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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on November 5, 2024
Mercure Hotels, part of Accor’s portfolio, has reached a major milestone with the opening of its 1,000th hotel worldwide. This achievement showcases Mercure’s growth and reinforces its position as a key midscale brand within Accor’s extensive collection. With a focus on authentic, locally inspired experiences, Mercure continues to play an essential role in Accor’s strategy of providing diverse lodging options that connect guests with their destinations.
The milestone was marked by recent openings across various global markets. New additions include Mercure London Earls Court in the U.K., which features 282 rooms infused with British pop culture themes; Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk in India, blending modern amenities with local flair; and Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa in Japan, emphasizing relaxation and scenic beauty.
Jean-Jacques Morin, Accor’s Group Deputy CEO, highlighted the brand’s achievements, noting, “2024 has been a transformative year for Mercure. The opening of our 1,000th destination confirms the status of a brand that has one of the largest international midscale hotel portfolios. We look forward to seeing how far this attractive and energetic brand will go over the next fifty years.”
The Mercure brand has evolved significantly since the opening of its first hotel in Saint-Witz, France, in 1973. Acquired by Accor in 1975, Mercure expanded rapidly in Europe and internationally, reaching markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East by the 1990s. The brand celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 by doubling down on its “Discover Local” program, which encourages guests to engage with local culture through specially curated experiences and regional culinary offerings.
Recent developments include Mercure's expansion in Asia, particularly in Japan and China. In Japan, the brand opened 11 new properties in 2024, such as Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa, showcasing the blend of tradition and modernity. In China, Mercure strengthened its presence with properties like Mercure Nantong Renmin Road, combining contemporary design with local influences.
Mercure's emphasis on local culture is evident in new openings such as Mercure Dubai Deira in the UAE, which offers 152 rooms and a rooftop pool, featuring locally inspired cuisine. In Europe, the Mercure London Earls Court integrates British cultural elements into its design, appealing to both tourists and locals.
Camil Yazbeck, Chief Development Officer for Accor's Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division, emphasized the brand’s strong partnerships, stating, “It is our valuable partnerships with Mercure hotel owners that fuel the brand’s dynamism and give life to a community of passionate hoteliers.”
Looking forward, Mercure has over 200 properties in development, reflecting the brand’s popularity and demand in the midscale hotel segment.
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By Hariharan U
Published on August 5, 2026
Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.
The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.
The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.
The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.
Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.
He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.
The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.
Published on August 4, 2026
WelcomHeritage has expanded its presence in Rajasthan with the launch of WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace, a boutique heritage hotel in Jaipur that brings together royal Rajput traditions, architectural grandeur, and contemporary luxury hospitality.
Located within a peaceful residential enclave in Jaipur, the palace offers guests a serene retreat while providing convenient access to the city’s iconic forts, palaces, and cultural landmarks. Hosted by descendants of the renowned Ranbanka Rathore family of Kurki Fort, whose lineage traces back to the 23rd generation of saint-poet Mirabai, the property offers travellers an opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s living heritage.
Inspired by traditional Rajasthani havelis, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace reflects a blend of Marwari, Mughal, and European architectural influences. The property features grand sandstone structures, stained-glass windows, antique artefacts, intricate craftsmanship, and family heirlooms that showcase the region’s rich artistic legacy.
The palace offers 34 luxurious accommodations, including one Maharaja Suite, four Maharani Suites, 18 Executive Mahal Rooms, and 11 Rawla Deluxe Rooms. Each room has been designed with handcrafted furnishings, regional artistry, and modern amenities to provide guests with an immersive heritage stay experience.
The property features four distinctive dining venues — Darbar – The Sky Lounge, Swarn Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Sugar Coated Café — offering curated culinary experiences inspired by Rajasthan’s flavours and artistic traditions.
Beyond accommodation and dining, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace offers a range of wellness and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and curated relaxation spaces. The property also caters to destination weddings, private celebrations, and MICE events through elegant venues such as Darbar Banquet, Darbar Rooftop, and Badal Mahal.
With bespoke event services and parking capacity for up to 500 vehicles, the palace provides a regal setting for large-scale celebrations, corporate gatherings, and intimate occasions.
Aligned with responsible hospitality practices, the property incorporates solar energy into its operations, combining sustainability with heritage preservation.
Speaking on the launch, Ashutosh Chhibba, CEO, WelcomHeritage, said that WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace represents the brand’s vision of preserving India’s cultural legacy while creating contemporary hospitality experiences. He added that the property strengthens WelcomHeritage’s presence in Jaipur and offers travellers an authentic gateway to Rajasthan’s timeless charm.
