Sourcing, Training, Rewarding: Wyndham's Strategies for Success in Franchise Hotels

Sourcing, Training, Rewarding: Wyndham's Strategies for Success in Franchise Hotels

By Author

Published on June 27, 2023

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched the "Wyndham Strong" program to address the needs of hotel employees. Mike Reilly, Chief People and Operations Officer for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa at Wyndham, discussed the company's approach to HR policies in franchise hotels.

Work-life balance is a key focus in the hospitality industry, known for its long hours and irregular shifts. Wyndham recognizes the importance of HR in attracting and retaining talent. With approximately 9,100 franchised hotels worldwide, the guest experience remains consistent, whether managed or franchised.

The company provides comprehensive best practices and toolkits to define talent requirements for each department. Brand standards are set, and dedicated trainers support their implementation. Reilly's team assists in training general managers and department heads to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

While luxury hotels have dominated the Indian market, Wyndham excels in the mid-market segment. Reilly aims to change the perception that only five-star hotels offer rewarding careers. The "Wyndham Strong" program focuses on sourcing, training, rewarding, optimizing, nurturing, and growing employees.

Franchisees receive resources like workshops, online learning, and templates. Wyndham stands alongside franchisees during challenges like talent shortages and financial difficulties. People and brands are their most valuable assets, and supporting hotels with empowering tools is crucial.

Wyndham's commitment to creating a positive work environment and supporting employee growth strengthens its position in the high-growth Indian market.

In summary, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts prioritizes the well-being of its hotel employees through the "Wyndham Strong" program. HR policies play a vital role in recruiting and retaining talent, ensuring a consistent guest experience across their extensive network of franchised hotels.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence with New Properties in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence with New Properties in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

By Hariharan U

Published on December 12, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of two new properties, Lemon Tree Resort, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, and Lemon Tree Hotel, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Both properties will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, and mark a strategic expansion in the South and Central Indian markets.

Lemon Tree Resort, Bapatla is located in the serene coastal town of Bapatla, renowned for the tranquil Suryalanka Beach. The resort features 90 rooms, a restaurant and bar, banquet and meeting facilities, a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre, offering guests a refreshing escape by the sea.

image

Lemon Tree Hotel, Bhilai, situated in the industrial yet green city of Bhilai, home to the iconic Bhilai Steel Plant, blends urban convenience with calm surroundings. The hotel offers 72 keys, a restaurant, banquet and meeting spaces, swimming pool, and spa, catering to both business travellers and leisure guests seeking a value-driven experience.

Commenting on the expansion, Vilas Pawar, CEO – Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, "With these signings, we are pleased to extend our footprint to two unique locations. From thriving commercial hubs to serene, nature-led destinations, both states offer immense potential for quality hospitality. Andhra Pradesh already has six operational and three upcoming hotels, while this will be our first property in Chhattisgarh."

These new additions reaffirm Lemon Tree Hotels’ commitment to offering vibrant, contemporary hospitality experiences across India, combining comfort, convenience, and a warm guest-first ethos.


Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury Footprint with Two New Anamore Registry Collection Resorts in Rajasthan

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands Luxury Footprint with Two New Anamore Registry Collection Resorts in Rajasthan

By Hariharan U

Published on December 12, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of two landmark luxury resorts under the Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham brand, marking a major step in its expansion into the luxury segment. This collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts aims to combine Cygnett's expertise in contemporary Indian design with Wyndham’s global reach and commercial support.

The first property, Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham Pushkar, will span 18 acres and feature 288 rooms, making it one of Rajasthan’s largest luxury resorts for destination weddings and events. The resort will include 20,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, multiple dining venues, wellness facilities at Blum Mudra by Ayurvyaas, recreation zones, and more. Its opening is planned for the end of 2026.

