VITSKAMATS Group Expands with Two Premium Hotels in Lonavala and Panchgani

VITSKAMATS Group Expands with Two Premium Hotels in Lonavala and Panchgani

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 8, 2025

The VITSKAMATS Group, under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Kamat, has expanded its presence in India’s hospitality sector with the launch of two premium hotels in Lonavala and Panchgani. These properties mark a major milestone in the group's vision to offer upscale accommodations that blend comfort, luxury, and accessibility for both business and leisure travelers.

With a growing presence in over 20 locations across India, VITS Hotels has established itself as a rapidly expanding chain of luxury hotels and resorts. The latest additions to its portfolio promise world-class experiences in two of Maharashtra’s most scenic destinations.

VITS Lonavala: A Tranquil Retreat Amidst Nature

VITS Lonavala, a 4-star property, boasts 39 elegantly designed rooms that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Featuring top-tier amenities such as a swimming pool, banquet halls, and event spaces, the hotel caters to both vacationers and corporate guests. Its prime location near popular attractions like Jain Mandir, Trampoline Park, and Lucky’s Celebrity Wax Museum makes it an ideal stay for travelers exploring Lonavala.

VITS Divine Boutique Hotel Panchgani: Where Comfort Meets Serenity

The VITS Divine Boutique Hotel in Panchgani offers 40 tastefully furnished rooms, blending modern amenities with the natural charm of the hills. Guests can enjoy facilities like an outdoor pool, banquet hall, complimentary Wi-Fi, and diverse dining options. Conveniently located near Table Land, Sherbaug, and On Wheelz Amusement Park, the hotel ensures a peaceful yet connected stay. Positioned at the second exit, it allows travelers to bypass heavy traffic, making it a preferred choice for visitors to Panchgani.

Dr. Vikram Kamat, Managing Director of Vikram Kamat Hospitality Limited, expressed his vision for the new properties, stating, “With these new launches, we aim to create spaces that go beyond traditional hospitality. Our hotels serve as hubs of relaxation where guests can connect with the beauty and culture of each destination while enjoying our signature hospitality. We strive to make every stay meaningful and unforgettable.”

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Both properties are now open to guests, offering a seamless blend of modern luxury and natural charm. With this expansion, the VITSKAMATS Group continues to redefine hospitality in India, delivering unmatched experiences that cater to diverse travelers.

About Vikram Kamat Hospitality Limited (VKHL)

Established in 2007 by Dr. Vikram Kamat, Vikram Kamat Hospitality Limited (VKHL) is the driving force behind the VITSKAMATS Group. Specializing in mid-market hotels and resorts, VKHL focuses on expanding the Kamats and VITS Hotels chain across India. The company also holds a majority stake in Vitizen Hotels Ltd., operating under lease, franchise, and management models. Under Dr. Kamat’s leadership, VKHL continues to push the boundaries of innovation, prioritizing guest satisfaction and sustainable growth while setting new benchmarks in the Indian hospitality industry.


Suba Hotels Opens Its Third Property in Ayodhya — And It's Right Next to Ram Janmabhoomi

Suba Hotels Opens Its Third Property in Ayodhya — And It's Right Next to Ram Janmabhoomi

By Hariharan U

Published on March 6, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited just made its third move in Ayodhya, and it's a big one. The hospitality group has opened a brand-new Click Collection Hotel in the holy city, adding to its two already-running properties, Quality Inn Rama and Click Hotel Narayana, Ayodhya.

The new hotel sits close to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, which makes it a natural pick for pilgrims visiting the city. It's also a short distance from Hanuman Garhi Temple and the Saryu Ji Aarti site, two other spots that draw large crowds of devotees. Guests even get a complimentary shared drop service to the temple gate, which is a thoughtful touch for those travelling for religious purposes.

Talking about the launch, Managing Director Mansur Mehta shared, "The city's evolving hospitality landscape presents a unique opportunity for the company to make steady progress in this important temple town and pilgrimage destination. We see significant business potential here, and this expansion reflects our commitment to delivering quality service and warm hospitality. Our existing two properties in Ayodhya have been performing strongly, and, encouraged by this positive response, we decided to further strengthen our presence in the city."

The group's CEO, Mubeen Mehta, also pointed out that this isn't just about Ayodhya, it's part of a larger plan. "We have been consciously expanding our presence in religious destinations. We already have a strong footprint in Varanasi and Vindhyachal, both prominent pilgrimage centres. With rising demand in this segment, we see tremendous potential in further strengthening our presence across key pilgrimage destinations."

