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

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.


Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Unveils Reimagined Beach Villas in the Maldives

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Unveils Reimagined Beach Villas in the Maldives

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

A luxurious evolution has arrived at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa with the launch of its newly reimagined Beach Villas with Pool. These elegant accommodations replace the resort’s former Beach Bungalows, bringing guests a brighter, more spacious, and stylish retreat just steps from the shoreline.

The new villas double the outdoor space to 285 sq. m. (3,068 sq. ft.), feature redesigned interiors spanning 70 sq. m. (753.5 sq. ft.), and are crafted to perfectly blend indoor comfort with the beauty of the Maldives. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and small families, each Beach Villa comfortably accommodates three adults or two adults and two children under 12.

Commenting on this final phase of the resort’s regeneration project, General Manager Didier Jardin shared, “Kuda Huraa has long been a haven for those seeking an intimate Maldivian home-from-home but we recognised the limitations of our bungalows in terms of layout, light and space. Our first ever Beach Villas embody the spirit of the island, where comfort, care, and the magic of the Maldives come together in a seamless flow.”

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What’s New:

  • Light & airy design:

    Deep wood tones have given way to sun-inspired palettes of teal, turquoise, and tangerine, evoking a fresh island vibe.

  • Smarter layout: A breezy porch leads into an ensuite bedroom with ocean-framed daybed, study, dining space, and a reconfigured walk-in closet seamlessly linked to the bathroom.

  • Upgraded outdoor living: The plunge pool has transformed into a generous 36 sq. m. (388 sq. ft.) pool oriented towards stunning ocean views. A chic pergola with a round custom swing sets the scene for relaxed lounging or eye-catching Instagram moments.

  • Elegant touches: High-end designer pieces like the B&B Italia armchair and organic architectural curves ensure the villas harmonise beautifully with their surroundings.

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Guests can also enjoy thoughtful inclusions like daily fresh fruit, Kuda Spring water, coffee and tea, twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown, and beach essentials for children.

For a seamless start to paradise each day, the resort’s Bed & Breakfast package offers a lavish buffet breakfast at Café Huraa, included for two guests per bedroom (or more in family units), available for stays until December 20, 2026.

To be among the first to experience these stunning new villas, guests can email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call +960 66 00 888.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Launches Monsoon Weekend Escape with Dining, Spa & Music

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Launches Monsoon Weekend Escape with Dining, Spa & Music

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport invites city dwellers to break free from routine and embrace the charm of the rainy season with its all-new Monsoon Weekend Escape. Exclusively available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this package is designed to offer an indulgent and relaxing stay packed with gourmet flavours, curated experiences, and pampering touches.

Guests can start their weekend retreat with the option of a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability. The experience continues at Ode Spa, where signature treatments come with a 30% discount, promising the perfect monsoon unwind.

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As twilight falls, head over to ARK Bar and Lounge for an hour of unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by an elegant Awadhi dinner at Ummrao, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The next morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast at MoMo Café or opt for a relaxed in-room Continental breakfast anytime, thanks to the 24/7 service.

Saturdays are all about creating joyful family memories. The hotel’s poolside turns into a lively family zone, featuring kids’ activities and a charming Hi-Tea from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, paired with lounge music. As evening sets in, guests can experience the Saturday Serenade in the lobby from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a soulful musical backdrop to their MoMo Café dinner.

Sundays begin with morning melodies from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, easing into the hotel’s Brunch Society from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at MoMo Café. With upbeat brunch beats, indulgent cuisine, and lively ambiance, it’s the perfect way to close a well-spent weekend.

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Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic weekend, or just a break from the rains, the Monsoon Weekend Escape at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport promises an experience that’s indulgent, vibrant, and refreshingly different.


Sterling Launches Sterling GK Exotica, a Boutique Business Hotel in Dehradun

Sterling Launches Sterling GK Exotica, a Boutique Business Hotel in Dehradun

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of Sterling GK Exotica, a boutique 36-key business hotel in Dehradun. Located in the heart of the city on Saharanpur Road, the hotel is Sterling’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand and second property in Dehradun, strengthening its foothold in India’s growing business-leisure travel segment.

Just five hours from Delhi NCR and six from Chandigarh, the hotel offers easy connectivity to Haridwar, Roorkee, and Saharanpur. With sweeping views of the Shivalik range and a central location, it appeals equally to corporate guests and weekend travellers.

The hotel offers four room categories from Classic Rooms to Executive Suites with double washrooms and city skyline views. Crowning the property is Skyline, the highest rooftop restaurant and bar in Dehradun, featuring Himalayan herb-infused cuisine, creative cocktails, and a panoramic 270° Shivalik view.

Event spaces include Summit, a rooftop banquet for up to 100 guests, and Mirage, a pillar-free indoor hall with a 150-seat capacity in theatre-style—both ideal for corporate events, offsites, and social gatherings.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, shared, “Sterling GK Exotica firmly establishes our base in Dehradun and strengthens our Himalayan circuit. Dehradun’s expressway growth, upgraded airport, and emerging knowledge economy make it North India’s key business-leisure node. With GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella, we offer two contrasting but complementary experiences within one city.”

Aman Bagga, Owner of Global Hospitality Pvt Ltd, added, “Partnering with Sterling was an easy decision. With their solid Uttarakhand roadmap and nationwide sales reach, GK Exotica gains immediate visibility. We aim to position this hotel as Dehradun’s urban retreat for both boardroom and leisure travellers.”

Sterling’s Uttarakhand portfolio now includes:

  • Sterling GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella in Dehradun

  • Sterling Mussoorie

  • Sterling Palm Bliss Rishikesh

  • Sterling Mantra Haridwar

  • Sterling Corbett

  • Sterling Vanvasa Lansdowne

  • Sterling Nainital

  • Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag

Together, these properties support the brand’s ‘drive-to’ strategy, offering seamless travel options from business meetings to yoga retreats and tiger safaris, all integrated through expressway access, digital booking tools, and curated Himalayan travel circuits.

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