The second project, Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham Kukas Jaipur, will cover 25 acres and offer 150 rooms, 30,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, curated dining options, wellness amenities, and outdoor event areas. Located in one of Jaipur’s prime hospitality corridors, the resort is designed to cater to both domestic and international luxury travelers, with an expected opening in early 2029.

Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “These two resorts mark an important milestone in our journey into luxury hospitality. The Anamore brand blends contemporary design, cultural richness, and soulful experiences. Our partnership with Wyndham ensures these destinations meet global standards while celebrating Indian artistry.”

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, added, “These projects strengthen Wyndham’s Registry Collection in India. Together with Cygnett, we are bringing luxury resorts that combine world-class operations with culturally immersive experiences to Rajasthan.”

The resorts aim to position Rajasthan as a top destination for high-end travel, weddings, and celebrations. Both developments are being built by M/S Turban Landmarks LLP and STurban Resorts Private Limited.

About Cygnett Hotels & Resorts

Founded in 2014, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, operating upscale and midscale hotels. With 45 hotels and 3,671 keys across India, the company plans to add over 1,000 keys annually, targeting more than 100 hotels and 9,000 keys by 2030. The portfolio includes Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham®, Anamore Select Registry Collection by Wyndham®, Ayurvyaas®, La Quinta by Wyndham®, Cygnett Park™, Cygnett Hotels™, Cygnett Inn™, Cozzet™, and Cygnotel™ Collection.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 8,300 hotels in 100 countries. Its portfolio includes 25 brands, including Registry Collection Hotels®, La Quinta®, Ramada®, Super 8®, Days Inn® and more. Wyndham Rewards offers over 121 million members access to stays and vacation experiences worldwide.


Wyndham Grand Unveils a Stunning Lakeside Luxury Escape in Udaipur

Wyndham Grand Unveils a Stunning Lakeside Luxury Escape in Udaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on December 11, 2025

Udaipur welcomes a new luxury landmark as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts opens Wyndham Grand Udaipur Fatehsagar Lake, a lavish lakeside retreat set across 26 acres of scenic landscapes. Overlooking the Aravalli mountains and minutes from Fatehsagar Lake, the resort marks Wyndham’s flagship debut in India’s luxury space.

image

The grand opening saw an elegant gathering of hotel leaders, industry names and special guests. A traditional Rajasthani welcome set the tone—flower showers, tika and pag rituals, followed by vibrant Kachi Ghodi dancers and live regional music. With dusk settling over the hills, the celebration moved into curated culinary experiences that showcased Udaipur’s artistic and cultural charm.

Wyndham Grand Udaipur Fatehsagar Lake represents a defining milestone in our India journey. This resort is a perfect blend of Rajasthan’s timeless charm and Wyndham’s global standards,” said Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

The property mirrors Udaipur’s royal heritage, featuring 140 guestrooms and suites with Gokhda-style sit-outs, indulgent marble interiors and whirlpool bathtubs in select rooms. The upcoming Palace Wing will add 60 more rooms designed with an elevated heritage feel.

As a pure vegetarian resort, guests can enjoy Indian and global flavours at Pyaala, Shakahari and O Sian, each focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

The resort offers some of Udaipur’s most impressive event spaces, including:

  • One of the largest amphitheatres in the city

  • A lavish ballroom

  • Expansive Vintage Lawn for large gatherings under the night sky

For leisure, guests can unwind at the heated outdoor pool, indulge in wellness rituals at Zivaya Spa, or enjoy multiple sports—from tennis and badminton to cricket. Thoughtful services such as concierge support, childcare, butler service, bridal studios and even EV charging make stays seamless.

“Our goal was to create a space connected to the spirit of Udaipur, where mornings begin by the lake and evenings flow with warm Rajasthani hospitality,” the team shared.

With its blend of natural beauty, royal-inspired design and global comforts, Wyndham Grand Udaipur Fatehsagar Lake sets a fresh benchmark for luxury travel and celebrations in India’s beloved City of Lakes.

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.