New IRA By Orchid Hotel Opens, Bringing Modern Elegance to Sambhaji Nagar

New IRA By Orchid Hotel Opens, Bringing Modern Elegance to Sambhaji Nagar

By Author

Published on December 23, 2023

Kamat Hotels India Ltd has expanded its Orchid Hotel portfolio with the opening of its fourth IRA outlet in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, formerly known as Aurangabad. This new addition follows the successful launch of IRA in Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, and Nashik.

As guests enter IRA By Orchid, they are greeted with a traditional ‘Namaskar’ welcome, setting the tone for a stay that combines warm hospitality with modern luxury. The hotel features the city's freshest rooms and a stunning rooftop restaurant, ‘Upper Deck’, providing panoramic views and exquisite dining. It also houses elegant banquets, making it an ideal venue for both corporate and social events.

Strategically located near the city's top attractions and corporate hubs, and just a short 15-minute drive from the airport, IRA By Orchid serves as a perfect base for exploring landmarks like the Ajanta Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort.

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The hotel offers a range of meticulously designed rooms, including Deluxe, Premier, and Suite categories. These accommodations blend contemporary design with comfort, catering to all travel needs. Guests can enjoy amenities like centralized air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and non-smoking rooms.

Dr. Vithal Kamat, Chairman of Kamat Hotels India Ltd, shared his enthusiasm for welcoming guests to the new IRA outlet. He highlighted the Kamat brand's dedication to exceptional food and banquet services and expressed his vision for IRA as a model for future expansion in the Marathwada region.

Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, further added that in line with IRA's philosophy, the hotel will contribute 1% of its sales to community welfare, focusing on the education of the Girl Child and collaborating with grassroots organizations to positively impact the Sambhaji Nagar community.

This new venture promises to elevate the hospitality experience in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, offering guests a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional charm.


Bikanervala Strengthens South India Expansion with Strategic Presence in Bengaluru

Bikanervala Strengthens South India Expansion with Strategic Presence in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised heritage brands in sweets, snacks, and traditional vegetarian cuisine, is strengthening its presence in Bengaluru as part of its ambitious South India expansion strategy. With a legacy spanning more than 115 years, the brand continues to expand its footprint by introducing authentic North Indian flavours to one of India's most dynamic and cosmopolitan food markets.

Founded in 1905 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and expanding to Delhi in 1950, Bikanervala has evolved into a global food and hospitality brand with more than 270 outlets across India and international markets, including the USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Nepal, and New Zealand. The company operates under three verticals Bikanervala Restaurants, Bikano Packaged Foods, and Bikano Chat Cafes, while maintaining its commitment to authentic recipes, quality ingredients, and traditional Indian hospitality.

Bengaluru represents a strategic milestone in the company's nationwide growth roadmap. The city's diverse consumer base, expanding middle-class population, thriving corporate ecosystem, and appreciation for regional Indian cuisines have positioned it as an important destination in Bikanervala's South India expansion plans.

The brand currently operates from Jayanagar, offering dine-in, takeaway, pickup, delivery, and catering services. Operating daily from 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM, the outlet caters to breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner while serving both individual diners and corporate customers.

The Bengaluru menu showcases an extensive selection of traditional North Indian favourites, including signature sweets, Bikaneri namkeens, chaats, North Indian curries, breads, and festive delicacies. Guests can enjoy classics such as Raj Kachori, Chole Bhature, Jalebi, Khandvi, Handvo, Dhokla, Kachori, Dal Dhokli, Paneer specialities, and a wide range of authentic regional recipes. The menu also includes South Indian dishes, Indo-Chinese offerings, refreshing beverages, desserts, corporate meal boxes, and customised thalis.

Beyond restaurant dining, Bikanervala offers catering solutions for weddings, birthday celebrations, corporate events, family gatherings, and festive occasions. The brand also provides specially curated festival sweet assortments, premium gift hampers, and customised bulk orders for celebrations and corporate gifting.

Maintaining high standards of food quality and safety remains central to Bikanervala's operations. The Bengaluru outlet operates under FSSAI License No. 11225334001195 and follows the company's standardised quality protocols. Bikanervala was also the first Indian sweets and namkeen brand to receive ISO 9001 certification, reflecting its longstanding commitment to quality assurance, hygiene, and operational excellence.

The company's South India strategy forms part of a broader national expansion plan that aims to add more than 70 new outlets across India during FY2025–26. Looking ahead, Bikanervala plans to establish over 700 stores globally by 2030 while targeting revenue of ₹7,000 crore. The company is also investing in new manufacturing facilities, including a ₹400 crore plant near Jewar Airport and a ₹50 crore facility in Hyderabad, to strengthen production capacity and support future growth.

Within Bengaluru, Bikanervala intends to further expand into major commercial and residential corridors, including HSR Layout, Indiranagar, Koramangala, Whitefield, MG Road, Kalyan Nagar, airport zones, premium shopping malls, and key IT hubs. The expansion will be supported by an enhanced delivery network and specialised catering services tailored for the city's corporate ecosystem.

Customers can also access Bikanervala's complete menu through its official online ordering platform, along with Swiggy and Zomato, offering convenient ordering, multiple payment options, and real-time delivery tracking.

