Stotrak Hotels Celebrates Uttarakhand Day 2024 with Week-Long Festivities

Stotrak Hotels Celebrates Uttarakhand Day 2024 with Week-Long Festivities

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 5, 2024

Stotrak Hotels is marking Uttarakhand Day 2024 with a week-long series of cultural events across its properties in Mussoorie, Dakpathar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Known as Uttarakhand Diwas, the annual celebration on November 9 commemorates the founding of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

From November 3 to 9, 2024, Stotrak Hotels will highlight Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty through a range of special activities and offerings. The celebration will include traditional dining experiences, exclusive discounts, eco-tourism activities, and daily craft fairs, creating a comprehensive showcase of the region’s traditions.

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Manish Goyal, Founder of Stotrak Hotels, said, “We have always been dedicated to offering local flavors at our hotels. With most of our existing properties in Uttarakhand, and plans to expand further with six new locations, we wanted everyone to be part of this 24th foundation day celebration.”

The event lineup features a 24% discount on all bookings for stays during the celebration week. Guests will enjoy added perks like room upgrades, enhanced meal plans, and unique experiences such as nature walks, yoga sessions, and live cultural performances.

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Dining options will include a daily serving of the traditional Uttarakhandi Thali, showcasing authentic regional dishes at all Stotrak dining outlets. The craft fairs will offer visitors a chance to purchase local products, including pickles, millet-based snacks, and handmade souvenirs at special prices. Additionally, guests can join interactive workshops with local artisans and participate in eco-friendly initiatives, supporting the hotel chain’s commitment to sustainability.

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Stotrak Hotels’ locations participating in the celebrations include Sukoon – A Wellness Resort in Dakpathar, Hotel Rishikesh Grand in Rishikesh, Spice Hotel in SELAQUI, Dehradun, and The Kenilworth, Luxury Inn, SN Residency, and Sangam By Stotrak in Mussoorie.

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Founded by IHM alumni Yogita and Manish, Stotrak Hotels operates properties in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, focusing on delivering experiential stays that capture local culture.


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.

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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.”

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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.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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