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.


The LaLiT Continues to Lead India’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Narrative

The LaLiT Continues to Lead India’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Narrative

By Hariharan U

Published on May 24, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s earliest and most visible champions of LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the hospitality industry, long before diversity and inclusion became mainstream corporate conversations across the country.

As Pride-led campaigns and DEI-focused branding become increasingly prominent across India’s corporate landscape in 2026, The LaLiT stands apart for having embedded queer visibility, representation, and community engagement into its brand identity for more than a decade.

At a time when LGBTQIA+ representation remained largely absent from mainstream Indian corporate culture, the hospitality group had already begun creating inclusive spaces across hospitality, nightlife, employment, entertainment, and community-led platforms.

Under the leadership and vision associated with Keshav Suri, the group emerged as one of India’s first hospitality brands to openly champion queer visibility within luxury hospitality environments.

The organisation’s long-term commitment extended beyond symbolic campaigns, integrating LGBTQIA+ representation across workforce hiring, creative collaborations, cultural programming, nightlife experiences, and community engagement initiatives. This sustained approach helped the group establish deep cultural credibility within India’s queer community over the years.

Speaking on the brand’s philosophy, Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, said the group’s commitment to inclusion has always been rooted in creating safe and dignified spaces where individuals can freely express themselves without fear or judgment.

One of the most visible extensions of this philosophy has been Kitty Su, which evolved into one of India’s most recognised queer-safe nightlife and cultural spaces. Over the years, the platform has supported drag performers, queer artists, trans voices, underground collectives, and alternative performance cultures well before such representation entered mainstream entertainment conversations.

The venue also played a key role in normalising queer visibility within India’s luxury hospitality and nightlife ecosystem at a time when such positioning was still considered commercially risky by many brands.

Building on that legacy, The LaLiT is set to host Pure Love Nights at Kitty Su, New Delhi, throughout June 2026 as part of its Pride Month programming. The month-long cultural series will feature drag performances, trans-led showcases, immersive nightlife experiences, fashion-led concepts, creator collaborations, and digital storytelling initiatives focused on self-expression and community representation.

The initiative reflects the group’s broader philosophy of inclusion through hospitality, culture, entertainment, and storytelling, while also extending Pride conversations beyond physical venues into wider youth culture and digital communities.

As more organisations across India begin formalising LGBTQIA+ inclusion within workplace and brand strategies, The LaLiT’s early and sustained engagement continues to distinguish it as one of the few hospitality groups that helped shape queer cultural visibility in India itself.


Seré Resort Goa Redefines Luxury Travel Through Privacy and Slow Living

Seré Resort Goa Redefines Luxury Travel Through Privacy and Slow Living

By Hariharan U

Published on May 24, 2026

Seré Resort Goa is emerging as a reflection of changing luxury travel preferences in India, where travellers are increasingly prioritising privacy, personalised experiences, and slower, more intentional forms of hospitality over crowded destinations and fast-paced itineraries.

Located in Vagator, North Goa, the boutique villa resort is positioning itself around a hospitality philosophy centred on exclusivity, stillness, and immersive living, offering guests a more inward-looking way to experience Goa.

As travel behaviour evolves, luxury travellers are moving away from conventional tourism patterns driven by nightlife, packed schedules, and high-energy destinations. Instead, there is growing demand for spaces that enable relaxation, intimacy, and flexible experiences shared with close friends and family.

Spread across a one-acre property, Seré Resort Goa features eight fully serviced private pool villas designed for extended stays, destination celebrations, intimate gatherings, and personalised retreats. Each villa includes expansive living spaces, private plunge pools, and dedicated butler service aimed at creating a self-contained luxury experience.

The property’s hospitality approach focuses heavily on privacy and customisation, with in-villa dining, floating breakfasts, personalised spa experiences, alfresco meals, and curated culinary offerings designed to minimise the need for guests to step outside the property.

The resort also reflects the growing popularity of villa-style hospitality formats among affluent Indian travellers seeking more intimate and flexible travel experiences. With accommodation capacity for up to 52 guests, the property caters to group retreats, milestone celebrations, destination weddings, and multi-generational family stays.

At the core of Seré’s philosophy is the idea of slow and intentional living. The resort has been designed with open spaces, understated tropical aesthetics, eco-conscious detailing, and an atmosphere intended to encourage guests to disconnect from fast-paced routines and focus on meaningful experiences.

The evolving hospitality model also mirrors Goa’s broader transition from a traditional party destination into a more mature luxury travel market focused on experiential stays, wellness, community-driven travel, and boutique hospitality formats.

Through its private villa concept and experience-led approach, Seré Resort Goa represents a growing shift in Indian luxury hospitality where exclusivity, emotional connection, and personal space are increasingly becoming the defining markers of premium travel experiences.


The Brandywine Boutique Hotel Opens on Philadelphia’s Main Line

The Brandywine Boutique Hotel Opens on Philadelphia’s Main Line

By Hariharan U

Published on May 21, 2026

Brandywine Realty Trust has officially opened The Brandywine, a new boutique hospitality destination on Philadelphia’s Main Line, marking a significant addition to the region’s luxury hotel landscape.

The Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio property officially opened on May 15, 2026, in Radnor, Pennsylvania, offering a blend of contemporary hospitality, heritage-inspired design, and elevated culinary experiences for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel features 121 guest rooms and suites, flexible event and meeting spaces, multiple dining venues, and a range of modern amenities including a 24/7 fitness centre, communal gathering spaces, in-room dining, and pet-friendly accommodations.

Speaking on the launch, Jerry Sweeney said the property combines timeless hospitality with modern comfort while celebrating the heritage and culture of the Main Line region.

A key feature of the property is Laurel, a 1,500-square-foot event venue designed for meetings, private dining, receptions, and celebrations. The venue includes retractable partitions, natural lighting, landscaped patio access, and a curated catering program.

The hotel’s culinary offerings include Merrick's Tavern, a tavern-style dining concept serving regional American cuisine alongside bourbon-focused beverage selections, and Pomelo Rooftop Terrace, a rooftop destination opening later this season with craft cocktails, coastal-inspired dishes, and panoramic views.

The architecture for the property has been led by DLR Group, while interiors were designed by Restoration Hardware and Bergmeyer, drawing inspiration from vintage train travel and the historic character of the Main Line region.

The property also incorporates sustainability-focused landscape design by Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, using native plantings and rainwater infiltration systems to reduce environmental impact.

Situated near SEPTA regional rail connectivity and several universities, healthcare campuses, and cultural attractions, The Brandywine is expected to cater to growing regional demand ahead of major events including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and MLB All-Star Week 2026.

As part of Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio collection, guests at The Brandywine will also be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points during their stays.

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