Pride Hotels Expands into India's Pilgrimage Sites to Cater to Spiritual Travellers

Pride Hotels Expands into India's Pilgrimage Sites to Cater to Spiritual Travellers

By Author

Published on March 7, 2024

Pride Hotels Group is embarking on a significant expansion to tap into India's flourishing spiritual tourism market, planning to open new properties at various pilgrimage sites across the country. This strategic move is designed to accommodate the increasing influx of domestic and international travellers embarking on spiritual journeys, with the tourism sector experiencing a notable 40% growth, as reported by The Economic Times.

The expansion will see the launch of Pride Resort Ambaji and Pride Comfort Dwarka in Gujarat, alongside planned developments in key spiritual hubs such as Haldwani, Puri, Ranakpur, Rishikesh, and Rudraprayag. These locations have been carefully selected to meet the unique needs of modern pilgrims, blending spiritual significance with the comforts and amenities of modern hospitality.

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Pride Hotels Group, which currently operates in 28 locations nationwide, has set an ambitious goal to introduce 40 new hotels, enriching its portfolio across various market segments. The group's diverse brand offerings cater to a wide range of travellers: Pride Plaza targets the luxury segment, Pride Hotels offers upscale services, Pride Resorts provides leisure and vacation experiences, and Biznotel by Pride is tailored to meet the needs of the smart business traveller.

Senior Vice-President of Pride Hotels Group, Atul Upadhyay, emphasised the company's commitment to faith-based tourism, stating, "Our expansion into the realm of faith-based tourism underscores our commitment to excellence and our responsiveness to the changing desires of today’s pilgrims."

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The announcement comes on the heels of the successful launch of Pride Biznotel Canopus Digha in West Bengal last year, marking the brand's debut in the coastal town. The property boasts a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and 1,500ft² of meeting space, further showcasing Pride Hotels' commitment to enhancing the travel experience for guests across India.

This expansion into pilgrimage sites reflects a growing demand for sustainable and culturally enriching travel options, highlighting Pride Hotels Group's innovative approach to catering to the evolving preferences of today's travellers. As the company extends its footprint into these sacred destinations, it aims to offer unparalleled hospitality experiences that resonate with the spiritual and cultural heritage of each location.


ITC Hotels Opens 63-Key Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal in Uttarakhand

ITC Hotels Opens 63-Key Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal in Uttarakhand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited (ITCHL) has announced the opening of Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal, a 63-key lakeside hotel overlooking the scenic Bhimtal Lake in Uttarakhand. The launch marks the company's 12th property in the state, further strengthening its presence in one of India's growing leisure destinations.

Surrounded by the Himalayan hills, the hotel features thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, with many offering panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. It also serves as a convenient base for travellers looking to explore the Kumaon region, with easy access to Nainital, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and Kainchi Dham.

Commenting on the launch, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, "Uttarakhand holds a special place in our portfolio, and the opening of our 12th hotel in the region speaks of our confidence in its growing appeal among travellers seeking meaningful experiences. Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal marks a happy milestone in our expansion journey around India’s high-growth and emerging leisure markets."

The hotel also caters to business and social events with banqueting and conferencing facilities that can accommodate up to 200 guests. A dedicated boardroom is available for meetings, presentations, and strategy sessions, while the lakeside setting provides an attractive venue for corporate off-sites, leadership retreats, intimate weddings, and social celebrations.

Guests can enjoy a range of wellness and recreational facilities, including an all-weather swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, and a spa that is set to open soon.

The dining options include Zodiac, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant serving local Kumaoni dishes alongside international favourites, and Neptune Bar, offering a selection of wines, spirits, and brews. A rooftop restaurant, Nakshatra, is also expected to open soon, featuring open-air dining with panoramic lake views.

Beyond the hotel, visitors can experience a variety of outdoor activities such as boating and kayaking on Bhimtal Lake, nature walks through pine and oak forests, trekking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and photography. Nearby destinations including Naukuchiatal, Sattal, and Mukteshwar also offer adventure experiences such as paragliding, ziplining, rock climbing, camping, and wildlife spotting.

Hemant Dwivedi, Owner of Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal, said, "The opening of Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal marks an exciting milestone for us. As one of Uttarakhand’s most sought-after leisure destinations, Bhimtal appeals to discerning travellers seeking immersive experiences amidst nature. Together with ITC Hotels, we are committed to creating a distinctive hospitality offering that blends the destination’s charm with world-class service. Fortune Lakeview Bhimtal aims to contribute to Bhimtal’s tourism growth, generate meaningful employment, and emerge as a preferred choice for leisure stays, weddings and corporate retreats."

