Wyndham Targets Indian Market with Budget Hotel Expansion

Wyndham Targets Indian Market with Budget Hotel Expansion

By Author

Published on February 24, 2024

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a prominent US-based hospitality chain, is setting its sights on the Indian market with ambitious plans to introduce its renowned budget accommodations. Recognizing the burgeoning potential of India's hospitality sector, the company aims to launch economy brands such as Days Inn and Super 8, further expanding its global footprint.

In a strategic move to leverage the escalating spiritual tourism and infrastructure development within India, Wyndham has outlined plans to open approximately 150 hotels by 2025. This includes a mix of budget hotels aimed at strengthening the company's presence in the region. Dimitris Manikis, President of Wyndham Hotels Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa (EMEA), expressed the company's bullish stance on the Indian market in a recent interview with Moneycontrol. "We cannot miss the opportunity that India represents for the world today," Manikis stated, highlighting the importance of India in Wyndham's expansion strategy.

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With nearly 60 hotels already operating in India, accounting for 5,500 rooms, and an additional 25 hotels under development plus 40 more in the pipeline, Wyndham's expansion plans are well underway. The introduction of economy brands Days Inn and Super 8, well-established in the US, marks a significant step towards catering to the diverse needs of Indian travelers and tapping into the budget accommodation segment.

Manikis also emphasized the importance of religious tourism in India, noting the company's intent to open hotels in key pilgrim places. "It is crucial for us to open hotels in some of the country's pilgrim places," Manikis said, revealing that Wyndham has a couple of hotels in the pipeline, with locations to be announced soon.

Over the next three to four years, Wyndham expects a balanced mix of budget/economy properties and midscale to upper midscale hotels in India. The company's focus will not be limited to major cities but will also extend to smaller cities, targeting India’s tier II and III cities.

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In October 2023, Wyndham further solidified its commitment to the Indian market by entering into a franchise deal with Saryu Ratna Hotel & Resort to open a new Ramada Encore by Wyndham branded property in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. This move is indicative of Wyndham's broader strategy to offer diverse lodging options across India, catering to the needs of both domestic and international travelers.

As Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its portfolio in India, the company is poised to play a significant role in the country's evolving hospitality landscape, offering affordable and quality accommodations to a wide range of travelers.


The Residency Group of Hotels Crowned Overall Champions at SICA Culinary Competition

The Residency Group of Hotels Crowned Overall Champions at  SICA Culinary Competition

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 6, 2025

The Residency Group of Hotels has emerged as the Overall Champion, Best Hotel Team at the prestigious South India Chef’s Association (SICA) culinary competition held at Chennai Trade Centre, marking a momentous achievement in the region's most esteemed culinary event.

Competing across 22 diverse categories, team Residency (both culinary and service) showcased exceptional skill and creativity, securing a remarkable 8 Gold, 21 Silver and 30 Bronze medals. Categories ranged from Plated Appetizers, Regional Cuisine, Wedding Cakes, and Plated Desserts to Petit Fours, Innovative Biryani, Dress a Cake, Three-Course Set Dinner, Cocktails and Mocktails, Artistic Pastry Showpieces, and Butter or Margarine Carvings.

This is Asia’s biggest culinary competition spreading over 3 days and this time the participation response has been overwhelming with more than 3200 chefs including culinary students from 6 different countries participated out of which a total of 55 talented chefs represented The Residency Group, making it one of the largest participating hotel teams in the competition. The jury panel comprised of 22 judges invited from 9 countries.

This outstanding success is a testament to the leadership and mentorship of Chef Manoj and Chef John Milton, who spearheaded the team’s month-long preparation. Their hands-on training, deep expertise, and unwavering dedication played a crucial role in honing the participants’ skills, refining their techniques, and instilling the confidence needed to excel under pressure.

“This achievement is a reflection of the passion, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our culinary team,” said Ajeeth Janardhanan - Culinary Director at The Residency Group of Hotels. “From the first day of training to the final presentation at the competition, our chefs demonstrated not only technical brilliance but also creativity and teamwork. Winning the Overall Champion title at SICA is a proud moment for us, and a testament to the high standards we uphold across our kitchens.”

This landmark achievement further cements The Residency Group of Hotels as a leading force in South India’s hospitality and in culinary landscape.

About Residency Group:

Presenting world-class boutique hotels in South India, our hotels exude the cultural ethos of the land. Living up to its moniker, The Residency hotels in India offers unparallel and phenomenal spaces for a homely living experience. From elegant cities like Chennai and Coimbatore to charming towns like Karur, Puducherry and Rameswaram, The Residency promises beautifully curated experiences for its discerning guests.


