Understanding Neurodiversity in Travel: Insights from Hyatt's Survey

Understanding Neurodiversity in Travel: Insights from Hyatt's Survey

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 29, 2024

Hyatt, in partnership with KultureCity, a leading nonprofit focusing on sensory accessibility and acceptance for individuals with invisible disabilities, conducted a survey to delve into the needs of neurodivergent travelers and caregivers. The findings shed light on how hotels can make travel experiences more seamless and inclusive for this demographic.

Key Findings

Booking Process: Nearly 70% of caregivers and over half of neurodivergent travelers expressed willingness to disclose their neurodiversity during the booking process to receive tailored care.

Visuals for Preparation: More than 50% of neurodivergent respondents expressed a desire for enhanced property visual layouts, such as 3D virtual tours and floorplans, to ease navigation.

Room Selection: Both neurodivergent travelers and caregivers emphasized the importance of flexible room selection, with over 60% believing that pre-assigned rooms could enhance the check-in experience.

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Pre-Arrival Communication: While email remains the preferred communication method, 30% of neurodivergent travelers expressed a desire for phone calls about upcoming stays, particularly among neurodivergent business travelers.

On-Property Accommodations: Digital check-in/check-out services were favored by over half of neurodivergent travelers, and many expressed interest in sleep gadgets and wellbeing spaces to enhance their comfort during stays.

Hyatt's Response

Training and Awareness: Hyatt is committed to training its staff to better understand and accommodate the needs of neurodivergent guests. This includes offering courses to increase understanding and inclusion and expanding these programs to more properties.

Visual Enhancements: Hyatt is exploring the addition of 3D room tours to its websites to help neurodivergent travelers prepare for their stays.

Room Flexibility: Guests can request specific room types and locations through Hyatt's digital platforms, and the company is focused on enhancing its digital products with accessibility in mind.

Personalized Communication: Hyatt offers various channels for personalized pre-arrival communication, including phone, chat, and social media platforms.

On-Property Accommodations: Hyatt is expanding its offerings to include sleep gadgets and sensory aids, aiming to provide a more comfortable experience for neurodivergent travelers.

Through these initiatives, Hyatt aims to create a more inclusive environment for neurodivergent guests, rooted in its purpose of caring for people so they can be their best. As they continue to learn and evolve, Hyatt remains committed to working closely with expert collaborators to make improvements throughout the guest journey.


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Reveals ‘Constellar’ Ballroom with Unique Design Story

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Reveals ‘Constellar’ Ballroom with Unique Design Story

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 21, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai has unveiled ‘Constellar’, the official name and identity of its expansive 10,000-square-foot ballroom facility. The announcement adds a new layer of meaning to the space, bringing together thoughtful design, symbolism, and a narrative that reflects the hotel’s architectural style and its legacy of refined hospitality.

Introduced earlier this year, the ballroom has already positioned itself as one of Mumbai’s most sophisticated venues for weddings, celebrations, and corporate gatherings. With the introduction of ‘Constellar’, the space now carries a strong visual and conceptual identity, giving it a deeper presence.

The name ‘Constellar’ takes inspiration from constellations, symbolising connection, brilliance, and timeless beauty. This idea is reflected in the logo, which features a four-circle icon drawn from the ballroom’s architectural detailing, especially the circular patterns seen at the grand entrance. These elements come together to form a balanced and elegant motif, linking the interiors with the visual identity. A subtle star formed within the design further connects to the theme of constellations, while the four circles also represent the Four Seasons legacy, making the brand an integral part of the design story.

“Constellar, inspired by constellations, redefines how we envision celebrations coming together with intention, beauty, and meaning. With Constellar, we have given our ballroom a distinct character rooted in contemporary design, advanced technology, culinary craftsmanship, and a passionate team. It is ultimately brought to life by our esteemed guests, who make each celebration unique and memorable,” shares Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotels Mumbai.

