The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has given the green light for Macrotech Developers, owned by Lodha Group, to acquire the assets of V Hotels, the company behind the renowned Tulip Star Hotel, formerly known as Centaur Hotel. The property, situated in the affluent Juhu area of Mumbai, was acquired for approximately INR 890 crore.

This approval marks a significant development in the resolution of V Hotels' bankruptcy proceedings, where the hotel entity reported liabilities exceeding INR 2,500 crore. Macrotech's resolution plan, favored unanimously by financial lenders in June 2023, involves an upfront payment of INR 78 crore to secured financial creditors, with the remainder to be settled in two subsequent payments.

The strategic location of the Tulip Star Hotel, along with its historical significance, made it a highly sought-after asset, attracting bids from major players like Oberoi Realty and K Raheja Corp, among others. According to Ashish Pyasi, partner at Aendri Legal, "The prime location significantly enhanced the property's appeal, drawing considerable interest from potential bidders."

Located on a 6.1-acre land parcel in Vile Parle, the non-operational hotel includes 367 keys, restaurants, and banquet facilities, with potential for redevelopment into residential, commercial, or retail spaces. Additionally, V Hotels holds ownership of 11 residential apartments in Mumbai's western suburbs.

The insolvency proceedings for Tulip Star Hotels began in 2019, underwent various legal challenges, and saw significant developments, including a Supreme Court decision in August 2022 that ultimately reinstated the NCLT's resolution process. With 68 claims totaling over INR 9,621 crore filed under this process, the acquisition by Macrotech Developers marks a pivotal resolution in the protracted legal and financial saga surrounding this iconic property.