Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Expands with 6 New Properties in 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Expands with 6 New Properties in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 15, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, one of India's rapidly expanding hospitality chains known for its boutique and experiential stays, is set for a significant expansion in 2025. The brand has announced plans to launch six new properties, further solidifying its presence across key destinations. Notably, three of these new additions will be in premium leisure locations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana -two states known for their scenic beauty, rich culture, and growing demand for luxury stays.

Reflecting on this expansion, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, shared, "At Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, our commitment to exceptional hospitality drives us to expand into new destinations. Our focus remains on offering unique and enriching experiences for travelers while maintaining our asset-light strategy. The upcoming properties will further enhance our ability to cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers."

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Strategic Growth & Investment

The brand’s 2025 expansion aligns with its ambitious growth strategy, adding six new hotels, including key properties in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Currently operating 16 properties across six states and 11 cities, the group will boost its inventory beyond 500 rooms. With this expansion, Stone Wood Hotels projects a minimum 10% increase in top-line revenue in 2025, alongside a rise in Average Room Rate (ARR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR).

Stone Wood Hotels will continue leveraging an asset-light model focusing on lease and revenue-share partnerships, ensuring sustainable and flexible growth. The investment for these new properties will be backed by strategic collaborations.

MICE & Wedding Segment: A Key Growth Driver

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and destination weddings have emerged as major revenue contributors for the brand. The success of its current 16 properties across six states and 11 cities—boasting over 500 rooms—has further fueled its ambitious expansion roadmap.

In addition to its existing portfolio, the upcoming properties will feature dedicated event spaces, catering to the growing demand for MICE and wedding venues. Stone Wood Hotels is also known for its vibrant F&B concepts and immersive hospitality experiences, making it a preferred choice among travelers seeking unique getaways.

With these six new additions, the brand aims to enhance its top-line revenue by at least 10% in 2025 while introducing guests to offbeat destinations like Jawai, Tadoba, and Coorg. The group is now on course to redefine boutique luxury with personalized experiences, aligning with the growing demand for nature-centric retreats in India.

Expansion Year: 2025
New Properties: 6 across multiple locations
Current Portfolio: 16 properties, 500+ rooms, 6 states, 11 cities
Upcoming Locations: Jawai, Tadoba, Godavari, Coorg & more
Growth Focus: Luxury boutique stays, MICE & wedding segments, asset-light expansion
Projected Growth (2025): Minimum 10% revenue increase, rising ARR & RevPAR
Website: Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts


Ascott to Open Citadines Udupi, Expands Footprint in Karnataka’s Coastal Belt

Ascott to Open Citadines Udupi, Expands Footprint in Karnataka’s Coastal Belt

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2025

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, is set to expand its India portfolio with the signing of Citadines Udupi, a premium serviced residence that will feature 104 keys in the scenic coastal town of Udupi, Karnataka. This becomes Ascott’s fourth property in Karnataka, reflecting its larger strategy of scaling up in India’s fast-growing lodging market.

Located strategically between Mangalore and Udupi, the property enjoys access to both tourism and industry. With Udupi’s Blue Flag-certified beach, strong industrial presence through Suzlon Hi-Tech SEZ and Padubidri Industrial Park, and connectivity via New Mangalore Port Trust, the town is fast becoming a hub for sustainable tourism and clean-tech industries.

Citadines Udupi will cater to both short- and long-stay guests, offering flexible modern living with apartments featuring kitchenettes, all-day dining, fitness facilities, and amenities designed for business and leisure travellers. True to the Citadines brand, the property will emphasise comfort, adaptability, and convenience.

Speaking on the signing, Mr. Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, The Ascott Limited, said, “India is a priority market for Ascott’s growth in Asia, and Karnataka remains one of our strongest regions. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rising industrial ecosystem, Udupi presents a unique opportunity. Citadines Udupi reflects our commitment to bringing world-class hospitality experiences to India’s emerging destinations, while strengthening our presence in the southern market.”

Adding to this, Mr. Sudharman Shetty, Director, SKS Sunshine, noted, “We are proud to partner with The Ascott Limited for our first project in India under the Citadines brand. Udupi is our home, and this collaboration allows us to combine our hospitality legacy with Ascott’s global expertise. Together, we aim to make Citadines Udupi a preferred choice for travellers seeking the warmth of coastal Karnataka along with modern comforts.”

With this project, Ascott further strengthens its presence across India, where it already operates and develops properties in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Goa. Its Karnataka portfolio includes Oakwood Whitefield Bengaluru and upcoming projects in Bengaluru’s Electronic City.

The addition of Citadines Udupi highlights Ascott’s focus on coastal and industrial corridors while aligning with its commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. Udupi’s recognition as a Blue Flag-certified beach destination underscores this direction, supporting Karnataka’s tourism development vision.


Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Transforms Weddings with Spectacular Showcase “Band Baja Bengaluru”

Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Transforms Weddings with Spectacular Showcase “Band Baja Bengaluru”

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 19, 2025

Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, in partnership with Hilton Wedding Diaries, unveiled “Band Baja Bengaluru”, a grand three-day wedding showcase that positioned the property as North Bengaluru’s ultimate wedding destination. Held from August 8 to 10, 2025, the exclusive event welcomed 100 of India’s most influential wedding planners, alongside socialites and influencers, making it one of the city’s most high-profile wedding showcases of the year.

As couples increasingly look beyond traditional hotspots like Goa and Udaipur, Bengaluru is fast emerging as a destination wedding city, thanks to its cosmopolitan charm, year-round pleasant weather, and excellent connectivity. Just 30–35 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata offers unparalleled convenience and grandeur, with the largest convention and event space in North Bengaluru, lush landscaped outdoor venues, and luxurious accommodation.

The event transformed the hotel into a living showcase of wedding possibilities, from intimate cultural rituals to glamorous, large-scale celebrations. Wedding planners including Wedding Partners by Lalit Sharma, Global Local Weddings, F5 Advertisement and Weddings, 7vachan, and Neferrtiti Weddings experienced Hilton’s creativity, hospitality, and culinary excellence first-hand.

Highlights of Band Baja Bengaluru

  • Jasmine Luncheon Feast: At the rooftop, guests were immersed in South Indian heritage with fragrant jasmine garlands, gleaming brassware, vibrant rangolis, and regional delicacies served on banana leaves. Live Carnatic music, Kathak performances, and Hilton’s signature hospitality created a soulful, multisensory celebration.

  • Moulin Rouge Gala Dinner: As night fell, the hotel reimagined Parisian glamour with a Moulin Rouge–themed soirée. A troupe of 20 dancers delivered dazzling cabaret performances in a red-and-velvet setting, complemented by a pan-India culinary showcase.

  • Farewell Brunch: On August 10, the weekend concluded with a relaxed brunch, offering guests the chance to reflect on the immersive experience and future creative collaborations.

Since July 16, the hotel lobby had already been transformed into a wedding preview gallery, building anticipation for the showcase weekend.

Speaking about the vision, Manish Garg, General Manager, said:

“Our showcase was designed to inspire, to show that any wedding dream, no matter how grand or personal, can come alive right here at Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata. We offer the magic of a destination wedding, with the ease of being in your own city.”

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Adding to this, Pavan Kumar, Commercial Director, emphasized:

“The Wedding Showcase was not just an event, but a commitment of what Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata can deliver. From scale to service, our property offers unmatched versatility, whether it’s a grand, multi-day celebration or an intimate cultural gathering. With Bengaluru’s growing appeal as a wedding destination, we are uniquely positioned to give families the grandeur of a destination wedding, with the convenience of exceptional connectivity and world-class hospitality right here in the city.”

With “Band Baja Bengaluru,” Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata has redefined the city’s wedding landscape, proving that every wedding can tell a story, one that blends heritage, glamour, and world-class hospitality seamlessly.


Visiting Mumbai for Ganesh Chaturthi? Stay at Four Seasons Mumbai and Witness Lalbaugcha Raja

Visiting Mumbai for Ganesh Chaturthi? Stay at Four Seasons Mumbai and Witness Lalbaugcha Raja

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2025

If there’s ever a time to see Mumbai in full colour, rhythm, and devotion, it’s Ganesh Chaturthi, the 10-day celebration that transforms the city into a vibrant tapestry of faith and festivity. The air fills with the sounds of dhols, streets glow under festive lights, and communities unite in honour of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and prosperity.

At the centre of this citywide celebration stands Lalbaugcha Raja,Mumbai’s most famous Ganpati idol and a revered symbol of hope for over 90 years. Each year, thousands of devotees and visitors line up for hours to catch a glimpse, making it a cultural and spiritual experience like no other.

For travellers who want to witness the magic without compromising on comfort, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is the perfect choice. Located just 15 minutes from Lalbaugcha Raja, the hotel offers seamless access to the celebrations while providing a luxurious retreat from the city’s festive bustle.

 Guests benefit from personalised concierge services to coordinate darshan timings, arrange transport, and share insider tips for navigating the celebrations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning devotee, the hotel ensures an effortless experience. After a day of celebration, indulge in the hotel’s award-winning dining or head to AER, its rooftop bar, for panoramic views of Mumbai’s sparkling skyline.

"Ganesh Chaturthi is one of Mumbai’s most extraordinary cultural experiences, and we are delighted to offer our guests a sanctuary of comfort amid the celebrations. With our prime location, impeccable service, and curated experiences, we ensure an enriching stay for both devotees and cultural explorers", says Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai.

Plan early to secure your spot and enjoy Mumbai’s most iconic festival in unmatched style and comfort.

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