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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.
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By Hariharan U
Published on November 12, 2025
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, invites guests to experience the culinary spirit of southern India with the launch of Kaveri Grills, a special promotion running from 14th to 23rd November 2025 at WelcomCafe Jacaranda.
Inspired by the nurturing flow of the Kaveri River, this unique dining experience pays homage to the waters that sustain the region’s culture, cuisine, and communities. Guests can savour a handpicked selection of river-fresh seafood, grilled to perfection at a live counter, celebrating the authentic flavours of southern India with a refined touch.
The menu blends local ingredients and traditional cooking styles with the signature craftsmanship of ITC Hotels, offering a feast that is both comforting and contemporary. Complementing this special curation is a revamped dinner buffet, featuring a wide array of Indian and international favourites, crafted with the care, precision, and sustainability ITC Hotels are known for.
Every evening, the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies fills the air, transforming WelcomCafe Jacaranda into a riverside-inspired haven that captures the spirit of the Kaveri in every bite.
Guests can indulge in this immersive dining experience between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
For reservations, please call +91 9840535520 (9 AM – 11 PM) or email mytable.whbengaluru@itchotels.com.
Zuper Resorts proudly announces the opening of Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal, a luxurious new destination in Bakaniya, located just an hour’s drive from Bhopal. Designed to capture the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering refined comfort, Empire represents a new benchmark in leisure hospitality for Central India.
Set across twelve acres of lush greenery, the resort greets guests with a sense of space, serenity, and understated elegance. With 38 well-appointed accommodations including 2 Tulip Exclusive Rooms, 2 Lillian Exclusive Rooms, 17 Magnolia Rooms, and 17 Azalea Rooms, each features a private portico that opens to panoramic views of the landscape.
Guests can indulge their taste buds at Savor, the resort’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant serving global favourites, or unwind at Chaska, a stylish rooftop brasserie with expansive views and an inviting ambiance. For intimate gatherings, a private dining room seating up to 12 guests offers an ideal setting for celebrations and conversations.
The resort also features a bar with expertly crafted cocktails, indoor recreation facilities such as carrom and table tennis, and a well-equipped fitness area. Every detail at Empire is designed to provide comfort, modernity, and a deep connection to nature.
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Akaal Singh Manchanda, Director of Zuper Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Empire by Zuper is a refreshing perspective to hospitality and reveals an unseen side of India. It is more than a resort, it’s a landmark where design and world-class comfort culminate. This is one of our most progressive ventures yet, positioning the region prominently on India’s leisure map.”
He added, “Empire stands out as one of the finest resorts in Bhopal, ideal for weddings, private gatherings, and grand celebrations. Thoughtfully crafted for the people of Bhopal, the resort blends luxurious spaces with warm hospitality to make every stay truly memorable.”
About Zuper Hotels & Resorts
Zuper Resorts is a reputed hospitality management company known for curating boutique resorts and premium getaways across Maharashtra and beyond. With over a decade of expertise, Zuper has built a strong reputation in leisure and event hospitality, managing weddings, corporate events, and exclusive celebrations with precision and creativity.
SAii Phi Phi Island Village, part of SAii Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled an enhanced version of its popular “Astro Moments” experience, a stargazing-inspired escape that connects guests with the cosmos on the resort’s private beach.
Following the recent repositioning of SAii Hotels & Resorts as a lifestyle brand centred on the belief that peace of mind is the ultimate luxury, this new chapter of Astro Moments combines scientific discovery with soulful relaxation.
Once a month, on Saturday evenings during the third week, guests gather on the island’s pristine stretch of sand for guided stargazing sessions led by astronomy experts from the BCIS Planetarium in Phuket. With clear skies most of the year and almost no light pollution, the resort’s remote location offers perfect conditions for spotting constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders through a telescope.
As twilight sets in, guests can choose to elevate the evening with a Starry Picnic by the Beach, a romantic basket of gourmet bites and celestial-themed drinks. The curated hamper includes Asian-inspired delights like tortilla wraps with wok-minced chicken and chilli basil, and herb-marinated pork neck, complemented by sparkling wine.
Adding a personal touch, the resort has also introduced a Zodiac-to-Experience Guide, helping guests discover activities that match their astrological signs. Adventurous Aries can explore kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkelling vibrant reefs; nurturing Cancers are encouraged to reconnect with nature through forest walks and marine discoveries; and focused Capricorns can unwind with sea-view spa rituals or wellness sessions overlooking the horizon.
Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager, SAii Phi Phi Island Village & SAii Laguna Phuket, shared, “A cherished haven for nature lovers, SAii Phi Phi Island Village continues to create experiences that resonate deeply, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and the natural world, one starry night at a time. Whether one is drawn to the science of astronomy or the spirit of astrology, the stars offer the perfect guide.”
The stargazing sessions are complimentary for in-house guests, while the Starry Picnic by the Beach can be booked for an additional charge.
For reservations or more information, visit SAii Phi Phi Astro Moments
About SAii Hotels & Resorts:
SAii Hotels & Resorts is an upper-upscale lifestyle brand by Thailand-based S Hotels and Resorts PCL, known for blending sustainable hospitality with heartfelt service. The brand redefines affordable luxury through personalised experiences set amidst serene, nature-inspired destinations in Thailand and the Maldives.
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