New Holiday Inn & Suites Property in Budapest and IHG Re-Entry into Swedish Market with voco Stockholm Kista

New Holiday Inn & Suites Property in Budapest and IHG Re-Entry into Swedish Market with voco Stockholm Kista

By Author

Published on February 2, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality leader, recently announced exciting developments in Europe during the HOTCO conference. The company signed agreements for two significant properties—Holiday Inn & Suites Budapest Centrale in Hungary and voco Stockholm Kista in Sweden.

Holiday Inn & Suites Budapest Centrale:

Scheduled to open in late 2026, this 170-room property will be located in Budapest's XIV district, directly above the Puskas Ferenc Stadion metro station. The strategic location places it amidst Budapest's main sports, entertainment, and cultural hub, with attractions like the Puskas Arena, Papp Laszlo events hall, and more nearby.

The hotel, part of a mixed-use development, will offer 25 long-stay suites with kitchenettes, an Open Lobby, restaurant, lobby bar, meeting room, and fitness center. Holiday Inn & Suites Budapest Centrale will also feature IHG's signature offerings, such as Kids Stay and Eat Free. IHG is proud to collaborate with trusted partners, Chain Bridge Ventures Kft. and Mogotel Hotel Group, on this project.

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Mrs. Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed her delight, saying, “We’re delighted to have signed Holiday Inn & Suites Budapest Centrale – an agreement that brings our first '& Suites' offer to Europe for our Holiday Inn brand, offering a longer-stay option in the heart of the capital. The hotel will be located in a very popular area of Budapest and will provide guests with the perfect base from which to enjoy everything the Hungarian capital has to offer.”

voco Stockholm Kista:

IHG is making a strong comeback to the Swedish market with the signing of voco Stockholm Kista. Expected to open in the second half of 2024, this 201-room property is situated in Kista, known as Sweden's Silicon Valley. It will be adjacent to the Nordic Forum, a significant office redevelopment.

The voco brand, characterized by its individual charm and character, has gained momentum since its 2018 launch. The Stockholm Kista property will feature five personalized meeting and event spaces, a restaurant, lobby bar, fitness room, rooftop spa with an indoor swimming pool, and a rooftop garden.

Mrs. Willemijn Geels highlighted the growth of the voco brand, stating, “We have seen significant growth momentum with our voco hotels brand since it launched in 2018 and this signing reinforces that we are on our way to reaching the brand’s global ambition of 200 properties in leading urban and leisure locations by 2028.”

Both developments align with IHG's commitment to providing unique and memorable hospitality experiences. These properties, each with its distinctive offerings, contribute to IHG's diverse portfolio and showcase the brand's continuous expansion in key European markets.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.


Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle marked its third anniversary on 28th March, celebrating three years of hospitality, memorable guest experiences, and a growing presence in the city. Over this period, the hotel has welcomed guests from across India and abroad, hosted over 30 distinguished celebrities, and maintained a strong position among top properties on TripAdvisor since its opening.

While these milestones highlight its journey, the hotel places equal importance on the moments it has shared with its guests. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a place to stay, becoming a space where people come together for celebrations, conversations, and memorable experiences. The return of familiar faces and continued guest trust have played a key role in shaping its journey.

A key part of the hotel’s identity is its dining approach. Known for its 100% vegetarian, sattvic cuisine, the hotel focuses on meals that are prepared with care and authenticity, while also keeping well-being in mind. This thoughtful approach has helped create a strong connection with guests who value both taste and mindful dining.

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Speaking on the occasion, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, said:

"These three years have been incredibly special for us. Beyond numbers and milestones, it’s the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve been part of that truly define our journey. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and support."

Looking ahead, Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle remains focused on growing further while continuing to offer experiences that reflect warmth, comfort, and flavour.

Three years. Countless memories. Infinite flavours.


Grand Continent Hotels Enters Delhi NCR with Gurugram Launch

Grand Continent Hotels Enters Delhi NCR with Gurugram Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on March 31, 2026

Grand Continent Hotels Limited has marked its entry into the Delhi NCR region with the launch of a new property in Gurugram, signalling a significant step in its North India expansion strategy. The move builds on the brand’s strong presence in South India while tapping into one of the country’s most dynamic business hubs.

Located in Sector 45, Greenwood City, the property is positioned to cater to corporate travellers, long-stay guests, and domestic leisure segments. With close proximity to key business districts and connectivity points, the hotel is designed to offer a practical and comfortable stay aligned with evolving mid-market hospitality expectations.

Further strengthening its presence in the city, the company has also signed a new 56-key hotel near the Google office in Gurugram. This dual development underlines the brand’s intent to scale rapidly in high-demand micro-markets across NCR.

The launch comes as the company expands its footprint to 30 properties across 17+ cities, with over 1,800 keys. Its growth has been driven by a focus on high-demand urban locations, standardized service delivery, and efficient operational models that appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

Commenting on the expansion, Ramesh Siva said, “The launch in Gurugram marks an important step in our growth journey. Having established a strong foundation in South India, we are now focused on expanding across key North Indian markets including Delhi NCR, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Varanasi, Somnath and Rameswaram. Strengthening our presence in the city further, we have also signed a 56-key hotel near the Google office in Gurugram. Over the next two years, we plan to add 15 hotels across these key cities as we continue to build a scalable and sustainable hospitality network.”

The Gurugram hotel features 38 rooms, including Premium Rooms with balconies and Deluxe Rooms, designed with contemporary interiors and equipped with essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minibar, and workspaces. The property also houses a multi-cuisine restaurant, fitness centre, banquet and conference spaces, catering to both business meetings and small-format events.

With rising demand for organised mid-market hospitality across NCR and emerging destinations, North India is expected to play a critical role in the company’s growth. Its expansion strategy will focus on asset-light models, strategic partnerships, and high-demand locations to drive scalability and operational efficiency.

The Gurugram launch not only marks a geographic milestone but also reinforces Grand Continent Hotels’ long-term vision of building a pan-India hospitality platform centred on consistency, accessibility, and value-driven offerings.

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