JPOD Launches First Pod Hotel at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

JPOD Launches First Pod Hotel at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd has launched its new Pod Hotel at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad. Located near the City Side Check-In facility at the car park level, the hotel aims to provide a modern and innovative accommodation option for travelers. This launch is part of RGIA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the overall passenger experience, offering a convenient and comfortable stay.

The JPOD hotel provides high-quality accommodations at an affordable price, catering to various types of travelers, from business executives to leisure tourists. Each pod offers secure storage, entertainment options, and privacy, making it an ideal alternative to traditional airport lounges and hotels. The compact design also optimizes airport space, allowing for efficient accommodation without compromising on comfort.

Safety and hygiene are prioritized, with the hotel maintaining stringent cleanliness standards. This ensures peace of mind for guests, especially during transit. Passengers can book a pod on-site or through the JPOD website, where various packages are available with dynamic pricing options.

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Jagrut Thakkar, Founder of JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd, expressed excitement over the partnership with RGIA, stating, "We are excited to partner with RGIA in Hyderabad. JPOD’s global standards in design and functionality position us to offer effective accommodation solutions across other airports in India."

Hiren Gandhi, Director of JPOD Hotels, highlighted the company’s previous ventures, saying, "While JPOD is tailored to meet the needs of airport travelers, we initially launched Urbanpod, India’s first Pod Hotel, in 2017. It was redesigned and relaunched at Mumbai Central Station in 2021 to serve railway passengers. These launches allowed us to assess the acceptability of Pod-style accommodations in India."

Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), noted that the growing number of air travelers has increased the demand for comfort and convenience. He said, “This facility offers a perfect place to unwind while transiting through the airport. The Pod Hotel at Hyderabad Airport will provide our passengers with a space to rejuvenate.”

The JPOD hotel blends affordability, comfort, and innovation, setting a new standard in airport accommodation. It caters to the needs of the modern traveler, offering a practical and efficient option without sacrificing quality.

For more details, click here.


Hyatt Regency Dehradun Redefines Spiritual Travel with Wellness-Led Retreats

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Redefines Spiritual Travel with Wellness-Led Retreats

By Hariharan U

Published on May 5, 2026

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa is introducing a fresh perspective on spiritual travel, positioning itself at the heart of the Chaar Dham circuit while offering a destination-led experience that blends pilgrimage with wellness and immersive hospitality.

Set in the tranquil foothills of Mussoorie, the resort presents itself as more than just a stopover for travellers. It becomes a place where journeys can begin, pause, or conclude, allowing guests to experience spirituality alongside comfort, space, and curated experiences.

Designed with multi-generational travellers in mind, the property enables varied experiences to coexist. While some guests focus on their pilgrimage journey, others can engage in wellness therapies, leisure activities, and recreational offerings within the resort. Evenings are thoughtfully curated with shared rituals that foster cultural connection and moments of quiet reflection, while still allowing guests the flexibility to follow their own pace.

Extending beyond the property, curated spiritual excursions connect guests with the region’s sacred landscape. Visits to Haridwar and Rishikesh, along with temple explorations such as Tapkeshwar Temple, offer a deeper immersion into the spiritual ethos of the region. Guests can also witness the serene Ganga Aarti, seamlessly integrated into their stay experience.

To support pilgrims, the resort’s dedicated concierge team provides end-to-end assistance for those undertaking the Chaar Dham Yatra. From travel planning and transport logistics to personalised itineraries and on-ground coordination, every detail is managed to ensure a smooth and meaningful journey.

Within the resort, wellness continues to anchor the experience. Guests can participate in morning yoga and meditation sessions, indulge in spa therapies, and unwind through curated evening rituals followed by ‘Hi-tea’, creating a balanced rhythm of activity and relaxation.

By bringing together spirituality, wellness, and hospitality, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort & Spa offers a layered and cohesive experience, one where each guest, whether travelling for pilgrimage or leisure, can find a sense of pause, presence, and personal connection.


