Four Points by Sheraton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has officially opened Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery. This remarkable addition to Marriott’s portfolio is strategically located in one of Chennai’s most vibrant neighborhoods, catering to business and leisure travelers alike.

Conveniently situated just 10 kilometers from Chennai International Airport and 8 kilometers from the city center, Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery sits at the crossroads of Velachery’s bustling district and the OMR Business Corridor. This prime location provides easy access to Chennai’s IT hubs, shopping destinations, and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal choice for both professional and recreational visits.

Celebrating Chennai’s Vibrant Spirit

Known as the UNESCO Creative City of Music, Chennai is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and culinary delights. The hotel pays homage to the city’s essence through its thoughtful interiors, which blend contemporary design with traditional influences. Guests will find themselves immersed in the vibrant spirit of Chennai, whether through local artwork in the rooms or authentic Chettinad cuisine at the hotel’s dining venues.

Exceptional Hospitality and Modern Amenities

The hotel features 108 elegantly designed rooms, equipped with modern amenities such as integrated USB ports, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and the signature Four Points comfort bed. Guests can choose between views of Velachery’s dynamic streets or the serene OMR skyline. The thoughtful design extends to the hotel’s public spaces, including:

• Sage & Salt: A lively all-day dining restaurant offering international cuisine and local favorites.

• The Liquid Library: A sophisticated bar featuring curated cocktails, fine wines, and the brand’s signature Best Brews™ program showcasing locally crafted beers.

• Recreational Facilities: A rooftop pool and 24-hour fitness center designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• Event Spaces: With 438 square meters of meeting and banquet facilities, the hotel is perfect for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings.

A Collaboration of Excellence

This launch marks the debut of Krishna Group in the hospitality industry, in collaboration with Marriott International. Mr. Krishna Reddy, Managing Director of Krishna Group, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Marriott International for our first venture into hospitality. This milestone represents our commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, added, “The opening of Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery demonstrates Marriott’s steady growth in India. Combining the brand’s signature reliability with Chennai’s cultural charm, this hotel is poised to become a favorite for business and leisure travelers.”

Marriott Bonvoy and Four Points

As part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, Four Points by Sheraton Chennai Velachery offers guests the benefits of Marriott’s award-winning loyalty program. Members can enjoy exclusive experiences, free stays, and more, adding immense value to their journeys.

A New Address of Comfort and Style

Sujith Chandrasekhar, Hotel Manager, commented, “We are proud to bring the Four Points brand to Chennai’s dynamic Velachery neighborhood. Our goal is to provide an address of preference, where guests can enjoy Chennai’s vibrant culture along with the modern comforts and impeccable service that define our brand.”

For reservations or more information, visit www.fourpointsvelachery.com.

Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with over 310 hotels in more than 45 countries and territories. Known for timeless classics woven with modern details, Four Points offers genuine service in a casual environment. As part of Marriott Bonvoy, guests can enjoy a range of benefits, including free nights and exclusive experiences.

Uber, India’s leading ride-hailing platform, has announced a strategic partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at Prayagraj Airport to deliver seamless and efficient transportation solutions. This collaboration aims to cater to millions of pilgrims and travellers visiting Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, expected to attract over 40 crore participants.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

1. Dedicated Pickup Zones: Uber will establish designated pickup zones at Prayagraj Airport with on-ground assistance and clear signage for a hassle-free experience.
2. Exclusive Discounts: Travellers can avail 25% off (up to Rs 200) on rides originating from Prayagraj Airport, making mobility more affordable.
3. Enhanced Technology: Users can book rides effortlessly through the Uber app, benefiting from reliable, tech-driven transportation solutions.

Strategic MoU and Airport Expansion

In April 2023, Uber signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AAI, extending its services to 20 AAI-operated airports across India. This latest collaboration at Prayagraj Airport underscores Uber’s commitment to supporting large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh Mela and meeting the growing demands of air travellers.

Leadership Insights

Director of Prayagraj Airport, Airports Authority of India, remarked:

“As Prayagraj prepares for the monumental Maha Kumbh Mela, ensuring seamless and reliable transportation is critical. Our collaboration with Uber enhances passenger convenience and strengthens the city’s infrastructure during this significant event. Uber’s innovative technology and on-ground support will greatly benefit travellers and contribute to the success of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.”

Shiva Shailendran, Director of Supply Operations, Uber India and South Asia, said:

“We are thrilled to partner with the Airports Authority of India at Prayagraj Airport. By integrating advanced technology with on-ground support, we aim to provide smooth, comfortable, and reliable mobility solutions during this iconic spiritual gathering. Our commitment extends to both passengers and drivers, ensuring a seamless experience for all.”

The partnership is also set to boost local economies by creating additional earning opportunities for Uber driver-partners during the peak travel season.

About Uber

Uber has been redefining mobility since its launch in India in 2013. Over the past decade, it has completed over 3 billion trips across 125 cities, offering a variety of services, including Moto, Auto, Cars, and Buses. With a focus on safe, reliable, and efficient mobility solutions, Uber continues to innovate, prioritizing customer satisfaction and driver empowerment.

For more information, visit Uber.com.

ixigo, India’s leading Online Travel Agency (OTA) for the Next Billion Users, has unveiled a dedicated microsite to assist travellers, devotees, and pilgrims in planning their journey to Maha Kumbh 2025. The event, taking place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is the world’s largest spiritual gathering, drawing millions of participants from across the globe.

The ixigo microsite is designed to be a one-stop solution for seamless travel planning, offering comprehensive guidance on logistics, rituals, key activities, and more. With the surge in travel demand, the platform simplifies the process of booking hotels, tents, flights, trains, and buses, while providing insights into the festival’s highlights, including the most auspicious bathing dates.

Key Features of the Microsite

• AI-Driven Travel Planning: Powered by ixigo’s advanced AI tool, PLAN, the platform delivers personalized itineraries catering to diverse preferences, such as heritage walks, family-friendly activities, and scenic photo spots.
• Immersive Content: Explore Prayagraj’s cultural and spiritual richness through curated videos showcasing landmarks, must-visit temples, and local food trails.
• Comprehensive Booking Solutions: Effortlessly book travel and accommodation, including special arrangements for tents and festival-specific stays.

Travel Surge Insights

As Maha Kumbh 2025 gathers momentum, ixigo reports a 2.6x increase in train and flight bookings to Prayagraj and its vicinity:

• Flight Bookings: Prayagraj flights surged by 162% YoY, while nearby hubs like Varanasi and Lucknow saw increases of 127% and 42%, respectively.
• Train Bookings: A 187% YoY rise was observed, with solo travellers making up 57% of these bookings, of which 39% are women.
• Bus Bookings: Cities like Delhi (27%), Nagpur (18%), and Jaipur (15%) drove significant demand, largely led by Gen Z and millennials.

Leadership Statement

Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, and Rajnish Kumar, Group Co-CEO, ixigo, commented,

“Our Maha Kumbh 2025 microsite is crafted to empower millions of travellers with essential tools for a smooth journey to this iconic spiritual gathering. The unprecedented surge in travel bookings to Prayagraj reflects the immense interest in Maha Kumbh, and we are committed to providing a seamless, stress-free experience for pilgrims worldwide.”

About ixigo

Founded in 2007, ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) is a trailblazer in Indian travel, leveraging AI to empower travellers to plan and manage trips across rail, air, bus, and hotel bookings. With over 48 crore Annual Active Users in Fiscal 2024, ixigo is India’s leading OTA for Next Billion Users, dedicated to making travel accessible and hassle-free.

Visit the Maha Kumbh 2025 microsite for more details: https://www.ixigo.com/plan/kumbh-mela