IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a new Holiday Inn in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The management agreement has been signed with Atithi Gokul Hotel Inns Pvt Ltd, part of the AG Group. The 150-key hotel is expected to open in the third quarter of 2028 and will mark another significant step in IHG’s strategic expansion in high-potential Indian cities.

Located along the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar Highway, the hotel will be a part of Highline, a mixed-use development featuring both residential and commercial spaces. Its prime location ensures seamless access to key government institutions, educational hubs, corporate offices, and IT parks—positioning it as an attractive option for both business and leisure travellers.

Guests will be welcomed with well-appointed rooms and suites, three distinctive dining outlets including an All-Day Dining restaurant and Lobby Lounge, a ballroom for events, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and ample parking—delivering on Holiday Inn’s promise to make travel more relaxed and enjoyable.

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are delighted to expand our footprint in Gujarat with the signing of Holiday Inn Ahmedabad. With its dynamic industrial, commercial, and educational sectors, Ahmedabad is an important destination for us. We’re confident that this hotel will cater to the evolving needs of travellers while also delivering strong value for our partners.”

He added, “India continues to be a priority market for IHG globally. The Holiday Inn brand family has seen remarkable success here, and we are on a robust growth trajectory with a strong pipeline across key cities.”

Vikram Bharvad, Managing Director, AG Group, shared, “Ahmedabad has shown sustained demand in the hospitality sector, and we are pleased to collaborate with IHG to introduce the globally respected Holiday Inn brand. The city’s strategic growth, quality infrastructure, and commercial vitality make it a strong market for branded hospitality.”

Recognised as a major hub for textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, Ahmedabad is one of India’s most prominent commercial and manufacturing centres. It ranks as the second-largest cotton producer in the country and a top exporter of gems, jewellery, and denim.

With 50 hotels currently operating in India and a pipeline of 63 more in the next 3–5 years, IHG continues to expand across its six brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express.

The new Holiday Inn Ahmedabad further solidifies IHG’s commitment to India’s thriving hospitality market and underscores its long-term vision for growth in urban and emerging destinations.

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta hotel in Mysuru. This greenfield project, developed in partnership with the Farah Group, is part of IHCL’s ongoing commitment to expanding in high-growth cultural and economic destinations.

Located strategically near Mysuru’s Hebbal Industrial Area, the upcoming 115-key Vivanta hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, and flexible meeting and event spaces tailored for both corporate and social gatherings.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Mysuru, with its rich cultural heritage and a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, education, and tourism, continues to evolve as a key urban centre. Enhanced connectivity through infrastructure developments like the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway is further boosting travel and tourism in the region. This signing aligns with our strategy of expanding in fast-growing destinations. We are delighted to partner with the Farah Group on this project.”

Mysuru is a city deeply rooted in royal heritage and vibrant traditions, famous for its iconic landmarks like the Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hills, and the Brindavan Gardens.

Expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, Liaquath Ali Khan, Managing Director of Farah Builders, said, “We are proud to partner with IHCL to bring the Vivanta brand to Mysuru. This hotel will serve as a contemporary hub for the city’s growing hospitality needs.”

With the addition of this project, IHCL now has 26 hotels in Karnataka, including 12 under development, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the state’s hospitality sector.

About Farah Group:
Founded by visionary Mr. Sadath Ali Khan, Farah Group has been a key player in shaping Bengaluru’s real estate sector for over five decades. Under the leadership of Liaquath Ali Khan, the group has expanded into commercial, residential, and now hospitality sectors, building a strong reputation in the city’s real estate landscape.

About IHCL:
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries are home to iconic brands including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Gateway, and Ginger. With a legacy that began in 1903 with The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, IHCL operates a global portfolio of 388 hotels, including 139 under development, across 14 countries and over 150 locations. Recognized as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand in 2024 by Brand Finance, IHCL is listed on both the BSE and NSE.

Vaishakh Surendran, the General Manager of Lyfe Hotels & Resorts in Bhubaneswar, brings a rich experience and a people-first philosophy that is redefining the hospitality space in Odisha’s capital. Under his leadership, the hotel is fast becoming a standout in the city’s competitive hospitality scene. With a progressive approach, sustainable practices, and a commitment to nurturing talent, Vaishakh and his team are creating a space where both guests and employees thrive.

