Opera, Luxury, and More: Inside the Stunning Capella Hanoi

By Author

Published on December 3, 2023

In the enchanting city of Hanoi, where the whispers of a thousand years of civilization linger in the air, a jewel in the realm of luxury hospitality - the Capella Hanoi. This petite auberge, nestled near the iconic Hanoi Opera House, is not just a hotel; it's a passage to the halcyon days of opera, a tribute to an era when art and elegance reigned supreme.

A Portal to the Past

The Capella Hanoi, designed by the illustrious "Resort king" Bill Bensley, is a celebration of art nouveau architecture, a toast to the Roaring Twenties. Each of the 47 uniquely styled rooms and suites is a canvas where history meets luxury. From the custom portraiture art by Kate Spade to the operatic memorabilia adorning the walls, every detail at Capella Hanoi is a nod to the grandeur of the opera.

Dining as an Art Form

At Capella Hanoi, dining transcends the ordinary. The Michelin-selected Backstage Restaurant is not just about food; it's an experience, a culinary performance where each dish is a masterpiece. In the bar, under the gaze of portraits of luminaries like Anna Held and Coco Chanel, guests can savour bespoke cocktails, each a tribute to the legends of a bygone era.

In the Heart of Hanoi

Capella Hanoi's location at 11 Le Phung Hieu is as strategic as it is scenic. A mere 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbol of Hanoi's spirit, the hotel stands as a beacon of luxury and history. Its magnificent architecture, inspired by the Hanoi Opera House, is a testament to the city's cultural richness.

A Blend of Classical and Tropical Elegance

Every corner of Capella Hanoi celebrates classical art and architecture. The Diva’s Lounge bar, with its wooden furniture and red velvet tones, offers a classic yet luxurious ambiance, reminiscent of the legendary female Divas of the 20s. The Auriga Spa, a blend of tropical and royal Vietnamese architectural motifs, offers a regal retreat, while the corridors leading to the Backstage restaurant mimic the glamorous walk of artists amidst flashlights.

Personalised Luxury

Capella Hanoi's limited number of rooms and suites ensures personalised service for each guest. Each room, echoing the life story of a famed artist, boasts bespoke furniture and unique designs, ensuring no two experiences are the same.

Awards and Recognition

Since its inception, Capella Hanoi has captured the attention of global media and prestigious awards. Time magazine lauded it as one of the world's greatest destinations in 2021, while Destin Asian magazine named it one of the “Best New Hotels in Asia – Pacific” in The Luxe List 2021.

Capella Hanoi is more than a hotel; it's a narrative woven into the fabric of Hanoi's cultural tapestry. Managed by the world-renowned Capella Hotel Group and backed by Sun Group, it stands as a masterpiece, a luxurious echo of the city's storied past and vibrant present. As you step into Capella Hanoi, you step into history, luxury, and a story that's uniquely yours to experience.

Images - Lagracieuse - Instagram

Lords Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Gujarat Presence with Four New Signings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 27, 2024

Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of four new properties in Gujarat, taking its total presence in the state to 28 hotels. This strategic expansion highlights the group's unwavering commitment to offering premium hospitality in one of India's most dynamic regions.

The newly signed properties include:

Lords Inn Sanand: A 61-room hotel scheduled to open by July 2025.
Lords Studio Inn Kodinar: A boutique property with 23 rooms, opening in October 2025.
Lords Inn Una: Featuring 40 rooms, set to welcome guests by December 2025.
Lords Inn Gir: Offering 44 rooms, projected to open in 2026.

These hotels promise thoughtfully designed amenities, including banquet facilities and multi-cuisine restaurants that embrace local culinary traditions. With a focus on providing unforgettable experiences, each property is tailored to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Pushpendra Bansal, Chief Operating Officer of Lords Hotels & Resorts, shared his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the signing of four hotels in Gujarat, a state celebrated for its rich culture, vibrant heritage, and thriving ecosystem. These signings reflect the strong momentum our brand has built over the years."

He further added, "We remain committed to upholding the legacy of the Lords brand as we continue our journey toward success."

With these additions, Lords Hotels & Resorts now manages a portfolio of 70 hotels and over 3,000 keys across three countries. As the brand grows, its core philosophy of delivering "True Value Hospitality" remains steadfast, ensuring exceptional guest experiences across all its properties.

OYO Faces Rising Turmoil: Layoffs, Legal Troubles, and Hotelier Backlash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

The troubles for OYO, one of India’s most prominent unicorn startups, continue to escalate. According to an Economic Times report, the company plans to lay off 2,000 employees by the end of January as part of its cost-cutting measures, which also include automation of processes. While OYO touts itself as one of the “best places to work,” the planned layoffs come amidst mounting internal and external challenges.

