Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on November 16, 2024
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced a new partnership with investment firm Lafayette Square to help diverse hotel owners access capital. Through this collaboration, Wyndham will work closely with Lafayette Square to connect qualified franchisees with up to $100 million in financing over the coming years. This initiative is designed to assist hoteliers with projects that would otherwise be delayed or stalled due to the lack of traditional financing options.
The partnership is a key aspect of Wyndham’s ongoing efforts to support the Black and women hotel ownership communities through its BOLD (Black Owners and Lodging Developers) and Women Own the Room programs. These initiatives aim to break down barriers faced by diverse hotel owners, providing both financial assistance and additional resources to help foster success in the hospitality industry.
According to Galen Barrett, Vice President of Strategic Franchise Initiatives at Wyndham, there are still significant inequities in the hospitality sector, especially when it comes to financing. He believes that partnerships like the one with Lafayette Square can help address these issues by providing deserving hoteliers with the tools and resources they need to succeed. "We’re committed to using our network to not only give the keys to hotel ownership to more diverse owners, but ultimately help give them the access to tools, resources, and partners they need to succeed," said Barrett.
Lafayette Square’s strategy is focused on addressing the financing gaps that often limit opportunities for diverse hotel owners. The firm’s Managing Director, Abhay Patel, emphasized the importance of intervention to support entrepreneurs who have historically struggled to secure financing. "Tapping into Wyndham’s network brings us and our resources to the epicenter of hospitality, helping make hotel ownership more attainable for qualified hoteliers," Patel noted.
The partnership has already led to its first success story with Dr. Amina James, a member of Wyndham’s BOLD program and an experienced hotelier. Despite her background in real estate and her experience owning a hotel in Memphis, Dr. James faced financing challenges when seeking to expand into Lake Charles, Louisiana. Wyndham introduced her to Lafayette Square, which provided the necessary funding to acquire her second hotel, now operating as Wyndham Lake Charles. Dr. James plans to use the funds to improve the property and streamline operations through a third-party management team.
"I can now say I own two hotels. BOLD and Women Own the Room are actively changing hospitality by forging the path – and knocking down the barriers along the way – to make hotel ownership possible," said Dr. James, expressing gratitude for the opportunity provided by Wyndham and Lafayette Square.
This collaboration is part of Wyndham’s broader commitment to ensuring more diverse hotel ownership and supporting initiatives that increase representation in the industry. The firm’s BOLD and Women Own the Room programs have already facilitated over 100 hotel deals with Black and women hoteliers, with more than 20 of these properties now operational.
The new financing program aims to build on this momentum, helping more diverse entrepreneurs access the capital needed to grow and succeed in the competitive hotel industry. The partnership between Wyndham and Lafayette Square reflects a shared commitment to creating greater opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in hospitality.
Adventures by Disney Unveils Two New European Itineraries fo...
Adventures by Disney has announced two brand-new European la...
Lazeez Affaire Debuts in Hyderabad with a Refined North Indi...
The iconic North Indian restaurant brand, Lazeez Affaire, ha...
Sarovar Hotels Signs Golden Tulip Jalpaiguri in West Bengal,...
Sarovar Hotels has announced the signing of Golden Tulip Jal...
Lemon Tree Hotels Strengthens Maharashtra Network with 13th ...
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has officially launched its newest...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 9, 2025
It’s a proud moment for Rosetta Hospitality as both of its signature properties, Rosetta Sakleshpur and Elements by Rosetta - Varca, Goa have been named winners of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025, earning spots among the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
This recognition is based entirely on consistent ratings and reviews shared by real guests on Tripadvisor over the past year, making it one of the most trusted awards in the global travel industry.
Celebrating businesses that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional guest experiences, the Travelers’ Choice Awards spotlight those who create lasting impressions and memorable stays. For Rosetta Hospitality, this double win highlights its dedication to thoughtful service, detail-driven design, and culturally rich experiences.
“This dual recognition is a proud milestone for our brand,” said Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director & CEO, Rosetta Hospitality. “It reaffirms our commitment to delivering thoughtfully curated experiences — whether set amidst the expansive coffee plantations of Sakleshpur or in the serene tropical setting of Varca in South Goa.”
At Rosetta Sakleshpur, guests enjoy serene, nature-immersed stays surrounded by lush coffee estates. In contrast, Elements by Rosetta – Varca offers a modern blend of Goan charm and contemporary comfort, promising warm hospitality near South Goa’s scenic beaches.
Kristen Dalton, President at Tripadvisor, congratulated the brand, stating, “Congratulations to Rosetta Hospitality for this remarkable achievement. Ranking among the top hotels worldwide is a true testament to the trust and appreciation of your guests.”
