Taj City Centre Patna Marks Taj’s Debut in Bihar

Taj City Centre Patna Marks Taj’s Debut in Bihar

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 29, 2024

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has proudly announced the opening of Taj City Centre Patna, marking the iconic brand’s debut in the vibrant capital of Bihar. This new luxury hotel is part of IHCL’s strategic vision to enhance hospitality in India’s key state capitals, providing world-class experiences in culturally significant locations.

A New Jewel in Patna

Located in the heart of Patna, Taj City Centre offers 124 luxurious rooms and suites designed to blend timeless elegance with modern comfort. Guests can enjoy panoramic city views, indulge in culinary delights at Shamiana, the all-day dining restaurant, or savor fine Chinese cuisine at House of Ming. For wellness enthusiasts, The J Wellness Circle provides a tranquil retreat with a mix of traditional and contemporary therapies. The hotel’s versatile event spaces are ideal for grand weddings and corporate events.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IHCL, expressed enthusiasm about the new opening: “This debut is in line with our vision to bring world-class hospitality to state capitals with growing economic significance. Taj City Centre Patna will play a key role in developing travel itineraries and circuits in Bihar, enhancing our partnership with the Ambuja Neotia group.”

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Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, added: “We are thrilled to bring the Taj brand’s rich legacy to Patna, celebrating Bihar’s heritage through our hotel’s design. This is our sixth Taj property, and we look forward to exploring more opportunities in the region.”

Patna, known for its ancient sites and rich history, offers a captivating journey through one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The opening of Taj City Centre adds a new dimension to Patna’s hospitality landscape, aligning with IHCL’s mission to offer luxurious and culturally immersive experiences.

About the Ambuja Neotia Group

Ambuja Neotia, headquartered in Kolkata, is a prominent corporate house with interests in real estate, hospitality, healthcare, and education. Under the leadership of Harshavardhan Neotia, the Group has been behind several landmark projects, including City Centre Salt Lake and The Fort Raichak. The Group is known for its innovation and commitment to improving urban living standards.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) offers a blend of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service through its diverse brands, including Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger. Established by Jamsetji Tata, IHCL opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. With a portfolio of 326 hotels and a strong presence across 13 countries, IHCL continues to lead India’s hospitality industry.


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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