Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the launch of Vivanta Aluva, Kochi in the lively and culturally rich state of Kerala. The opening marks another key milestone for IHCL as it strengthens its footprint in the fast-growing micro market of Aluva, a bustling part of the Kochi Metropolitan area.

Speaking about the launch, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “IHCL has played a defining role in shaping Kochi’s hospitality landscape. Opening of Vivanta Aluva, Kochi marks the expansion of IHCL’s brandscape in the city’s emerging micro market of Aluva, part of the Kochi Metropolitan area. This thriving business hub and its rich cultural legacy makes it an ideal fit for the Vivanta brand. We are happy to introduce the brand to this vibrant city, offering guests a new experience.”

The hotel offers 92 rooms and suites crafted with inspiration from Kochi’s iconic Chinese fishing nets, blending local charm with a contemporary touch. Guests can explore a variety of dining options including Mynt, the all-day restaurant; The Ace, the rooftop barbeque spot; and Swirl, the pâtisserie. The property also features a rooftop pool, spa, fitness centre and versatile banqueting facilities, making it ideal for both leisure and business stays.

Adding to the experience, Mr. Anup Kumar, General Manager, Vivanta Aluva, Kochi, said, “The stylishly spirited brand Vivanta is brought to life at Vivanta Aluva, through vibrant spaces, eclectic dining and experiences that celebrate Kochi’s unique character. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the essence of this beautiful city.”

Aluva sits along the Periyar River and is one of the most prominent commercial towns within Greater Kochi. With this opening, IHCL now has 22 hotels in Kerala, including six currently under development.

IHCL continues to build on its legacy with a diverse portfolio that includes luxury, upscale, boutique, and lean-luxe brands. Established by Jamsetji Tata, the company opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace in Bombay, in 1903. Today, the group has 591 hotels including 319 in the pipeline across four continents, fourteen countries and over 250 locations, making it India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization.

Sterling Kodai Valley has rolled out its new cycle-themed suites, adding a refreshing twist to how guests experience the hill station. Known for creating stays that reflect the soul of a destination, Sterling has once again built something that feels both playful and deeply connected to the outdoorsy charm of Kodaikanal.

Slow travel has become one of the biggest trends in global tourism, with more travellers now choosing unhurried holidays over packed schedules. Studies show that Indian leisure travellers increasingly prefer relaxed plans, while global research highlights a growing shift towards nature-based experiences. Cycling, easy walking trails and immersive outdoor time are now top picks for many holidaymakers and Kodaikanal fits right in with its cool air, lakeside paths and gentle forest routes.

This spirit of slow exploration shapes the new suites. Full-sized bicycles placed as art pieces, wheel-themed décor and tricycle-inspired amenity baskets bring a fun, nostalgic feel to every part of the room. The spaces are warm, imaginative and rooted in the vibe of the hills, giving guests a stay that feels far more personal than a regular resort room. Many visitors say the theme instantly connects them to the experience of Kodai, even before they step outside.

Speaking about the launch, Harinath M, SVP – Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “At Sterling, we focus on creating stays that help guests connect with a destination in authentic and memorable ways. Kodaikanal has a timeless appeal because of its calm setting, cool air and the sense of exploration it inspires. Our cycle-themed suites celebrate this spirit, mirroring the natural rhythm of Kodai, where guests often pick up bicycle rentals and ride around the lake or explore quieter forest trails at their own pace. We want them to return home with memories not just of what they saw, but of how deeply they felt part of the hills.”

Along with the theme, the rooms maintain the comforts guests look for during a hill-station getaway, spacious layouts, soft bedding and valley-facing sit-outs that make unwinding easy. Guests can also enjoy a spa, all-day dining, indoor games and a dedicated Discovery Central designed for children.

To keep the sense of exploration alive outside the rooms, the resort has added new experiences to its Discoveries and Experiences programme. These include a night jeep ride through quiet trails, an off-road trip to Puliyur Kombai and guided treks covering shola forests, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Evenings often turn cosy with bonfires and outdoor dinners. The resort has also introduced “Crispy Tales at Kodai,” where guests handpick vegetables, learn Murukku making and cook with the chef making meals more fun and hands-on.