With this recognition, Rosetta Hospitality continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading name in Indian luxury getaways, offering a unique mix of tranquillity, culture, and impeccable service.
By Nishang Narayan
Sterling Holiday Resorts is deepening its commitment to spiritual tourism with the launch of Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag, a peaceful yet well-connected Himalayan retreat for pilgrims and travellers alike. This marks Sterling’s 11th property in its spiritual circuit and 7th resort in Uttarakhand, reinforcing its strategic focus on meaningful, immersive travel experiences in sacred destinations.
Located just 2 km from the revered confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, the new resort is perfectly placed on the Badrinath Highway, serving as a base for Char Dham yatris, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers heading to treks like Tungnath, Deoriatal, and Chandrashila.
The resort offers a range of thoughtfully designed accommodations—from cozy rooms to elegant suites with private balconies and panoramic valley views. Guests can unwind with pure vegetarian regional cuisine at Vatika, which also offers Jain meals, or grab a comforting sip at Chai & You, the in-house café lounge.
Adding to its appeal, the property includes a banquet hall for up to 60 guests, ideal for intimate retreats, spiritual gatherings, or corporate offsites. With Chopta nearby and excellent road access from Haridwar and Rishikesh, the resort is both serene and convenient.
“Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag is a strategic step in our vision to bring transformational travel experiences to destinations rich in spiritual and natural significance,” said Mr. Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts.
Shri Mahabeer Singh Panwar, MD of Hotel Kastoori Inn, added, “We’re proud to partner with Sterling. Their guest-first approach ensures that this new resort will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region.”
With spiritual tourism in India poised for significant growth, Sterling’s expanding portfolio includes destinations like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Guruvayur, Puri, Amritsar, and more. This latest launch further solidifies its leadership in catering to spiritually inclined travellers seeking curated experiences.
About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.
Sterling Holiday Resorts operates across 54 destinations with 62 resorts and over 3,200 operational keys. Its diverse offerings span hills, beaches, jungles, spiritual hubs, heritage spots, and more. A wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd and part of Fairfax Financial Holdings, Sterling continues to grow its presence in India’s leisure and spiritual tourism space.
Ambica Empire, Chennai’s beacon of luxury and excellence, made a powerful mark at the Achievers Award Ceremony 2025, hosted by News7 Channel and the Indian Seafarers Welfare Organisation (ISWOT), by sweeping three major awards—further reinforcing its legacy in the hospitality industry.
The hotel was recognised as the Best Premium Business Hotel of the Year 2025 (4-star facilities). This award stands as a testament to Ambica Empire’s unwavering dedication to top-tier service, comfort, and world-class hospitality—making it a preferred choice for discerning business and leisure travellers alike.
Adding a personal victory to the occasion, Mr. R. Kalathinathan, General Manager of Hotel Ambica Empire & Ambica Group of Hotels, was awarded the Best Outstanding Performer of the Year 2025. Known for his humble leadership style, decades of expertise, and an unshakeable commitment to service, Mr. Kalathinathan continues to lead the Ambica brand to greater heights. His ability to build a culture of integrity and excellence makes him a true stalwart of the industry.
Another proud moment came when Ms. R.K. Pushpalatha, Admin Manageress at Hotel Ambica Empire, was honoured with the Woman of Excellence in Hospitality 2025 award. With 25 years of dedicated service, her contribution to the hotel and the wider hospitality industry is both inspiring and invaluable. Known for her coordination skills and support for women empowerment, her motto—“Qualify yourself, aim high, and choose excellence”—continues to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.
The award ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, adding further prestige to the event. Notable guests included Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan (Former Governor of Telangana & Lt. Governor of Puducherry), Hon’ble Justice Thiru. SK. Krishnan, Dr. K. Venkatesan, Mr. Krishna Kumar R (Advocate & Secretary, Madras High Court Advocate Association), Dr. A. Babu Mailan (Founder & Chairman, ISWOT), Mr. R.M. Ibrahim (Deputy Collector), Dr. C.A. Mohanraj (VP, Tamil Seidhi Vaasipaalargal Sangam & Special Police Warden), and Dr. P. Dhanasekar (MD, DSP Groups), among others.
Under the visionary guidance of Mr. Kalathinathan, who carries over 35 years of experience and multiple industry accolades, and the exceptional dedication of Ms. Pushpalatha, Ambica Empire continues to shine as a leader in Indian hospitality.
This triple recognition celebrates more than just achievements—it’s a reflection of Ambica Empire’s enduring spirit, team excellence, and heartfelt service. As they proudly say:“Guests who stay with us, always stay with us.”
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.