Wyndham and Lafayette Square Collaborate to Enhance Financin

Wyndham and Lafayette Square Collaborate to Enhance Financing Opportunities for Diverse Hoteliers

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.

Elevated Festivity Unfolds at Novotel Vijayawada Varun with Christmas and New Year’s Eve Celebrations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 23, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun ushers in the festive season with a thoughtfully curated line-up of Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, offering guests indulgent dining experiences, elegant festivities, and premium gifting options. Designed for families, friends, and festive revellers, the hotel promises a warm and memorable close to the year.

Adding to the festive cheer, Cake Factory at Novotel Vijayawada Varun presents a selection of beautifully curated Christmas hampers and classic plum cakes, ideal for festive gifting. Designed around thematic collections featuring gourmet treats, these hampers combine premium selections with elegant packaging.
The hampers and plum cakes are available at Cake Factory from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM until 31st December 2025.

On 24th December 2025, guests can celebrate the season with a Christmas Eve Dinner at Food Exchange, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Set amidst elegant festive décor, the dinner features a lavish multi-course spread curated by the Head Chef, making it an ideal choice for a cosy family gathering or a celebratory evening with loved ones. The dinner will be served from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Continuing the celebrations, Food Exchange hosts a festive Christmas Day Brunch on 25th December 2025, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The brunch includes a specially curated menu, live cooking stations, and live music, offering guests a vibrant and relaxed Christmas afternoon experience.

The festivities culminate with A Golden Gala – New Year’s Eve Celebrations on 31st December 2025, hosted across Food Exchange, Gourmet Bar, SkyDeck, Red Bowl, and V-Convention. Each venue offers a unique celebratory experience, ranging from gala dinners and curated menus to high-energy entertainment and open-air celebrations. Guests can enjoy specially crafted menus by the Head Chef, along with live singers, Bollywood DJs, and a live band, creating a lively atmosphere as the city counts down to 2026.

Guests dining in or staying at the hotel can avail an exclusive 20% early-bird discount on New Year’s Eve celebrations when booked on 30th December 2025. Additionally, diners at Red Bowl will receive one complimentary portion of dim sums with their food or beverage order.

With its elegant settings, curated menus, and immersive festive experiences, Novotel Vijayawada Varun sets the stage for a truly elevated Christmas and New Year celebration in the city.

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Wyndham Opens Beachfront Resort in Corfu’s Scenic Village of Acharavi

By Hariharan U

Published on December 22, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Wyndham Corfu Acharavi, a new beachfront resort located in the charming coastal village of Acharavi on the northern coast of Corfu. The opening marks Wyndham’s first namesake hotel on the island, one of Greece’s most sought-after year-round destinations. The property has been developed in collaboration with Mercan Group, one of Europe’s leading hotel developers.

Set along a picturesque seven-kilometre-long sandy beach, Wyndham Corfu Acharavi offers uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea, framed by lush greenery and dramatic sunsets. Its location combines peaceful seafront living with easy access to the village centre, allowing guests to enjoy both tranquillity and authentic local experiences.

“The Emerald Isle of Corfu stands among the Mediterranean’s most exceptional destinations,” said Vassilis Themelidis, Regional Director, South & East Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Situated on one of the island’s longest beaches, Wyndham Corfu Acharavi marks an exciting milestone as our first namesake hotel in Corfu. As our portfolio grows to 15 hotels across Greece and Cyprus, our partnership with Mercan Group strengthens our presence in a market with strong long-term potential.”

The resort features 163 thoughtfully designed rooms, suites and apartments, with plans to add over 100 additional premium rooms in the coming months. Select accommodations include private plunge pools, offering enhanced privacy and comfort for leisure travellers.

Dining at the resort is designed to cater to diverse tastes, with Theos Main Restaurant offering live-cooking stations and buffet dining, while Olive Specialty Restaurant presents a contemporary take on the traditional Greek taverna. Additional cafés and snack bars serve both poolside and beachfront areas, ensuring guests enjoy all-day dining options.

Wellness and recreation are central to the guest experience. Facilities include a full-service spa with sauna and treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, a children’s pool, a tennis court and a dedicated children’s playground. The resort also offers private parking, a mini market featuring local products, and access to nearby activities such as cycling routes, sea excursions and scenic hiking trails.

With excellent air and sea connectivity to mainland Greece and neighbouring islands, Corfu serves both as a standalone destination and a gateway to the wider Ionian region.

Speaking on the collaboration, a Mercan Group representative noted that the opening of Wyndham Corfu Acharavi marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, with plans to further enhance the property and meet growing demand as travel seasons continue to extend across the Mediterranean.

With its beachfront setting, family-friendly facilities and strong sense of place, Wyndham Corfu Acharavi is positioned as an inviting choice for travellers seeking a relaxed Greek island escape throughout the year.