The Leela Makes Grand Debut in Hyderabad with New Luxury Hotel in Banjara Hills

The Leela Makes Grand Debut in Hyderabad with New Luxury Hotel in Banjara Hills

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 2, 2024

The Leela has officially marked its debut in Hyderabad with the opening of The Leela Hyderabad in the prestigious Banjara Hills neighborhood. This 156-room hotel offers a seamless blend of modern luxury and the rich cultural heritage of the Deccan Plateau. Known for its historical association with opulence, Banjara Hills sets the stage for the hotel to deliver an experience steeped in both tradition and contemporary comfort.

The Leela Hyderabad integrates bespoke design and intricate craftsmanship that reflects the region’s storied past. The hotel is set on a sprawling 2.5-acre property and features curated art pieces that honor the cultural legacy of Hyderabad. The design includes Warangal temple-inspired pillars, gilded ceilings, hand-painted murals, and chandeliers that pay tribute to the city’s artistic heritage.

Located in a city renowned for its cultural richness and growing prominence as a hub for innovation, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is designed to embody the city’s progressive spirit while retaining its connection to the grandeur of Deccan heritage.

Deepthi Reddy, Managing Director of Pioneer Holiday and Resorts Limited, commented, “The Leela Hyderabad reimagines luxury, combining design and heritage while embracing the progressive spirit of the city. It is a tribute to the grandeur of Deccan and a reinvention of Banjara Hills as a prime destination.”

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Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela, further emphasized the hotel’s strategic significance, stating, “The Leela Hyderabad is part of our ongoing commitment to expanding our footprint in key markets. The city’s rich cultural history and its role as a global innovation hub make it an ideal location for us.”

The hotel also offers several dining options, including specialty restaurants that highlight both international and local flavors. Its wellness center spans 1,900 sq. m. and includes a spa, fitness facilities, and a serene pool area designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

With over 930 sq. m. of event space, including a terrace courtyard, The Leela Hyderabad is perfectly positioned as a venue for corporate meetings, social events, and weddings.

Incorporating elements that celebrate Hyderabad’s cultural legacy, the hotel promises an unforgettable experience for its guests, offering a mix of luxury, heritage, and world-class service.


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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