international cuisines, along with a relaxed deli for light bites and beverages.

The hotel will also include two banquet halls, two boardrooms, and a party lawn, providing versatile spaces for business meetings, weddings, and social gatherings. Recreational facilities such as a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym will ensure a balanced experience of comfort and leisure.

Meanwhile, The Fern Residency Itanagar, Series by Marriott will offer 70 well-appointed rooms and suites, reflecting a modern design aesthetic that balances elegance with functionality. Guests can enjoy an all-day dining restaurant and a stylish restrobar, ideal for relaxed social experiences.

For events and gatherings, the hotel will feature a spacious banquet hall with an adjoining lawn, designed to host both corporate and social occasions. Leisure offerings will include a swimming pool, gym, and spa, ensuring a complete and rejuvenating stay for guests.

With these additions, The Fern Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its presence across India, staying true to its philosophy of sustainable hospitality and personalised comfort.


Chalet Hotels Ltd Reports Strong Q2 Results and Launches New Brand ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts

Chalet Hotels Ltd Reports Strong Q2 Results and Launches New Brand ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on November 9, 2025

Chalet Hotels Limited announced a robust performance for the second quarter of FY26, ending September 30, 2025, showcasing steady growth across its hospitality and development portfolio.

The company’s core business (excluding residential) reported revenues of Rs 460 crores, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase, while EBITDA rose 25 percent YoY to Rs 200 crores. EBITDA margins expanded by 1.4 percentage points, reaching 43.4 percent, reflecting operational strength and efficiency.

During the quarter, the company unveiled its new premium hospitality lifestyle brand, ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, a concept built around joy, wellness, and sustainability. This brand positions Chalet to capture the rising demand for premium experiential travel, while offering a scalable framework for future developments under a unified brand vision.

Chalet Hotels also achieved a significant sustainability milestone by becoming the first hospitality company to meet Climate Group’s EV100 target, reinforcing its leadership in responsible business practices.

The Board of Directors declared the company’s first interim dividend of Rs 1 per equity share (face value Rs 10), a move that underlines Chalet’s commitment to shareholder value and growth.

The quarter also saw a 10 percent increase in room inventory, driven by strategic acquisitions and the addition of new rooms across properties.

On the development front, several projects made strong progress:

  • Taj at Delhi Airport is on track for completion in H1 FY27.

  • Varca Beachfront Resort, Goa, continues as scheduled, with delivery expected in FY28.

  • The second commercial tower at The Westin Powai Lake and Cignus II, Powai, are both advancing steadily, with completion slated for FY27.

Reflecting on the company’s performance, Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director and CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited, shared, “Chalet delivered a strong and steady performance this quarter, reaffirming the resilience of our diversified portfolio and the power of our operational discipline. Even amid volatile external conditions, from unpredictable weather to geopolitical shifts, our teams executed with clarity, consistency, and purpose.

The quarter also marked a strategic milestone with the debut of ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, Chalet’s own premium lifestyle brand anchored in joy, wellness, and sustainability. The transformation of the iconic The Dukes Retreat into ATHIVA Resort & Spa, Khandala sets the stage for a broader brand roll-out in the years ahead, strengthening Chalet’s position as an integrated and future-ready hospitality platform.

As I near the close of my tenure as MD & CEO, I am deeply proud of the leadership depth we have built. The seamless transition with Shwetank and the leadership team gives me full confidence in Chalet’s continued growth momentum and its enduring commitment to long-term value creation.”

With consistent growth, expanding assets, and a strong sustainability focus, Chalet Hotels continues to cement its place as a leading integrated hospitality company in India — shaping the future of modern, mindful, and experience-driven hospitality.

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