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.

image

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.


DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport Appoints Sanu Sadanandan as General Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport Appoints Sanu Sadanandan as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 28, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport has announced the appointment of Sanu Sadanandan as General Manager, bringing more than two decades of operational and commercial leadership experience to the property. As India’s largest DoubleTree by Hilton, the hotel plays a strategic role within the brand’s national portfolio.

In his new capacity, Sadanandan will steer overall strategy and daily operations, focusing on business expansion while safeguarding the brand’s globally recognised service benchmarks. His mandate spans complete operational oversight, enhancing guest experiences, strengthening revenue performance, leading sales and marketing initiatives, and cultivating a results-driven team culture.

A seasoned hospitality professional, he brings extensive expertise in hotel operations, revenue optimisation, business development and talent management. Under his leadership, the hotel aims to reinforce its positioning as a preferred airport address by introducing innovative food and beverage offerings and advancing sustainable operating practices, while continuing to deliver DoubleTree’s signature warm hospitality.

Commenting on his appointment, Sadanandan said, “It’s an honour to lead the team at DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport, a landmark property in Hilton’s India portfolio. We’ll prioritize seamless operations for business and transit travelers, leveraging our prime airport connectivity to boost occupancy, revenue streams, and guest satisfaction through efficient service and strategic partnerships.”

Prior to this role, he served as Head of MICE Sales at ITC Hotels in Gurugram and as General Manager at Renaissance Hotel Lucknow. His earlier assignments include Director of Operations at Le Méridien Gurugram and leadership roles across Marriott International.

With this leadership transition, DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport reinforces its focus on operational excellence, commercial performance and guest-centric service in one of India’s key aviation hubs.


The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Rajasthan Portfolio with The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Rajasthan Portfolio with The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on February 28, 2026

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur, Series by Marriott, further strengthening its footprint in Rajasthan. With this addition, the brand now operates five properties in Jaipur and a total of 17 hotels across the state, including those operational and opening shortly.

Strategically positioned with convenient access to major transport hubs, the new property is designed to serve business travellers, leisure guests, weddings and convention segments in one of India’s most culturally vibrant cities. Located approximately 30 km from Jaipur International Airport, 25 km from Jaipur Railway Station and 29 km from Jaipur ISBT, the hotel ensures smooth connectivity for domestic and international visitors.

The resort features 107 well-appointed rooms and suites across multiple categories, blending comfort, functionality and contemporary design. Dining offerings include Darpan, a multi-cuisine restaurant inspired by the architectural grandeur of Chand Baori, serving Indian, Asian and international fare in an elegant setting. Guests can also unwind at Zaza, a chic café and lounge offering gourmet teas, coffees and beverages alongside live kitchen experiences. Round-the-clock in-room dining further enhances guest convenience.

Commenting on the expansion, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “As India’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve, destinations such as Jaipur remain central to both domestic and international travel demand. Our focus is on creating hospitality experiences that combine efficient service, thoughtful amenities and strong location advantages to meet the expectations of modern travellers. This new property reflects our commitment to expanding in culturally significant markets while maintaining consistent quality and guest satisfaction across our portfolio.”

With its comprehensive facilities and strategic location, The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur is positioned as a well-connected and contemporary hospitality address in Rajasthan’s capital city.


Rare & Remarkable: Indian Single Malts to Elevate Your Holi Celebration

Rare & Remarkable: Indian Single Malts to Elevate Your Holi Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on February 28, 2026

Holi today blends vibrant daytime celebrations with relaxed, thoughtfully curated evenings. Once the colours fade, gatherings often move indoors to intimate dinners, music and premium pours. For hosts seeking something beyond predictable festive drinks, rare Indian single malts bring character, craftsmanship and conversation to the table.

Crazy Cock “Madhuca: The Heritage Editions” stands out for its pioneering finish in Mahura (Mahua) casks, a first for global single malts. Distilled at South Seas Distilleries, it layers floral sweetness, soft spice, vanilla and dried fruit over a smooth ex-bourbon and ex-sherry base. For hosts, it offers both heritage storytelling and refined taste.

From Jammu’s Himalayan foothills, GianChand Adambaraa and Manshaa present two distinct styles. Adambaraa delivers honeyed fruit and gentle spice for easy sipping, while Manshaa (Laggerbach) introduces peat smoke and citrus brightness, ideal for a slower, late-evening dram.

Limited to just 500 casks, DŌAAB 01 “Six Blind Men and the Elephant” pairs balanced sweetness with artistic packaging inspired by Rajasthan’s Mandana art, making it as display-worthy as it is enjoyable.

Distilled in Haryana, Indri Triple Wood Limited Editions combine ex-bourbon, wine and PX sherry casks, delivering layers of dried fruit, honey and oak that pair beautifully with festive fare.

Finally, Amrut Special and Cask-Strength Releases offer bold spice and dark chocolate notes shaped by tropical maturation, perfect for seasoned enthusiasts.

As Holi evolves into a celebration of tradition and contemporary luxury, these rare Indian single malts ensure the evening ends with depth, distinction and a memorable final pour.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.