The Hosteller Partners with redBus to Simplify Travel for Backpackers

The Hosteller Partners with redBus to Simplify Travel for Backpackers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 8, 2025

The Hosteller, India’s largest backpacker hostel chain, has partnered with redBus, the world’s leading online bus ticketing platform, to redefine travel convenience for backpackers. Through this integration, travellers can now book their bus tickets directly via The Hosteller’s website and Glu App, streamlining the process of planning and booking trips.

This collaboration is designed to create a holistic travel experience by eliminating the need for multiple booking platforms. Guests can now arrange their stays at The Hosteller and secure transportation across India with ease, gaining access to thousands of bus routes nationwide. From digital nomads to solo adventurers and family vacationers, this feature simplifies travel planning, making journeys more efficient and cost-effective.

Through The Hosteller’s Glu App, tech-savvy travellers can check bus schedules, book tickets, and track their buses in real time. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a multi-city adventure, users can now manage their entire itinerary from a single platform. Additionally, budget-friendly options and exclusive promotions make this integration even more appealing, offering access to various transport choices, from luxury buses to sleeper coaches. For those embracing the workation trend, this seamless connectivity between cities makes The Hosteller an even more attractive option for remote workers.

A major highlight of this partnership is dual customer support, ensuring quick assistance for travellers dealing with last-minute plan changes, cancellations, or delays. With both brands working together, customers can expect enhanced service and faster resolutions.

Speaking about the partnership, Pranav Dangi, Founder and CEO of The Hosteller, said, “Our partnership with redBus strengthens the travel ecosystem we offer our guests and lays the foundation for even more seamless services in the future. Integrating redBus on our website and web app ensures that every traveller staying at The Hosteller has everything they need under one roof, eliminating the hassle of booking travel separately.”

Manoj Agarwala, CBO of redBus, added, “As the leading online bus ticketing platform, our mission is to make travel planning seamless and accessible. Young travellers are a key demographic for us, and this partnership caters to them, as hostels are widely used by younger people. Additionally, many of The Hosteller’s properties are in offbeat destinations where buses are the primary mode of transport. By working together, we are offering a ‘one-stop solution’ for all booking needs.”

About The Hosteller:
Established in 2014, The Hosteller is India’s largest backpacker hostel chain, headquartered in Mumbai. With a presence in 60+ destinations across North, South, and West India, it provides vibrant, community-driven stays designed for travellers seeking adventure and connections. Under the leadership of Pranav Dangi, The Hosteller has grown into a technology-driven brand that prioritizes seamless and engaging travel experiences.


Snabbit Expands into Beauty Services with Instant Salon-at-Home Model

Snabbit Expands into Beauty Services with Instant Salon-at-Home Model

By Hariharan U

Published on May 22, 2026

Snabbit has officially entered the beauty services segment with the launch of its instant salon-at-home model, marking a significant expansion for the quick home services platform into one of India’s fastest-growing convenience categories.

The company announced that it has successfully piloted the service over the last six weeks in Bengaluru’s Sarjapur micromarket, completing more than 2,000 beauty service jobs with an average fulfilment time of under 15 minutes.

The move reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations, where categories such as food delivery, groceries, and home services have increasingly transitioned toward instant fulfilment, while beauty services have largely remained appointment-driven. Snabbit is now attempting to redefine this behaviour through hyperlocal, on-demand beauty services delivered within minutes.

Speaking on the expansion, Aayush Agarwal said the beauty category represents a large and high-frequency market opportunity that aligns naturally with the company’s existing quick-service ecosystem. He added that consumers today expect convenience across every aspect of their lifestyle, including personal care services.

The platform currently focuses on high-frequency beauty offerings such as threading, waxing, facials, clean-ups, saree draping, head massages, and hair styling. Unlike conventional salon-at-home models that often require multiple specialists and advance bookings, Snabbit has built an instant-first operational model centred on multi-skilled beauty professionals capable of delivering several services in a single session.