With more than a century of culinary heritage, an expanding global footprint, and a growing presence in South India, Bikanervala continues to blend traditional Indian flavours with modern convenience, reinforcing its position as one of India's most trusted names in authentic vegetarian cuisine and sweets.


Accor’s Mid Year Sale Offers Up to 25% Off Stays at Novotel Vijayawada Varun

Accor’s Mid Year Sale Offers Up to 25% Off Stays at Novotel Vijayawada Varun

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Accor is inviting travellers to make their next getaway more rewarding with its Mid Year Sale, offering savings of up to 25% across more than 1,500 participating hotels in Asia Pacific, Africa, and beyond, including Novotel Vijayawada Varun.

The limited-time offer provides an opportunity for guests to plan city escapes, family holidays, business trips extended into leisure, and relaxing staycations at attractive value.

Bookings for the offer are open until July 31, 2026, with stays valid through September 30, 2026. Guests can enjoy 20% savings, while members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, receive an additional 5% discount on their stays.

Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said: "At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, we believe a memorable getaway should be both accessible and exceptional. Accor's Mid Year Sale gives travellers the perfect opportunity to experience our warm hospitality and distinctive dining experiences at even greater value. Whether it is a relaxing weekend staycation, a family break or a business trip extended into leisure, we look forward to welcoming guests for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Vijayawada."

Located in the heart of Vijayawada, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the city’s only five-star deluxe hotel, offers contemporary accommodation combined with signature hospitality experiences. The property features 233 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a rejuvenating spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an infinity swimming pool overlooking the city.

Beyond accommodation, guests can explore the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings, including the live Teppanyaki experience at Red Bowl, international cuisine at Food Exchange, handcrafted beverages at Gourmet Bar, panoramic city views at Skydeck, and artisanal desserts from The Cake Factory.

The hotel also focuses on responsible hospitality through initiatives such as complimentary EV charging facilities for guests and sustainability-driven practices, enhancing the overall stay experience.

Travellers who are not yet members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless can join the programme free of charge to access exclusive member rates, rewards, and special offers throughout the year.

The Accor Mid Year Sale is available for bookings until July 31, 2026, with stays valid until September 30, 2026, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions


Eco Hotels & Resorts Expands Culinary Footprint with Growing Portfolio of Restaurant Brands Across India

Eco Hotels & Resorts Expands Culinary Footprint with Growing Portfolio of Restaurant Brands Across India

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Eco Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its presence in India’s food and beverage landscape with an expanding portfolio of concept-driven restaurants and cafés designed to deliver distinctive culinary experiences for hotel guests and local diners alike.

With a focus on authentic flavours, thoughtfully curated menus, and engaging hospitality experiences, the company’s restaurant brands aim to create destination dining spaces that cater to evolving consumer preferences while complementing its growing hospitality portfolio.

The company’s current culinary portfolio includes Sahar, GG’s Rooftop Lounge, Kick In the Brick, and EcoSip Café, with a premium non-vegetarian restaurant concept set to launch soon. Together, these brands represent Eco Hotels & Resorts’ vision of developing restaurant concepts with unique identities, experiences, and culinary philosophies.

Sahar, the flagship restaurant of Eco Hotels & Resorts, celebrates mindful eating through its focus on 100% pure vegetarian, Satvik, No Onion No Garlic, and Jain cuisine. The restaurant blends traditional Indian recipes with contemporary presentation, offering guests a dining experience rooted in authenticity, wellness, and purity.

Offering panoramic city views, GG’s Rooftop Lounge delivers an elevated family dining experience with a carefully curated vegetarian menu featuring Pan Asian and Continental cuisines. The rooftop setting, combined with sophisticated ambience and quality cuisine, positions the restaurant as a preferred destination for relaxed dining occasions.

Kick In the Brick brings together global vegetarian cuisine with entertainment-led dining experiences. Featuring music, live entertainment, sports screenings, and a vibrant family lounge atmosphere, the concept creates a lively social space designed for celebrations and casual gatherings.

For coffee enthusiasts and professionals, EcoSip Café offers artisan coffee, premium teas, freshly prepared café favourites, and a contemporary setting ideal for casual meetings, work conversations, and everyday moments.

Further expanding its culinary offerings, Eco Hotels & Resorts will soon launch a premium non-vegetarian restaurant celebrating India’s diverse regional culinary traditions along with international favourites. The upcoming concept marks the next phase of the company’s food and beverage growth strategy and will add further variety to its restaurant portfolio.

Commenting on the expansion, Chirag More, Head – Marketing & F&B Business, Eco Hotels & Resorts, said:

"At Eco Hotels & Resorts, we believe every restaurant should have its own soul, identity, and story. Our vision goes beyond serving great food. We strive to create memorable dining experiences through authentic flavours, thoughtful hospitality, and distinctive ambience."

He added, "Every concept in our portfolio has been thoughtfully developed to cater to different dining preferences while upholding our commitment to quality, innovation, and consistency. As we continue to grow our culinary portfolio, our focus remains on creating restaurant brands that become preferred dining destinations and deliver memorable experiences for every guest."

As Eco Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its food and beverage business, the company remains focused on creating distinctive restaurant concepts that connect with modern diners while strengthening its position in India’s evolving hospitality sector.

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