Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Aurika Brand with New Property in Surat, Gujarat

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Aurika Brand with New Property in Surat, Gujarat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 26, 2024

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. has taken a significant step forward in expanding its upscale brand, Aurika Hotels & Resorts, by signing a new property in Surat, Gujarat. This latest addition, Aurika, Surat, is expected to open in FY 2030 and will be operated by Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.

Aurika, Surat is poised to offer guests an exceptional experience, featuring 175 aesthetically designed rooms and suites. The hotel will also boast a range of premium amenities, including Mirasa, an all-day dining restaurant, extensive banquet facilities with Ekaara as the ballroom, Aurum as the boardroom, a stunning swimming pool, and a rejuvenating spa.

Surat: A Blend of Industry and Culture

Known as the 'Diamond City of India,' Surat is a global powerhouse in diamond cutting and polishing, as well as a major producer of silk and synthetic fabrics, earning it the additional moniker of the 'Silk City.' Beyond its industrial acclaim, Surat is steeped in history, with landmarks such as the Dutch Garden and Surat Castle, which echo the city’s rich cultural and economic heritage. The meandering Tapi River adds to the city’s picturesque charm, making it a delightful destination for travelers.

Surat is also a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of delightful street food and traditional Gujarati dishes that showcase the region’s culinary diversity.

A Commitment to Upscale Hospitality

Commenting on the signing, Vilas Pawar, CEO of Managed and Franchise Business at Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to announce the signing of Aurika, Surat, marking our second Aurika property in Gujarat. This addition will further strengthen our presence in the state, where we currently operate seven hotels and have nine more in the pipeline. Aurika, Surat, will embody our commitment to upscale hospitality, offering guests an exceptional blend of opulence and local culture. We are excited to bring our distinctive experience to this vibrant city, ensuring it becomes a sought-after destination for both domestic and international travellers.”

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Aurika: Beyond the Unusual

Aurika hotels are known for being stylishly elegant yet comfortably informal, with a strong emphasis on design that reflects the soul of the destination. Each Aurika property has its own unique personality, featuring new-age dining and innovative entertainment options, complemented by invigorating fitness and wellness facilities. The brand’s essence lies in going 'beyond the unusual,' with service that is attentive and personal, yet unobtrusive.

Inspiring spaces, flawless delivery, and cutting-edge technological solutions ensure that guests at Aurika hotels can work, play, and relax effortlessly. This new property in Surat will continue this tradition, bringing a touch of luxury to one of India’s most vibrant cities.

About Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. is a leading hotel chain in India, offering a wide range of accommodations across the country. With a focus on providing exceptional service and value, Lemon Tree Hotels continue to expand its presence, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

For more information, visit lemontreehotels.com.

Contact: lemontree@pragency.com


GReaT Green Meetings: Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels Unveils Eco-Conscious Corporate Experience

GReaT Green Meetings: Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels Unveils Eco-Conscious Corporate Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 29, 2025

Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels has unveiled an innovative corporate initiative titled “GReaT Green Meetings”, blending sustainability with hospitality. Created in partnership with ECO INDEX, this one-of-a-kind offering is designed to provide corporate guests with a fully integrated eco-conscious meeting experience at the scenic Yercaud property.

The new concept reflects GRT Hotels’ growing focus on responsible tourism and climate action. It redefines business meets by incorporating carbon footprint calculations, a plant-based no-oil, no-boil menu, and carbon offsetting through tree planting, all aimed at reducing the environmental impact of traditional corporate events.

Key Features of GReaT Green Meetings:

  •  Carbon Footprint Calculation: The ECO INDEX application tracks emissions from travel, food waste, dry waste, and more, offering participants clear insights into their environmental impact.

  •  GReaT Raw Cuisine: A no-boil, no-oil culinary approach that aligns wellness with eco-conscious living.

  •  Sustainable Amenities: Everything from biodegradable toiletries to plastic-free setups ensure minimal ecological disturbance.

  •  Carbon Offsetting: Trees are planted within the resort premises for every event hosted, contributing to long-term carbon absorption.

  •  Plant Gifts: Each participant receives a plant sapling as a symbol of growth and sustainability.

The GReaT Raw Cuisine: Cooking for a Cooler Planet

This initiative also introduces a “No-Boil, No-Oil Revolution” — a low-impact cooking method that skips boiling and oil-based techniques, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Why It Matters

Conventional cooking methods involve:

  • Use of fossil fuels or electricity

  • Extraction and refinement of oils

  • Packaging, refrigeration, and food processing

These activities contribute heavily to carbon emissions. In contrast, no-oil, no-boil cooking requires minimal energy, aligning with a healthier and environmentally-conscious lifestyle.

Carbon Comparison: What does 70 kg CO₂e saving mean?