Chhibba further noted that the launch marks WelcomHeritage’s 11th property in Rajasthan and takes the brand’s overall portfolio to 37 properties across India. He highlighted Rajasthan’s importance to the brand’s heritage hospitality journey and reiterated the company’s focus on creating destinations that travellers actively seek for unique cultural experiences.
Strategically located near Jaipur International Airport and Jaipur Railway Station, the palace provides easy access to major attractions including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort, making it an ideal base for exploring Jaipur’s heritage and vibrant culture.
Published on August 1, 2026
Friendship Day is a celebration of the bonds that bring people together through shared memories, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable experiences. This year, ITC Hotels is inviting guests across India to celebrate friendship with a series of specially curated dining experiences featuring indulgent menus, unique activities, and warm hospitality.
From elegant ladies' lunches and contemporary culinary journeys to lavish brunches and chocolate-making experiences, ITC Hotels' properties across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad are offering memorable ways to reconnect with friends.
ITC Grand Central Mumbai is celebrating Friendship Day with a special Ladies' Lunch at Hornby's Pavilion, offering an afternoon of great food, conversations, and togetherness.
Designed for groups of friends, ladies' groups of eight or more can enjoy 20% savings for up to 20 guests while experiencing an elaborate multicuisine lunch on 30 July 2026.
Located within the iconic luxury hotel, Hornby's Pavilion offers an all-day dining experience featuring flavours from India's culinary heritage alongside global favourites, complemented by elegant surroundings and attentive service.
Event Details:Venue: Hornby's Pavilion, ITC Grand Central, MumbaiDate: 30 July 2026Meal: LunchOffer: 20% savings for ladies' groups of 8 or more (up to 20 guests)Reservations: 022 – 67045121 / 022 – 67045122
ITC Maurya invites guests to celebrate Friendship Day with a selection of distinctive dining experiences across its renowned restaurants.
Guests can explore contemporary South Indian cuisine at Avartana, enjoy an Italian brunch at Ottimo At West View, or celebrate timeless Indian flavours at iconic restaurants Bukhara and Dum Pukht.
The hotel also offers an elaborate dining experience at The Pavilion, featuring Indian and international favourites, live cooking stations, and signature desserts. For those seeking a creative experience, Fabelle presents an artisanal chocolate-making journey where guests can craft and enjoy their own chocolate creations.
Venue: ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New DelhiDate: 2 August 2026Time: 12:30 PM onwardsReservations: 011 2611 2233
ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar are bringing together a collection of dining experiences that celebrate friendships through food, flavours, and shared moments.
At Eden Pavilion, ITC Sonar, guests can enjoy Sunday Slows Down, a relaxed Friendship Day brunch featuring global and local favourites from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The experience is priced at ₹1,800 plus taxes per person.
At Grand Market Pavilion, ITC Royal Bengal, the Grand Sunday Brunch celebrates Anglo-Indian culinary traditions with gourmet offerings, signature delicacies, and indulgent desserts. The brunch is available from 1:00 PM to 3:45 PM at ₹2,300 plus taxes per person.
For guests seeking an elevated culinary experience, Avartana at ITC Royal Bengal presents the Kimaya Set Menu, showcasing contemporary interpretations of South Indian cuisine. Available for lunch and dinner, the experience is priced at ₹3,500 plus taxes per person.
Reservations: 033 44464646
ITC Kohenur invites guests to celebrate Friendship Day with an immersive Fabelle Chocolate Masterclass, offering a journey through the world of fine chocolate.
The experience includes a guided bean-to-bar chocolate journey, chocolate tasting, sensory experiences, hands-on chocolate making, and an opportunity to craft a personalised dessert to take home.
Guests can also enjoy a signature hot chocolate experience, receive a complimentary Fabelle Signature Chocolate Delight, and capture memorable moments with friends.
What's Included:
Date: 2 August 2026Price: ₹2,995 for 2 adults (inclusive of taxes)Additional Adult/Child: ₹995 (inclusive of taxes)
ITC Kohenur Hyderabad will celebrate Friendship Day with a special brunch experience, Friends, Flavours, Forever, at Golkonda Pavilion.
Designed for friends to reconnect and celebrate together, the brunch brings together exceptional flavours, handcrafted delicacies, and a vibrant setting within the landmark hotel inspired by the legacy of the Koh-i-Noor diamond and Deccan heritage.
Guests can enjoy a selection of global and regional favourites while spending quality time with friends over a leisurely afternoon of dining and conversations.
Event Details:Venue: Golkonda Pavilion, ITC Kohenur, HyderabadDate: 2 August 2026Time: 1:00 PM onwardsMeal: Brunch
With thoughtfully curated experiences across its hotels, ITC Hotels continues to create meaningful celebrations where friendships are strengthened over exceptional cuisine, memorable moments, and warm hospitality.
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