These curated experiences reflect what travellers love about Kodaikanal pine forests, blooming parks, lake-side rides and postcard-perfect viewpoints. With its cycle-themed suites, Sterling Kodai Valley brings all of this into the stay itself, ensuring that the mood of Kodaikanal carries through every part of the holiday.

For more information, visit www.sterlingholidays.com

Hotel Broadway, one of Delhi’s most loved heritage hotels, has completed 70 years and reopened as part of the Alivaa Collection. The property, which first came up in 1956, has been refreshed with a new look while keeping its old-world charm intact. For three generations, the hotel has been a warm and familiar stay for guests, and the relaunch aims to carry that legacy forward.

Just minutes away from Connaught Place and Old Delhi, the hotel sits in a sweet spot that connects guests to both the historic and modern sides of the city. The newly done-up rooms feature Indian art and photography, with a few spaces styled by artist Catherine Levy, known for her playful take on Indian pop and kitsch culture. The serene courtyard adds a cosy place for guests to relax with tea, cool drinks, or a quiet read. The hotel also continues to house the legendary Chor Bizarre, a restaurant that has been a favourite for 35 years.

The story of Hotel Broadway began when Mr. Tirath Ram Amla bought the land thinking he could build a winter home but ended up constructing a full hotel after discovering the terms. He entrusted architect A. P. Kanvinde, who had just returned from Harvard, to design the building. When the Art Deco–inspired hotel opened, it introduced several firsts for Delhi, including what was considered one of the earliest lifts in the city. Rooms with bed and breakfast were priced at Rs 15 for singles and Rs 42 for doubles rates that now feel like a slice of history.

Reflecting on the milestone moment, Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman of Old World Hospitality, shared, “Reopening Hotel Broadway on its 70th anniversary is deeply special for us. My grandfather Mr. Tirath Ram Amla built it with great love in 1956, and my mother Mrs. Vijay Lakshmii Khattar operated it with great care till 2020. When I came back from the US in 1986, this was my first job and after renovating the hotel, my wife Rashmi and I opened our first restaurant, Chor Bizarre here in 1990. Therefore, the emotional connect for all of us at Old World Hospitality is immense. We are excited to now be a part of Alivaa Hotels’ terrific sales and marketing network which shall breathe new life into this iconic property.”

Sharing his vision for the road ahead, Vikramjit Singh, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, said,
“Our vision for this hotel is to show case the culture, history and its timeless elegance to the world. Every room, every space carries the spirit of the era gone by, now re-imagined for today’s traveller to experience and cherish. This is just a start of our relationship with the legendary Rohit Khattar. Together, we plan to take his culinary expertise to our future hotels as well.”

The hotel is close to major Metro stations, railway hubs, and around 21 km from the airport, making it easy to move around the city. Popular spots such as Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Janpath, and Hauz Khas are all within convenient reach.

Rooms range from compact Superior Singles to larger Superior Doubles and Deluxe Rooms. All rooms come with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee setups, WiFi, and international sockets. Services include 24x7 reception, valet parking, luggage storage, room service, and various on-request facilities.

Chor Bizarre continues to be one of the biggest draws. Known for its quirky “thieves’ market” theme, it has been serving regional Indian cuisine, especially Kashmiri dishes, for over 35 years and remains a standout name in India’s dining scene.

About Old World Hospitality

Old World Hospitality began with Chor Bizarre in 1990 and has since developed several well-loved restaurant brands such as Indian Accent, Comorin, All American Diner, Oriental Octopus, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi, Past Times, and Eatopia. Many of these concepts have moved into EHV International, where they continue to expand across cities.

About Alivaa Hotels & Resorts

Alivaa Hotels & Resorts is an upscale brand backed by Ananta Capital, currently operating 25+ hotels across India. The company aims to reach 100 hotels under three brands Alivaa, Hoften, and Xenious—each designed for different types of travellers. This partnership strengthens Alivaa’s growing presence in the hospitality space.