Marriott Debuts First Autograph Collection Hotel in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu

Marriott Debuts First Autograph Collection Hotel in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 17, 2025

Marriott International has launched its first Autograph Collection hotel in South Asia with the opening of The Soaltee Kathmandu. Located in the culturally rich Tahachal area of Nepal’s capital, the 285-room property marks the entry of Marriott’s 19th brand in the region, expanding its footprint across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

A landmark in Nepalese hospitality since 1966, The Soaltee has been reimagined under the Autograph Collection brand, known for offering hotels that are “Exactly Like Nothing Else.” The property celebrates Nepal’s artistic and architectural legacy, with features like hand-carved wooden jaalis, Thangka paintings, exposed brick interiors, and sweeping views of the Himalayas and Swoyambhunath Stupa.

A standout feature is “The Storyteller”, a curated space in the public areas that weaves together the hotel’s historic journey through guest stories and cultural artefacts. Each room and suite is designed with a unique narrative, showcasing the Autograph Collection’s focus on individuality and immersive local experiences.

Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, shared,

“The debut of Autograph Collection Hotels in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu reflects our commitment to expanding into culturally rich leisure destinations. With its legacy and distinct character, the hotel perfectly aligns with our vision of delivering immersive, one-of-a-kind stays.”

The hotel offers an eclectic range of dining experiences:

  • Garden Terrace for global and local cuisine

  • Kakori for Awadhi delicacies

  • Bao Xuan for Chinese specialities

  • Patio for al fresco dining

  • Rodi Bar and the Sports Lounge for laid-back socializing

Guests can also enjoy a spa, outdoor pool, tennis court, and 24-hour fitness centre, making it a well-rounded urban retreat. The property boasts over 25,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, positioning it as a premium venue for weddings, MICE events, and social gatherings.

In line with Marriott’s sustainability goals, The Soaltee Kathmandu features in-house water bottling, an herb garden, and energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce its environmental impact.

General Manager Avinash Deshmukh stated,

“With a legacy of over 58 years, this iconic hotel blends Nepal’s cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. We are proud to open the first Autograph Collection in South Asia and usher in a new chapter for the brand in the region.”

With its debut, The Soaltee Kathmandu not only elevates Nepal’s luxury hospitality landscape but also strengthens Marriott’s brand presence across South Asia through a property that’s both timeless and forward-looking.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.

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