SaltStayz Enters Leisure Segment with Autograph Launch in Rishikesh

SaltStayz Enters Leisure Segment with Autograph Launch in Rishikesh

By Hariharan U

Published on May 1, 2026

SaltStayz has marked its entry into the leisure travel segment with the launch of its premium ‘Autograph’ property in Rishikesh, one of India’s most sought-after wellness and spiritual destinations.

Previously focused on business travel markets such as New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Chandigarh-Mohali, the brand is now expanding its footprint to cater to guests seeking experience-led stays in leisure destinations. SaltStayz Autograph Rishikesh is positioned to offer high-quality accommodation combined with a deeper connection to the destination.

Strategically located, the property provides easy access to prominent landmarks such as Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram, along with connectivity to iconic spots like Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. Despite its central location, the property is designed to offer a calm and retreat-like environment.

With a strong focus on wellness, the hotel integrates experiences such as yoga sessions, guided spiritual walks, and bicycle tours, allowing guests to explore Rishikesh at a slower, more mindful pace. Dedicated meditation spaces further enhance the holistic experience. The 38-key property also features an all-day dining restaurant, including a pure vegetarian outlet inspired by the legacy of Moti Mahal.

Gaurav Gupta, Co-Founder of SaltStayz, noted that Rishikesh is witnessing a clear shift towards wellness-led travel, with guests increasingly seeking immersive and experience-driven stays. He added that the launch of the Autograph category reflects both evolving consumer preferences and the company’s broader expansion strategy.

The brand highlighted that post-pandemic travel trends have significantly boosted demand for leisure and spiritual tourism, with wellness emerging as a key factor in destination selection. The Rishikesh launch aligns with this shift, offering thoughtfully designed stays at competitive pricing.

Alongside its new Autograph category, SaltStayz’s portfolio includes Select and Premier offerings. Founded in 2022, the Gurugram-based company currently operates 32 properties across India, with 30 more in the pipeline. The Autograph brand is expected to play a central role in its expansion into high-potential leisure destinations.

With this launch, SaltStayz continues to evolve its offering, moving beyond business travel to create experiences that combine comfort, accessibility, and meaningful engagement with destinations.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands UK Presence with The Royal Hotel Cookstown

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands UK Presence with The Royal Hotel Cookstown

By Hariharan U

Published on April 30, 2026

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of The Royal Hotel Cookstown to its international portfolio, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence across the United Kingdom.

The move reflects the group’s strategy of building a curated collection of distinctive hospitality destinations that combine design, cultural authenticity, and personalised guest experiences.

Under this partnership, the property will continue to be owned by the Thom family, while Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts will take over the day-to-day management. The collaboration is designed to merge the hotel’s established legacy with the group’s experience-led approach, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and high-quality service delivery.

The group plans to focus on refining the hotel’s brand positioning across regional and international markets, while enhancing operational performance. Key initiatives will include strengthening service delivery through people-first training, implementing structured operational frameworks, and driving commercial outcomes through disciplined revenue strategies. A more cohesive, design-led identity across guest touchpoints is also part of the transformation plan.

Commenting on the expansion, Richa Adhia, Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in Northern Ireland with The Royal Hotel Cookstown. This is a natural step in strengthening our footprint in our home market while continuing to build a globally connected portfolio. Our focus will be on elevating operational performance and guest experience, while preserving the property’s identity and legacy.”

For guests, the transition is expected to be seamless, with existing service standards maintained while benefiting from enhanced operational systems and upgraded experiences.

With a growing portfolio that includes brands such as Treetop, Hanric, Stamps, Ocho Homes, and Signature Collection, Eight Continents continues to expand across key destinations. Its presence spans regions including Belfast, Guernsey, and Zanzibar, alongside a strong footprint in India across Kasauli, Varkala, Udaipur, Sariska, Jodhpur, and Pushkar.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, the group has positioned itself as a design-led, experience-driven hospitality brand, focusing on boutique properties that blend local heritage with global standards.

This latest addition reinforces the group’s ambition to build a globally connected hospitality network while maintaining a strong emphasis on curated, meaningful travel experiences.

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