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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 1, 2024
Soot by O2, a new luxury hotel next to the airport, has officially opened its doors. The 4-star property spans 75,000 square feet and features 110 elegantly designed rooms, setting itself up as a key destination for those seeking luxury with ease of access. The opening ceremony also marked the launch of a Durga Puja special menu, providing both traditional and modern takes on festive dishes for guests to enjoy.
The hotel was inaugurated by several notable personalities, including Tollywood actress Rituparna Sengupta, MLA Tapash Chatterjee, Councillor Debraj Chakraborty, and the Loharuka family—owners and directors of Soot by O2.
During the event, Managing Directors Anisha Loharuka and Shrija Loharuka shared their vision for Soot by O2. "We are thrilled to introduce Hotel Soot as a premier destination for travelers seeking exceptional comfort and personalized service. Our rooftop bar and swimming pool offer magnificent views, including a direct sightline to the airport runway from our terrace, enhancing the overall guest experience. Our team is dedicated to creating memorable experiences through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. This launch represents our vision to offer a unique blend of luxury and hospitality that exceeds expectations. We look forward to welcoming guests and making every stay unforgettable," they said.
Actress Rituparna Sengupta also spoke about her excitement for the opening. "I am excited to inaugurate Soot by O2, ideally located next to the airport. This hotel offers travelers unparalleled convenience without compromising on luxury. It's a perfect retreat for those seeking comfort and exceptional service, right at their doorstep."
Soot by O2 aims to provide guests with an array of dining and entertainment options. The hotel features multiple restaurants and bars, including:
Venezia: A 56-seater multi-cuisine restaurant.
Caffeine: A cozy café that also accommodates 56 guests, offering diverse dishes.
The Drunken Monkey: An English-style pub with seating for 120.
Aire: A rooftop pool bar offering an impressive view of the airport runway.
Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s spa and gym facilities.
Soot by O2 also caters to events and celebrations with three spacious banquet halls:
Victoria: A 3,000-square-foot hall with a capacity of up to 300 guests.
Aurum: Also 3,000 square feet and suitable for 300 attendees.
Olive: A smaller, more intimate venue of 1,000 square feet that accommodates 100 guests.
The launch event ended with a celebratory toast, emphasizing the hotel's dedication to delivering a luxurious guest experience with a focus on sustainability. Soot by O2 aims to redefine hospitality by combining comfort, luxury, and convenience in one unique location.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 26, 2026
Responding to the growing trend of pet-inclusive travel, Summit Hotels & Resorts has introduced pet-friendly accommodation across selected properties in Eastern and Northeast India. The initiative comes as more Indian travellers choose to include their pets in holidays instead of leaving them behind.
The hospitality group said the move reflects changing travel preferences, with guests increasingly looking for personalised and experience-driven stays where pets are treated as part of the family. Industry trends have also shown a steady rise in demand for pet-friendly accommodation, particularly in hill stations and nature-based destinations.
As part of the rollout, Summit Hotels & Resorts will offer designated pet-friendly room categories at selected properties in Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kaziranga and Tashigang. The offering will initially be available in specific accommodation types, including cottages, villas, premium rooms and select ground-floor rooms.
Commenting on the initiative, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said:
"We are seeing a noticeable shift in travel patterns where guests increasingly want their pets to be part of the holiday experience. Destinations in the hills and nature-focused locations naturally align with this trend because travellers are seeking more relaxed and family-oriented experiences. Hospitality today is becoming more personalised, and adapting to changing guest preferences is becoming increasingly important."
The introduction of pet-friendly stays is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance experience-led hospitality across its portfolio of leisure destinations. Summit Hotels & Resorts is also finalising a nominal fee structure for pet stays, which will apply to the designated pet-friendly room categories.
With this initiative, the hotel group aims to provide greater flexibility for travellers while responding to the increasing demand for accommodation that welcomes both guests and their four-legged companions.
By Hariharan U
Published on July 25, 2026
Novotel Vijayawada Varun has reinforced its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, observed on July 28, by highlighting its ongoing initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and responsible tourism.
Aligned with this year's theme of “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature,” the hotel continues to integrate sustainability into its daily operations through cleaner energy solutions, waste reduction practices, and responsible resource management.
One of the key sustainability initiatives undertaken by the property was the transition from diesel to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for boiler operations used in laundry steam generation. Implemented in March 2023, the initiative has contributed to an estimated annual reduction of approximately 98 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions associated with diesel-based operations.
The hotel has also expanded its renewable energy adoption through solar power. Since early 2025, solar energy has contributed approximately 33 to 44 per cent of the property's monthly electricity requirements, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of around 1,476 to 1,968 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Beyond operational efficiencies, Novotel Vijayawada Varun has incorporated sustainability into the guest experience through initiatives such as complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging cleaner mobility among travellers. The property has also eliminated single-use plastics as part of its efforts to minimise waste and promote environmentally conscious practices.
Commenting on the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, "World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that every organization has an opportunity to contribute towards a healthier planet through meaningful action. We remain committed to adapting responsible practices that create a positive environmental impact while delivering a seamless experience for our guests."
The hotel's sustainability efforts have also received international recognition through the Green Key Certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, acknowledging its commitment towards responsible environmental practices.
As sustainability continues to influence the future of travel and hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun remains focused on creating a greener hospitality ecosystem through cleaner energy adoption, conscious operations, and responsible guest experiences.
Published on July 24, 2026
LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the signing and launch of two new Hotel Management Agreements for Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage, both joining the portfolio under the AM Hotel Kollection.
The additions mark another milestone in LaRiSa’s growth journey, taking its presence in India to 39 hotels while strengthening its footprint in the Kumaon region, which continues to attract travellers seeking peaceful, nature-led, and experiential stays.
Located near Nainital, both properties offer guests a quieter alternative to conventional hill destinations while retaining easy access to the region’s attractions. Rooted in their surroundings, Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage reflect LaRiSa’s focus on creating hospitality experiences that celebrate local character, heritage, and regional culture.
Ramgarh Vatika is a wooden chalet-style boutique retreat situated in the hills of Ramgarh at an altitude of over 4,500 feet. The property offers mountain-facing views, an in-house restaurant featuring freshly prepared cuisine and local Kumaoni specialities, along with curated experiences inspired by the natural surroundings.
Kumaon Cottage, meanwhile, carries a rich heritage legacy, having originated as a private home nearly 180 years ago. Over the years, the property has been transformed into a boutique stay while preserving its traditional charm through carved wooden doors, sheesham wood flooring, and handcrafted furniture created by local artisans.
The dining experience at Kumaon Cottage focuses on fresh organic ingredients and regional flavours, with in-house chefs creating dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of Kumaon.
Commenting on the new additions, Randhir Narayan, CEO, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts, said, "Signing Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage was not a move to add more hotels to our portfolio, rather a way to deepen our connection to a landscape and a way of travelling that feels quieter and more personal. Both hotels are rooted in their surroundings, and that is exactly what guides us when we grow: to build with intention, not just ambition."
With these additions, LaRiSa continues to strengthen its presence across India through its three brands, LaRiSa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection, and 8fold by LaRiSa. The company focuses on developing professionally managed properties that combine warm hospitality, regional experiences, and a strong connection with their destinations.
The expansion into Uttarakhand reflects the growing demand for boutique mountain retreats and experiential hospitality, as travellers increasingly seek meaningful stays beyond traditional tourist destinations.
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