An OYO spokesperson stated, “OYO continuously tracks performances of individuals, and depending on the results and the individual’s interests, we may replace some candidates after giving them the opportunity to go through a performance improvement programme.” However, layoffs are just one part of the growing crisis the company faces.

Backlash from Hotel Owners

OYO’s problems extend beyond its workforce. The startup is under fire from hotel owners across various markets for unpaid dues and unfavorable contract terms. In India, the dissatisfaction has even led to legal action. Recently, a Bengaluru hotelier filed a cheating case against OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal and six others, alleging non-payment of INR 7 lakh per month since May 2019.

Globally, similar issues persist. In the United States, hotel owners have raised concerns about OYO’s partner management system, citing its inefficiency and failure to meet payment commitments. In Japan, Yahoo terminated its partnership with OYO due to increasing complaints from hotel owners. Even in China, where OYO claims to be one of the largest hotel chains, property owners report receiving lower payments than initially promised.

Regulatory Scrutiny

Adding to its woes, OYO is also under investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The probe focuses on a commercial agreement between OYO and MakeMyTrip, examining whether the partnership creates an unfair dominant position in the market.

Global Troubles Continue

The startup’s ambitious expansion into the US market has not been smooth, with several hotel owners expressing dissatisfaction with OYO’s operations. The issues of unpaid dues and operational inefficiencies seem to mirror the problems reported in other markets.

Despite these challenges, OYO continues to assert its commitment to growth and operational excellence. However, the growing dissent from hotel owners, legal battles, and regulatory scrutiny highlight a critical need for the company to address its operational inefficiencies and rebuild trust with its partners.

With these mounting issues, the road ahead for OYO appears increasingly complex. Will the unicorn be able to navigate these turbulent waters, or is its ambitious expansion strategy taking a toll on its foundational stability?

Mahakumbh 2025 Welcomes First Upscale Hotel: Regenta Evolife Dome City

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) is all set to elevate the hospitality experience during Mahakumbh 2025 with the launch of Regenta Evolife Dome City, a one-of-a-kind upscale pop-up resort in Prayagraj. Strategically situated near the main bathing point and activity areas of the Mahakumbh Mela, this luxury offering will cater to international and domestic travelers looking for premium accommodations during the world’s largest religious gathering.

A Unique Hospitality Milestone

Scheduled to open on 15th January 2025, Regenta Evolife Dome City will feature a variety of accommodations, including luxurious tents and architecturally stunning domes. These unique domes not only offer a serene retreat but also provide guests with immersive stargazing opportunities. Complementing this are wellness activities such as yoga and meditation, a private beach for intimate ceremonies, and curated culinary experiences.

Exclusive Services for Memorable Stays

Guests at Regenta Evolife Dome City can enjoy a host of exclusive offerings, including complimentary airport transfers, meals tailored to preferences, and boat rides. The resort aims to blend spiritual enrichment with recreational luxury, making it a preferred destination for those attending Mahakumbh 2025.

Reimagining Spiritual Hospitality

Arjun Baljee, President of ROHL, shared his vision, stating, “2024 was the year we began redefining our hospitality brands, and 2025 is when we execute those plans. Mahakumbh 2025 provides the perfect stage to showcase Regenta Evolife Dome City, combining quality accommodations and unparalleled service in a spiritual epicenter.”

Meeting a Growing Demand for Luxury Accommodations

Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to attract an unprecedented 400 to 450 million visitors. Despite its spiritual significance, Prayagraj has long faced a shortage of high-quality accommodations for international tourists. Regenta Evolife Dome City aims to address this gap, offering world-class hospitality during this iconic event.

Collaboration and Innovation

Highlighting the collaborative effort, Mr. Alok Chauhan, the project’s developer, said, “We are thrilled to partner with ROHL to create this one-of-a-kind upscale property. With our excellence in dome architecture and Regenta’s signature hospitality, we aim to make every visitor’s stay unforgettable.”

Discover Prayagraj

Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers, holds immense spiritual significance. As one of the four cities to host the Kumbh Mela, the city attracts millions of pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and tourists. Its rich heritage, ancient temples, and historical monuments make Prayagraj a must-visit destination during the Mahakumbh.

About Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels

With over 110 hotels across India, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. is one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains. The Regenta brand extends its offerings to discerning travelers through categories like Regenta Resort, Regenta Inn, and more, combining convenience, affordability, and luxury.

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