Marriott International Debuts 150th Hotel in India with Katra Marriott Resort & Spa

Marriott International Debuts 150th Hotel in India with Katra Marriott Resort & Spa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 6, 2024

Marriott International has reached a significant milestone in its expansion in India with the opening of the Katra Marriott Resort & Spa, its 150th hotel in the country. This new property marks the brand's first venture into Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, an area renowned for its spiritual significance and natural beauty.

Nestled amidst the tranquil Trikuta Hills, known to many as the Vaishno Devi Hills, the Katra Marriott Resort & Spa is an exclusively vegetarian resort that offers guests a unique blend of spiritual and leisure experiences. The resort's architecture and design are deeply inspired by the local culture, with elements like the Great Room lobby that features an enigmatic central sculpture adorned with ancient inscriptions, creating a mystic aura that welcomes guests upon arrival.

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Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "The opening of our 150th hotel in India is not just a milestone for Marriott International but a testament to the unique and enriching experiences we aim to provide at each of our properties. The Katra Marriott Resort & Spa is a prime example of how we integrate local culture and spirituality with exceptional service to deliver truly memorable stays."

The resort is strategically located to offer unparalleled access to prominent local attractions such as the Patnitop Hill Station, Mansar Lake, and the Krimchi Temple. These sites are all within an hour’s drive, making the resort a perfect base for exploring the scenic beauty and religious landmarks of the region. Additionally, the local market, just a five-minute drive from the resort, offers guests a taste of local cuisine and traditional crafts, including paper-mâché creations and walnut wood carvings.

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With 222 guest rooms and suites, each offering serene views and modern amenities, the resort caters to the needs of both pilgrims and leisure travelers. The on-site facilities include a state-of-the-art spa, a fitness center, and dining options that feature local and international cuisine, all designed to enhance the guest experience.

The opening of Katra Marriott Resort & Spa reinforces Marriott International’s commitment to growth and excellence in the hospitality industry, contributing to the vibrant tourism landscape of Northern India.


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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