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.

Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.

The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.

The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.

The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.

Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.

He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.

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WelcomHeritage Launches Kurki Palace in Jaipur, Celebrating Rajasthan’s Royal Legacy

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

WelcomHeritage has expanded its presence in Rajasthan with the launch of WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace, a boutique heritage hotel in Jaipur that brings together royal Rajput traditions, architectural grandeur, and contemporary luxury hospitality.

Located within a peaceful residential enclave in Jaipur, the palace offers guests a serene retreat while providing convenient access to the city’s iconic forts, palaces, and cultural landmarks. Hosted by descendants of the renowned Ranbanka Rathore family of Kurki Fort, whose lineage traces back to the 23rd generation of saint-poet Mirabai, the property offers travellers an opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s living heritage.

Inspired by traditional Rajasthani havelis, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace reflects a blend of Marwari, Mughal, and European architectural influences. The property features grand sandstone structures, stained-glass windows, antique artefacts, intricate craftsmanship, and family heirlooms that showcase the region’s rich artistic legacy.

The palace offers 34 luxurious accommodations, including one Maharaja Suite, four Maharani Suites, 18 Executive Mahal Rooms, and 11 Rawla Deluxe Rooms. Each room has been designed with handcrafted furnishings, regional artistry, and modern amenities to provide guests with an immersive heritage stay experience.

The property features four distinctive dining venues — Darbar – The Sky Lounge, Swarn Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Sugar Coated Café — offering curated culinary experiences inspired by Rajasthan’s flavours and artistic traditions.

Beyond accommodation and dining, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace offers a range of wellness and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and curated relaxation spaces. The property also caters to destination weddings, private celebrations, and MICE events through elegant venues such as Darbar Banquet, Darbar Rooftop, and Badal Mahal.

With bespoke event services and parking capacity for up to 500 vehicles, the palace provides a regal setting for large-scale celebrations, corporate gatherings, and intimate occasions.

Aligned with responsible hospitality practices, the property incorporates solar energy into its operations, combining sustainability with heritage preservation.

Speaking on the launch, Ashutosh Chhibba, CEO, WelcomHeritage, said that WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace represents the brand’s vision of preserving India’s cultural legacy while creating contemporary hospitality experiences. He added that the property strengthens WelcomHeritage’s presence in Jaipur and offers travellers an authentic gateway to Rajasthan’s timeless charm.

Chhibba further noted that the launch marks WelcomHeritage’s 11th property in Rajasthan and takes the brand’s overall portfolio to 37 properties across India. He highlighted Rajasthan’s importance to the brand’s heritage hospitality journey and reiterated the company’s focus on creating destinations that travellers actively seek for unique cultural experiences.

Strategically located near Jaipur International Airport and Jaipur Railway Station, the palace provides easy access to major attractions including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort, making it an ideal base for exploring Jaipur’s heritage and vibrant culture.