Pride Hotels Group Expands its Horizon with 'Biznotel by Pride Gangtok'

Pride Hotels Group Expands its Horizon with 'Biznotel by Pride Gangtok'

By Author

Published on January 27, 2024

Pride Hotels Group is set to make a mark in the charming city of Gangtok with its latest addition, 'Biznotel by Pride Gangtok.' This announcement signifies the group's second venture in Gangtok, aligning with its commitment to providing diverse and exceptional hospitality experiences.

Scheduled to open its doors in March 2024, 'Biznotel by Pride Gangtok' will offer a perfect fusion of business and leisure amenities against the breathtaking backdrop of the eastern Himalayan range. With 60 elegantly designed rooms offering panoramic views of the Gangtok valley, the hotel is poised to become a haven for both business and leisure travelers.

Atul Upadhyay, Executive Vice President of Pride Hotels Group, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The unveiling of 'Biznotel by Pride Gangtok' represents a step in our journey within Gangtok's environment. Our first property in the city, a resort, has already set a benchmark in leisure hospitality. Now, with Biznotel by Pride, we aim to cater to both leisure and business travellers, ensuring a stay in the heart of the Himalayas.” 

image

The hotel will feature a multi-cuisine restaurant, a state-of-the-art conference hall, and various amenities tailored to meet the diverse needs of guests. The conference hall and banquet venues are equipped with cutting-edge technology, making them ideal for business meetings or celebratory events.

Binay Kumar Thakur, Associate Vice President of Pride Hotels Group, highlighted the strategic significance of this expansion, saying, “Biznotel by Pride Gangtok is more than an expansion; it's a testament to our commitment to versatile hospitality experiences. We're excited to offer our guests a modern, luxurious stay that caters to both their business and leisure needs.”

Pride Hotels Group, with approximately 56 locations nationwide, continues to strengthen its presence across India. The group's upcoming destinations include Daman, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Agra, Jabalpur, Bharuch, Nainital, Jim Corbett, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rajkot, Kanpur, Neemrana, Mysore, Gurugram, Aurangabad, Halol, Yavatmal, Greater Noida, Motera (Ahmedabad), Lonavala, Veraval, Amritsar, and more.

The group offers a range of hospitality options under various brands, including ‘Pride Plaza Hotel,’ ‘Pride Hotel,’ ‘Pride Resort,’ ‘Biznotel by Pride,’ and ‘Pride Suites.’ Renowned for their exceptional service, these properties cater to a diverse clientele, including celebrities, corporate clients, and domestic as well as international tourists. The introduction of 'Biznotel by Pride Gangtok' stands as a testament to Pride Hotels Group's dedication to providing a luxurious and memorable stay experience.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

image

Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

image

As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

image

The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.

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.