Hyatt Signs The Landmark Kanpur as India’s Second JdV by Hyatt Hotel

Hyatt Signs The Landmark Kanpur as India’s Second JdV by Hyatt Hotel

By Hariharan U

Published on October 3, 2025

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the signing of The Landmark Kanpur, which will soon join the JdV by Hyatt portfolio, becoming India’s second hotel under this lifestyle brand. The property, owned by Som Datt Landmark Hotels and Recreations Private Limited, is set to open in 2026.

Located in one of Kanpur’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the hotel is being thoughtfully restored to reflect the JdV by Hyatt ethos while building on The Landmark’s rich legacy in the city. Once open, it will feature 170 guest rooms, a spa, four food and beverage outlets, and expansive event spaces, including a 7,200 sq. ft. lawn on the 21st floor, designed to serve both corporate travellers and social gatherings.

The JdV by Hyatt brand short for joie de vivre is known for its vibrant, independent hotels that capture the spirit of their neighbourhoods while offering heartfelt, joy-driven hospitality. With this signing, Hyatt continues to expand its presence in India’s fast-growing lifestyle and experience-driven hotel segment.

Speaking on the development, Dhruva Rathore, Vice President, Real Estate & Development for India & South West Asia, Hyatt, said, “We're thrilled to welcome The Landmark Kanpur to the JdV by Hyatt family. This association reflects our commitment to collaborating with exceptional local operators to deliver unique guest experiences in promising markets. Building on The Landmark's esteemed legacy in Kanpur, we're excited to take this property to new heights.”

Echoing the sentiment, Vikas Malhotra, Managing Director, Som Datt Landmark Hotels and Recreations Pvt. Ltd., added, “As Kanpur’s first and only five-star hotel, The Landmark has long been a pioneer in the city’s hospitality landscape. Collaborating with Hyatt and joining the JdV by Hyatt brand marks an exciting new chapter – one that brings global standards of service while retaining our deep local roots. We look forward to welcoming guests to an enhanced, reimagined experience.”

This signing underscores Hyatt’s strategy to strengthen its lifestyle portfolio in India, offering travellers distinctive stays that combine global quality with strong local character.


Sterling Opens Rampath Ayodhya Resort, Blending Devotion with Comfort

Sterling Opens Rampath Ayodhya Resort, Blending Devotion with Comfort

By Hariharan U

Published on October 3, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its footprint into Uttar Pradesh with the launch of Sterling Rampath Ayodhya, its 67th property and 57th destination. Located just steps away from the ceremonial Ram Path, the hotel offers pilgrims, families, and culture-seekers a perfect retreat while visiting the Ram Mandir.

With this opening, Sterling marks its 11th spiritual location, reinforcing the brand’s vision of offering journeys that balance devotion with modern comfort. The move comes at a time when Ayodhya is emerging as one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations, attracting a rising wave of travellers seeking cultural immersion.

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The boutique hotel features 35 thoughtfully designed rooms, across Cocoon Double, Deluxe, and Classic categories, crafted to provide calm and comfort after temple visits. Dining is led by The Divine, a pure-veg restaurant serving sattvic-inspired meals, with special Jain options available on request reflecting the ethos of Ayodhya itself.

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Speaking about the launch, Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, “Ayodhya is at the heart of India’s spiritual and cultural renaissance. Sterling Rampath Ayodhya is more than a hotel — it is a gateway to devotion and discovery, serving guests who arrive with faith, families, and a sense of cultural curiosity.”

Adding to this, Rishi Uppal, Director, Kalyan KK Hotels India Pvt Ltd., shared, “Ayodhya is emerging as one of India’s most important spiritual destinations. Our vision was to create a property that not only serves pilgrims with comfort and care but also honours the cultural fabric of the city. In Sterling, we found a partner who shares this vision.”

Sterling’s spiritual portfolio has been growing steadily, with recent openings in Guruvayur, Vellore, and Rudraprayag. The addition of Ayodhya strengthens the company’s mission to bring together tradition, devotion, and hospitality across sacred destinations in India.

About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is among India’s leading hospitality brands, with 64 resorts, hotels, and retreats across 55 unique destinations, offering over 3,400 rooms. Its properties cover hills, beaches, jungles, pilgrimage sites, heritage towns, and drive-to locations. The company caters to leisure travellers, MICE, weddings, and group events. Sterling is a 100% independently managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.

For bookings and more information, visit www.sterlingholidays.com

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