The company has also introduced lightweight service kits and monodose packaging formats aimed at improving hygiene standards, reducing wastage, and streamlining operations. Products from brands such as O3+ and Rica are being used within the service ecosystem.

Currently operating entirely through women beauty professionals, the platform positions itself as a “salon by women, for women,” focusing on convenience, comfort, and trust for female consumers. Service pricing begins at ₹49 with no minimum order requirement.

Dev Priyam said the pilot has witnessed strong organic demand growth through neighbourhood-led word-of-mouth adoption, highlighting changing consumer behaviour around convenience-led beauty services.

Snabbit plans to gradually expand the offering across additional Bengaluru micromarkets before entering new cities in the coming months.


AJIO LUXE Launches First Delhi NCR Store at Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj

AJIO LUXE Launches First Delhi NCR Store at Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj

By Hariharan U

Published on May 21, 2026

AJIO has launched its first-ever AJIO LUXE store in Delhi NCR at Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj, marking a major step in the brand’s offline retail expansion strategy.

The new store introduces a curated luxury and premium fashion experience, featuring a mix of international and Indian labels across fashion, footwear, accessories, and lifestyle categories. Designed as an immersive retail space, the outlet reflects the growing consumer demand for experience-led and elevated shopping formats in the Delhi NCR region.

The launch further strengthens Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj’s positioning as a key destination for premium and bridge-to-luxury retail in North India. The mall has recently expanded its portfolio with several global and high-end brands, reinforcing its appeal among aspirational and affluent shoppers.

Speaking on the launch, Arjun Gehlot highlighted that luxury retail is increasingly being driven by immersive consumer experiences, and noted that AJIO LUXE aligns with evolving shopping expectations focused on curation and engagement beyond traditional retail formats.

Over time, Ambience Mall has emerged as a leading lifestyle hub in Delhi NCR, housing a strong mix of luxury retail, fashion, dining, and entertainment offerings. Existing premium brands at the mall include The Collective, Brooks Brothers, Kapoor Watch Company, True Religion, Diesel, and Tira, among others.

With this launch, AJIO LUXE aims to bridge digital-first retail sophistication with an in-store luxury experience, targeting fashion-conscious consumers and young aspirational shoppers across the region.


Summit Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in Arunachal Pradesh with Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang

Summit Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in Arunachal Pradesh with Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 21, 2026

Continuing its growth across the Eastern Himalayan region, Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of Rungkhung Village Resort in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Launched under The Signature Collection, the new property marks the brand’s continued focus on expanding into emerging destinations with growing tourism potential.

Nestled in the picturesque Dirang Valley and overlooking the Kameng River, the resort has been designed as a boutique mountain retreat surrounded by misty hills, layered valleys, and scenic natural landscapes. Blending local Arunachali influences with modern comforts, the property is aimed at travellers seeking peaceful and experience-driven stays.

The resort offers a range of thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, including Premium View Rooms and Junior Suites. Each accommodation comes with private balconies opening to panoramic views of the river and surrounding valley. Designed with warm interiors, soft textures, and contemporary amenities, the stay experience balances comfort with a strong sense of place.

Food experiences at the resort revolve around an all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of multi-cuisine offerings along with regional Northeast specialities. Guests can enjoy meals while taking in scenic valley views. The property also features landscaped gardens, bonfire setups, and outdoor relaxation spaces that encourage visitors to connect with nature.

Guests staying at the retreat can also take part in curated local experiences and nature-led activities. With its spacious layout and focus on privacy, the property is positioned as a peaceful escape for travellers looking beyond crowded hill destinations.

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Commenting on the addition, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Dirang is an emerging destination with immense natural appeal, and we see growing interest from travellers looking for less crowded, experience-driven locations. Our approach has been to create a property that stays true to the destination while offering the comfort and consistency that guests expect from the Summit brand."

The launch of Rungkhung Village Resort reflects Summit Hotels & Resorts continued effort to strengthen its portfolio of boutique properties across the Eastern Himalayan belt, with a focus on destination-led hospitality and experiential travel.

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