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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 Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 27, 2025
Atmosphere Core, a globally recognized name in luxury hospitality, has announced its expansion into the Northeastern states of India with its latest property, The Dhar a Signature Atmosphere Guwahati. This marks the company’s 17th signing and is part of its larger vision to introduce 25 properties by 2025 across India.
In partnership with Meghalaya Infratech Limited, the hospitality brand is set to launch a luxurious resort at the strategic border between Guwahati, Assam, and Meghalaya. The property is expected to open in Q1 2026, offering a blend of corporate elegance and leisure indulgence just 45 minutes from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
This ambitious project aligns with India’s growing focus on Northeast tourism, as the region gains prominence in the country’s economic and infrastructural growth. The resort will be part of the “A SIGNATURE ATMOSPHERE” sub-brand, designed to deliver a world-class experience that caters to business travelers, leisure seekers, and destination event planners.
With 207 keys, the resort will offer deluxe rooms, premium suites, and presidential accommodations, each designed to provide panoramic views of Guwahati’s cityscape, lush tea gardens, and the breathtaking valleys of Northeast India.
A hallmark of Atmosphere Core properties is their exceptional culinary offerings, and The Dhar a Signature Atmosphere Guwahati will be no exception. The resort will feature:
A vibrant all-day dining restaurant with outdoor seating
Multiple specialty restaurants celebrating local flavors and international cuisine
A bakery, café, lounge, and bar, offering a refined selection of gourmet experiences
Guests can also enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities designed to provide a multi-sensory leisure experience, blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
The ELE|NA Spa & Wellness Centre, known for its rejuvenating therapies, will be a standout feature of the resort, offering therapeutic treatments with stunning tea garden views. The landscaped surroundings will create a tranquil atmosphere for those seeking peace and wellness.
For corporate and event travelers, the resort will house state-of-the-art event venues, boardrooms, and expansive lawns, making it an ideal setting for corporate retreats, destination weddings, and large-scale gatherings.
Guwahati, the cultural and economic hub of Assam, is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for business, tourism, and lifestyle experiences. With its historic temples, scenic landscapes, and strong connectivity to other northeastern states, the city is gaining international recognition.
Reflecting on this expansion, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director of Atmosphere Core for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, expressed his enthusiasm:
"The land of seven sisters has long been a focus for us. Guwahati, as the gateway to the Northeast, is evolving into a key business and tourism hub. Its rich heritage and strategic significance make it an ideal location for this premium resort. We are excited about this collaboration and confident that it will set a new standard in luxury hospitality."
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. N. Dhar, Managing Director of Meghalaya Infratech Limited, stated:
"Our partnership with Atmosphere Core represents a new era of hospitality in Northeast India. Their expertise in luxury accommodations and service excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to create a world-class destination for travelers."
With its strategic location, world-class facilities, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences, The Dhar a Signature Atmosphere Guwahati is poised to become a landmark property in the region. This latest venture reaffirms Atmosphere Core’s dedication to expanding its luxury portfolio in India, catering to both business and leisure travelers with unparalleled hospitality standards.
Stay tuned for the grand unveiling in 2026!
By Nishang Narayan
Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach recently brought smiles and flour-dusted hands together with its first-ever Lil Masterchef event, a delightful culinary initiative designed for young chefs aged 6 to 12. This interactive experience encouraged children to explore the art of cooking while creating unforgettable moments with their families.
The event transformed the hotel into a playground for budding chefs, allowing them to don chef hats, knead dough, pipe frosting, and decorate cakes—all under the guidance of culinary experts. More than just a cooking session, Lil Masterchef was a celebration of creativity, learning, and family bonding. Parents joined in, cheering on their little ones, making the experience even more special.
The event featured an array of interactive food stations, each designed to introduce young chefs to different cuisines and techniques. From rolling sushi to tossing pasta, each station offered an exciting hands-on experience, allowing kids to experiment with flavors and textures. The lineup included:
Mexican Delights – A taco-building station filled with vibrant toppings
Pasta Corner – Kids learned to twirl and plate pasta like a pro
Sushi & Dim Sum – A peek into Asian flavors with bite-sized fun
Dessert Stations – Muffin decorating, cake frosting, cream piping, and doughnut dipping
The event also welcomed prominent influencers and their families, adding an extra dose of excitement to the festivities.
Speaking about the initiative, Kunal Shanker, General Manager of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, shared, “Lil Masterchef was our love letter to families—a day where kids whipped up magic, from pasta twirls to frosting swirls, while parents became their biggest fans. It was messy, loud, and delicious—the kind of day that turns a hotel into a home for adventure.”
Beyond the fun and excitement, the event also helped children develop confidence in the kitchen, introducing them to new ingredients and culinary skills in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
With an overwhelming response from participants, Lil Masterchef is set to become a signature event at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to creating engaging, family-friendly experiences beyond traditional hospitality.
Would you like to see your little one don a chef’s hat and explore the magic of cooking? Stay tuned for future editions of Lil Masterchef at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach!
Published on March 26, 2025
Lords Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its footprint in Maharashtra with the launch of Shyanu Lords Eco Inn in Airoli, Navi Mumbai. Designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers, the hotel offers exquisitely furnished rooms, a fully equipped banquet hall, and an all-day dining facility, making it an ideal choice for professionals and corporate teams visiting the region.
Airoli has rapidly emerged as a key commercial and IT hub, housing major corporate offices, technology parks, and business centers. The hotel’s strategic location in the heart of this dynamic district ensures easy access to corporate headquarters while providing world-class hospitality and amenities.
Adding to its appeal, Shyanu Lords Eco Inn boasts seamless connectivity:
Sharing his excitement for the brand’s expansion, Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts, stated:
“We are excited to expand our presence in Maharashtra with hotels in Karjat, Shrivardhan, and now Navi Mumbai. This launch marks another important step in our growth, and we look forward to adding more properties in the state soon.”
Sudhir Jena, Corporate Vice President of Lords Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the brand’s guest-centric approach:
“We aim to provide more than just a place to stay—we offer a true home away from home for business travelers, corporate teams, and guests seeking a premium and comfortable experience. Our focus is on delivering outstanding service that meets the unique needs of today’s professional traveler.”
With over 70 hotels and 3,000+ keys across three nations, Lords Hotels & Resorts continues its mission of redefining hospitality with thoughtful expansion and guest-focused excellence.
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