  •  Equivalent to driving a car for 280 km

  •  Charging 9,000 smartphones

  •  Saving  3 mature trees’ annual CO₂ offset

GReaT Green Menu Highlights

  • Neer More

  • Muringai Keerai Vadai

  • Vazahakkai Poriyal

  • Vellarika Thayir Pachadi

  • Aval Puliohara

  • Aval Sadham

  • Pacha Puli Rasam

With GReaT Green Meetings, Great Trails Yercaud invites businesses to not only connect and collaborate, but also contribute to a greener planet. This initiative is a thoughtful blend of innovation, tradition, and sustainability, setting a new standard for eco-conscious corporate hospitality in India.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Gujarat with New Lemon Tree Premier in Surat

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Gujarat with New Lemon Tree Premier in Surat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of its latest property, Lemon Tree Premier, Surat, Gujarat, adding another jewel to its growing portfolio in the state. Managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels, the upscale property will feature 108 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, banquet space, meeting room, swimming pool, gym, spa, and other public areas designed for business and leisure travellers alike.

Strategically located, the hotel offers excellent connectivity with Surat Airport just 11 km away and Surat Railway Station approximately 9.5 km from the site. Well-connected by road, it ensures easy access to key hubs and transport options.

Known as the ‘Diamond City of India’ and the ‘Silk City’, Surat stands out globally for its diamond cutting and polishing industry and as a major center for silk and synthetic fabric production. Beyond its industrial prowess, the city exudes Gujarat’s rich cultural and historical heritage with landmarks like the Dutch Garden and Surat Castle, while the Tapi River adds to its picturesque charm. For culinary enthusiasts, vibrant street food hotspots such as Khaudra Gali promise an authentic taste of local flavours.

Speaking about the development, Vilas Pawar, CEO - Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, shared, “We are excited to expand further in the eastern part of the country. This opening will be in addition to our nine existing and seventeen upcoming hotels and resorts in the state. The rich culture and state's pro-business policies, infrastructure development and strategic location are a great draw for business and leisure travellers.”

This upcoming hotel strengthens Lemon Tree’s commitment to Gujarat, offering a distinctive blend of comfort and modern amenities while embracing the vibrant local ethos.


OYO’s SUNDAY Launches India’s First Japanese-Themed Hotel in Gurugram

OYO’s SUNDAY Launches India’s First Japanese-Themed Hotel in Gurugram

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 28, 2025

OYO’s premium hospitality brand, SUNDAY Hotel, has unveiled India’s first Japanese-themed hotel in Gurugram, offering a unique fusion of traditional Japanese design and contemporary Indian luxury. Located at M3M SkyLoft on New Golf Course Road Extension, this expansive 217-key property spans 50,000 sq. ft. and aims to redefine immersive hospitality experiences for business travelers and Japanese expatriates alike.

Designed with precision and cultural sensitivity, the hotel features a traditional Japanese Ofuro (soaking tub), a Japanese Hammam, and a 20-seater specialty restaurant serving authentic Japanese fare—ramen, donburi, sushi, tofu, onigiri, and more. A dedicated 54-room wing has also been reserved for long-stay Japanese guests, complete with Japanese-speaking staff to ensure seamless and personalized service.

As part of a joint venture between Oravel Stays and Softbank Group, SUNDAY Hotels are positioned as premium four- and five-star properties. This particular launch stems from a strategic MoU between Oravel and M3M to develop high-end hospitality offerings across Gurgaon and NOIDA.

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With Gurugram hosting one of India’s largest Japanese communities, the location is a natural choice. The city also sees strong business travel traffic, and this culturally attuned hospitality concept appeals to global executives seeking efficient service, high hygiene standards, and sophisticated design.

Aditya Sharma, Country Head, SUNDAY Hotels, shared,

“Several Japanese companies have already chosen this SUNDAY Hotel as their preferred accommodation partner. We are working with Japanese designers to incorporate traditional elements like tatami mats, minimalist interiors, and warm Japanese hospitality practices within a modern Indian setting.”

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The initiative also taps into India’s growing affinity for Japanese pop culture. With the rise of anime, manga, and J-dramas, interest in Japanese cuisine is booming. Health-conscious Indian travelers are also increasingly drawn to fresh, minimally processed food, making Japanese cuisine’s balance and simplicity a perfect match.

SUNDAY Hotel aims to scale this concept further, betting on pan-India demand in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune, where Japanese dining and culture already enjoy a growing fanbase.

About SUNDAY Hotel:

SUNDAY Hotel is a premier hospitality brand under Oravel Stays, known for luxurious experiences, distinct design, and exceptional service. With a focus on personalized stays, SUNDAY properties bring global hospitality concepts to Indian travelers and international guests.

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