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.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Revamps Nazaara with Fresh Flavours and Rooftop Vibes

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Revamps Nazaara with Fresh Flavours and Rooftop Vibes

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2025

 Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has unveiled the much-awaited revamp of its signature rooftop restaurant, Nazaara. Known for its stunning skyline views, Nazaara now returns with a reimagined menu, refreshed interiors, and an energetic dining experience designed to set the stage for unforgettable evenings.

The new menu brings a modern take on Indian cuisine, presenting bold flavours in a contemporary style. From inventive small plates to gourmet twists on classic mains, the offerings celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage with a creative edge. Complementing the food is a lineup of signature cocktails and refreshing mocktails, perfect for a laid-back evening under the city lights.

But the experience at Nazaara goes beyond dining. With a resident DJ setting the mood every evening and high-energy sets on weekends, the rooftop transforms into one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant escapes, where fine food meets music and the city’s skyline.

Speaking about the relaunch, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, “Nazaara has always been synonymous with memorable evenings and panoramic views. With Nazaara, we wanted to reimagine that experience for today’s guests—bringing together inventive cuisine, crafted cocktails, and a lively rooftop vibe. This relaunch is not just about a new menu, but about creating a destination where Bengaluru can celebrate food, music, and city life in its most elevated form.”

With its mix of contemporary style, Indian flavours, and an electric rooftop atmosphere, Nazaara is all set to reclaim its place as Bengaluru’s go-to dining and nightlife destination.


Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands to Ujjain with Boutique Resort Signing

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands to Ujjain with Boutique Resort Signing

By Hariharan U

Published on September 2, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its newest property, Cygnett Retreat™ Collection by Wyndham Ujjain. This premium boutique resort marks a key milestone in the group’s strategy to expand across India’s leading pilgrimage and leisure hubs.

Set to open by mid-next year, the resort will be located just 12 km from the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Ujjain city centre, offering guests a blend of tranquillity and easy access. Designed to serve pilgrims, families, and experiential travellers, the retreat will bring together modern amenities with a setting inspired by the timeless charm of Santorini, Greece, featuring whitewashed walls, domed roofs, arched windows, and soothing blue accents.

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The resort will feature 100 well-appointed rooms, an elegant all-day dining restaurant, and 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space. Guests can also look forward to leisure amenities including a swimming pool, kids’ play area, fitness centre, and spa. From authentic local and international flavours to serene relaxation zones, the property aims to create an all-encompassing boutique experience.

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain is an ancient city with immense religious importance for Hindus. With major infrastructure projects underway ahead of the Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028, and its growing prominence as a textile hub, we believe this is the right time to enter Ujjain and offer visitors our ‘Cygnetture’ hospitality.”

He further added, “Cygnett Retreat™ Collection by Wyndham Ujjain will offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With its Santorini-style architecture and tropical forest-inspired landscape, the property is positioned to attract a diverse mix of travellers”.

The Cygnett Retreat brand aims to fill the gap in India’s boutique resort market, offering curated stays that balance design, comfort, and experiences.

As part of its broader expansion, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has forged a strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. This partnership will bring La Quinta® by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels® to India, with plans to add more than 60 hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal in the next decade. With this momentum, Cygnett is on track to becoming a 100+ hotel group in the coming years.


Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2025

 Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL) has announced the launch of its latest property, IRA Porvorim, Goa, further strengthening the IRA by Orchid Hotels portfolio. Scheduled to open in September 2025, the new hotel adds to the brand’s fast-paced expansion across India.

Following the successful debut of Orchid Passaros in Benaulim earlier this year, IRA Porvorim will offer 43 well-designed guest rooms, catering to both business travellers and leisure seekers. The hotel will also feature a banquet hall for events, a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, and a fully equipped health club creating a complete hospitality experience in the heart of Porvorim.

KHIL has been steadily building its IRA brand presence in key tier-2 and tier-3 markets, including Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Ayodhya, Noida, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The brand philosophy revolves around delivering value, comfort, and prime locations for mid-market travellers.

Reflecting its commitment beyond hospitality, IRA by Orchid has pledged to donate one percent of its sales towards community initiatives, with a focus on supporting the education of the girl child.

Sharing his thoughts, Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, said, “Goa continues to attract both domestic and international travellers, and with IRA Porvorim, we aim to redefine hospitality in the city. From curated experiences to modern comforts, this property will serve as a preferred choice for families, corporates, and event planners alike.”

Adding to this, Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Chairman of KHIL, commented, “Each new IRA hotel defines our growth blueprint. Porvorim reflects the essence of our brand: sustainable, stylish, and guest-centric.”

With its strategic location and curated offerings, IRA Porvorim is set to become a go-to destination for vibrant celebrations, corporate gatherings, and relaxed getaways, further boosting KHIL’s footprint in Goa’s thriving hospitality market.

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