Located in Worli, the 10,000-square-foot facility brings together scale and elegance. It begins with a 500-square-foot private arrival foyer that opens into a 1,300-square-foot pre-function area, leading to a 7,000-square-foot banqueting space. At its centre is a 5,700-square-foot pillarless hall with a 19-foot ceiling, designed to host large gatherings with ease. The interiors follow a modern and contemporary style, while features such as a 1,000-square-foot LED wall, digital signage, and modular setups offer flexibility for different event formats. Seamless connectivity to The Great Room ensures smooth transitions for weddings, soirées, and large-scale launches.

Every event here is shaped by Four Season’s approach to personalised service, supported by dedicated specialists and attention to detail. With ‘Constellar’, the ballroom moves beyond just a venue, offering a space where design, technology, and meaningful experiences come together.


Lemon Tree Signs Garudeshwar Hotel

Lemon Tree Signs Garudeshwar Hotel

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a new property in Garudeshwar, further strengthening its footprint in Gujarat’s growing tourism and pilgrimage-driven markets.

With this addition, the company’s portfolio in the state will expand to 32 properties, including 11 operational and 21 upcoming hotels. The move reflects the brand’s strategy of building scale in high-growth destinations supported by strong travel demand.

The upcoming Lemon Tree Hotel Garudeshwar will feature 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, and meeting facilities. Recreational amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre are also part of the development.

The hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels.

Gujarat continues to witness rising tourist inflow, driven by landmark attractions like the Statue of Unity and growing interest in spiritual and cultural travel. Garudeshwar is increasingly emerging as a key destination within this ecosystem, benefiting from improved infrastructure and proximity to major tourist circuits.

The property is well connected by road and is located approximately 85 km from Vadodara International Airport and around 5 km from Ekta Nagar Railway Station, offering convenient access for travellers.

Commenting on the signing, Neelendra Singh, Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, said that "Destinations like Garudeshwar are becoming important nodes in India’s expanding tourism landscape". He noted that increasing visitor flows are driving demand for quality branded hospitality, and the company remains focused on tapping such opportunities to strengthen its regional presence.


SAMHI Partners Ingka Centres Noida

SAMHI Partners Ingka Centres Noida

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

SAMHI Hotels Limited has signed an agreement with Ingka Centres India Private Limited to develop an upscale hotel in Noida, marking a significant addition to the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.

The project will be developed within Ingka Centres’ upcoming mixed-use development, spread across approximately 2.5 million square feet. Envisioned as a marquee project, it is expected to enhance Noida’s skyline while strengthening its position as a key commercial and hospitality hub in the Delhi NCR region.

The planned hotel will feature around 162 rooms and will be integrated into Ingka Centres’ “Meeting Places” concept—a retail-led ecosystem that combines shopping, leisure, and community-driven experiences. The development also aims to support local businesses and create dynamic workspaces, positioning itself as a modern urban destination.

This collaboration brings together SAMHI’s institutional operating platform and Ingka Centres’ global development expertise. The partnership aligns with SAMHI’s strategy of working with leading institutional organisations while continuing to expand through a capital-efficient model.

Located within a high-quality mixed-use environment, the hotel is expected to benefit from strong captive demand and high visibility. The project will be executed under SAMHI’s long-term variable lease model, allowing for alignment of interests while maintaining a capital-light approach.

Under the agreement, Ingka Centres will lease the building structure, including façade and high-side engineering, while SAMHI will invest in the interior fit-outs. The hotel will be operated under an international brand, which is yet to be announced.

Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman and Managing Director of SAMHI Hotels, said the partnership marks an important step in scaling operations in the National Capital Region. He highlighted the project’s strong demand fundamentals and expressed confidence in delivering a landmark hospitality asset in collaboration with Ingka Centres.

Giovanni Princiotta Cariddi, Country Manager India at Ingka Centres, said the collaboration reflects the company’s vision of building integrated spaces where people can live, work, shop, and stay. He added that the inclusion of a high-quality hospitality offering will enhance the overall experience of the destination.

The project further strengthens SAMHI’s presence in the Delhi NCR region, where it already operates properties such as Hyatt Place Gurgaon, Holiday Inn Express Gurgaon, and Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida.

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