We sat down with Vaishakh Surendran to understand the vision behind Lyfe Hotels, the cultural and operational essence of the property, and what sets it apart in the evolving hospitality landscape of Bhubaneswar.

1. What inspired your approach to leading Lyfe Hotels & Resorts in Bhubaneswar, and how do you ensure the property stands out in a competitive hospitality landscape?

“I have worked with various brands and owners during my stint as GM over the last 12 years,” says Vaishakh. “While most focus on improving revenue and profitability, what stood out during my interview with our Chairman Shri Srinibash Sahoo was his emphasis on human capital. He expressed a vision for a hotel with near zero attrition, and that deeply resonated with my personal belief that valuing people is the foundation for long-term success. Happy employees lead to happy guests, and that in turn drives repeat business and profitability.”

Being a relatively new entrant in the Bhubaneswar hospitality scene, Lyfe Hotels has experienced both challenges and milestones. But Vaishakh is confident about their distinctiveness. “Our vision and offerings are designed to align with what modern guests seek—experience-led stays. From our location and unique architecture to stylish rooms and the much-talked-about F&B experience, we’ve set ourselves apart. Notably, our Thai restaurant ‘Sweet Basil’ is the only one in Eastern India to feature an expat chef. At the end of FY 2024–25, we surpassed the topline revenue of many established branded hotels in the city, and that motivates us to aim even higher.”

2. What were some of the key priorities you focused on when you took charge, and how have they shaped the overall guest experience at the hotel?

Vaishakh outlines three key priorities: increasing revenue, optimizing operational efficiency, and improving profitability. “In addition, I’ve always focused on nurturing our People, Product, and Processes,” he shares. “Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) has risen to 85, and we’re targeting 90+. While revenues are strong, we’re continuously identifying areas to improve. Our attrition rate is well within industry standards, and we ensure 100% compliance with all statutory and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) norms.”

3. Bhubaneswar is a vibrant mix of tradition and progress. How do you blend the city's cultural essence with the contemporary vibe of the Lyfe brand?

“Bhubaneswar is known as the Temple City, but it’s also emerging as a hub for sports, IT, and commercial ventures,” he says. “This blend of the old and new aligns perfectly with our brand ethos. While most hotels follow predictable formats, Lyfe offers something fresh. We bring a contemporary design sensibility and guest experience, while also practicing sustainable tourism rooted in Odisha’s cultural heritage. That’s how we stand out.”

4. How is the property embracing environmentally conscious practices, and what impact have these had on both operations and guest perception?

At Lyfe Hotels, sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a core value. “Our brand values are encapsulated in the acronym SPIRIT, where 'S' stands for Sustainability,” Vaishakh explains. “From design to daily operations, every element is conceived to reduce our environmental footprint. We use natural lighting, LED fixtures, motion-sensor-based utilities, solar panels, EV charging stations, paper pens, and an in-house water bottling plant. We avoid single-use plastics and locally source all fruits, vegetables, and meat. These efforts resonate well with our guests and align with global best practices.”

5. What leadership philosophy do you follow to motivate your team and maintain high service standards throughout the hotel?

“I believe in being present on the shop floor,” says Vaishakh. “It helps me get a first-hand feel of the guest experience and staff morale. I interact regularly with guests and team members, and maintain an open-door policy that encourages honest conversations.”

He also focuses on empowering his team through knowledge sharing and skill development. “I conduct regular training sessions based on best practices and my personal experiences. I believe every team member should be empowered to bring out their best. When people feel valued and free to innovate, service quality naturally improves.”

6. What is your long-term vision for Lyfe Hotels & Resorts in this region, and how do you plan to elevate the brand’s presence further?

Vaishakh envisions Lyfe Hotels becoming the preferred hospitality brand for guests, employees, and owners alike. “Rather than replicating a cookie-cutter format, we aim to create unique properties that reflect the spirit of their locations,” he shares. “Each hotel will carry the DNA of Lyfe Bhubaneswar but offer a distinct experience. That’s how we plan to grow—not just in numbers, but in character and guest impact.”