The hotel has 48 rooms spread across three categories, all designed to keep comfort and practicality in mind, especially for families and pilgrims who need a reliable place to rest. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, minibar, LED smart TV, and an in-room safe, among other amenities.

For food, the hotel has Cinnamon, a vegetarian restaurant that serves a range of Indian dishes, keeping in mind the preferences of pilgrims visiting the city. The property also has modern banqueting facilities for group needs.

With Ayodhya growing fast as a pilgrimage and tourism hub, Suba Hotels seems well-placed to ride that wave and this third property adds another solid layer to their presence in the city.


Global Hotel Alliance Expands into Japan with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts Partnership

Global Hotel Alliance Expands into Japan with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts Partnership

By Hariharan U

Published on March 5, 2026

In a significant move for its Asia growth strategy, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has announced the signing of Tokyu Hotels & Resorts (THR), marking its formal entry into Japan’s fast-growing tourism market.

The agreement will see more than 40 properties operated by THR integrated into GHA DISCOVERY, GHA’s multi-brand loyalty platform that connects over 34 million members worldwide across 50 independent hotel brands.

Tokyu Hotels’ portfolio spans key destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Okinawa, offering a spectrum of experiences from beach resorts to premium business hotels. The group’s brands include The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyu Hotel, Tokyu Resort Hotel, Excel Hotel Tokyu and Tokyu Rei Hotel, alongside its DISTINCTIVE SELECTION collection featuring lifestyle-forward concepts such as Stream Hotel and Storyline.

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Japan continues to record strong tourism numbers, welcoming 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, with Tokyo consistently ranking among the world’s most visited cities. The country’s blend of heritage, innovation and refined hospitality has positioned it as a cornerstone of global travel demand.

With Japan seeing a sustained boom in tourism, our agreement with TOKYU HOTELS is both timely and strategic,” said Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA. “We look forward to welcoming such an authentic and well-established Japanese brand into the GHA family – it will mark a key milestone in expanding our presence in one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world.”

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Founded in 1960, Tokyu Hotels & Resorts is widely associated with Japanese elegance and service precision. The group was also among the founders and previous owners of the Pan Pacific brand in 1989 and continues to maintain marketing ties for select properties.

This partnership is a natural step forward in our international strategy,” said Takashi Takei, President and Representative Director of THR. “As a hotel chain rooted in Shibuya — one of Tokyo’s most dynamic destinations — we are pleased to join forces with GHA to offer our guests greater benefits through GHA DISCOVERY while introducing our unique Japanese hospitality to a broader global audience.”

With this alliance, GHA strengthens its footprint in Asia while Tokyu Hotels gains access to a powerful global loyalty ecosystem, setting the stage for deeper cross-border travel engagement in the years ahead


Celebrating Spirit This Women’s Day with Loya’s Paanch Cocktail Experience

Celebrating Spirit This Women’s Day with Loya’s Paanch Cocktail Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 5, 2026

This Women’s Day, Loya in Mumbai’s iconic Taj Mahal Palace is inviting women to come together and celebrate their own spirit with PAANCH, its signature cocktail journey inspired by the five elements. Rooted in the brand’s guiding philosophies of Harmony, Experimentation, Authenticity, Reverence and Spirit, the experience is designed as a tribute to strength, balance, and individuality.

The PAANCH cocktail collection draws inspiration from heirloom botanicals from the North, including saffron, rose, and warming mountain spices. Each drink is crafted to reflect character and depth while staying true to traditional flavours in a refreshed, contemporary format.

Among the highlights are the radiant Sparkling Saffron and the floral Gulab, both offering elegant and layered notes. For those who prefer stronger flavours, the Masala Whisky delivers bold warmth, while the Himalayan Mule brings a refreshing twist. Every cocktail in the collection carries a distinct personality, yet they come together in perfect balance.

Even guests who prefer zero-proof options can be part of the experience. The Saffron Delight and Tamarind Fennel Soda are thoughtfully created to mirror the same craft and flavour depth, ensuring that everyone can raise a glass.

This Women’s Day, Loya celebrates the resilience, grace and stories of women. Through PAANCH, the brand offers more than just cocktails, it presents a meaningful toast to women who are bold, layered, and beautifully complex.

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