With this opening, ITCHL's portfolio in Uttarakhand now includes properties in Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Haldwani, Ranikhet, Jim Corbett, Nainital, and Bhimtal, with upcoming hotels planned in Selaqui and Mukteshwar.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Celebrates Rajasthan's Culinary Heritage with Rajwada Rang

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Celebrates Rajasthan's Culinary Heritage with Rajwada Rang

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida is bringing the rich flavours and traditions of Rajasthan to the capital with "Rajwada Rang", a specially curated Rajasthani Food Festival at Café on 3. The festival is being held from June 26 to July 4, 2026, between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, offering guests an authentic taste of the royal state's culinary heritage.

To complement the dining experience, Café on 3 has been transformed with traditional Rajasthani décor, colourful accents and cultural elements that recreate the vibrant charm of Rajasthan, giving guests an immersive cultural and culinary experience.

The festival menu has been curated by Executive Chef Ashutosh Bisht in collaboration with Guest Chef Hem Singh Gurjar from Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre. A native of Rajasthan, Chef Hem brings generations of culinary expertise and deep knowledge of the state's traditional recipes, ensuring guests enjoy authentic flavours and cooking styles.

The culinary journey begins with comforting soups such as Bajre Ki Raab and Mutton Paya Ka Raab, followed by appetisers including Paneer Rajwada, Kadai Ki Seekh, Jaipuri Tangri Kebab and Jaisalmeri Murgh Malai Roll, each prepared using Rajasthan's distinctive spices and techniques.

Guests can then savour a variety of signature main course dishes such as Rajasthani Kadhi, Dal Marwadi, Gatte Ki Curry and the unique Gulab Jamun Ki Sabzi. The non-vegetarian selection features favourites like Laal Maas and Mutton Banjara, while traditional accompaniments including Bajra Ki Roti and Churma complete the meal.

The festival concludes with a selection of classic Rajasthani desserts, including Ghewar Malai, Alwar Ka Milk Cake and Mawa Kachori, offering guests a sweet finish to the royal feast.

Speaking about the festival, Ashutosh Bisht, Executive Chef, Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida, said, "Rajwada Rang is an ode to Rajasthan's rich culinary legacy. By partnering with Chef Hem Singh Gurjar, we have curated a menu that stays true to authentic flavors while offering guests a memorable and immersive dining experience. Every dish tells a story of tradition, culture and the royal heritage of Rajasthan."

Adding to this, Shashi Shankar, Food & Beverage Manager, said, "Beyond the food, Rajwada Rang is about recreating the spirit of Rajasthan. From the vibrant décor to the carefully crafted menu, every element has been designed to transport guests to the royal heartland of India and offer them an unforgettable culinary journey."


Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Raffles Cambodia’s iconic heritage hotels have secured top honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, reaffirming their position among the region’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh was ranked Cambodia’s No. 1 city hotel, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap secured the No. 2 position in the same category. Both properties also featured prominently across additional award categories, highlighting their continued excellence in luxury hospitality.

In the “Best Hotel Swimming Pools” category, Raffles Hotel Le Royal ranked No. 2, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secured the No. 4 position. The Siem Reap property also earned the No. 4 spot in the “Best Hotel Spas” category. Adding to the accolades, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was recognised among Cambodia’s best General Managers.

Commenting on the recognition, Dagmar Lyons said the achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in bringing the heritage spirit of the hotel to life while maintaining Raffles’ signature warm and intuitive service.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, noted that the recognition reinforces the hotel’s role as a historic gateway to Angkor and its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s cultural and hospitality legacy.

The strong performance at the awards follows recent heritage-focused initiatives by Raffles Cambodia, including the launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new publication chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The brand also continues to showcase archival materials and historical artefacts across its properties.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, originally opened in 1929, is known for its French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco-inspired design, following a major restoration completed in 2019. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, established in 1932, continues to reflect classic French Art Deco architecture blended with Cambodian influences.

Both properties were previously among the select hotels in Cambodia to receive MICHELIN Keys in the inaugural edition of the guide for the country. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also ranked the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

With continued global recognition, Raffles Cambodia strengthens its position as a custodian of heritage luxury hospitality, blending history, culture, and refined service across its iconic properties.

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