The upcoming luxury hotel, scheduled to open in the second half of 2027, will involve an investment of approximately Rs 400 crore and feature 200 premium guestrooms. The property will occupy a strategic location near Indira Gandhi International Airport and Aerocity, one of the most prominent hospitality and commercial hubs in Delhi NCR. The location will enable the hotel to cater to growing demand from both business and leisure travellers.

The project marks a significant milestone for India’s hospitality industry as it introduces the W Hotels brand to Delhi NCR for the first time. It will also become only the second W Hotels property in India after Goa. As a result, the development will add a fresh lifestyle-driven luxury hospitality offering to a market traditionally dominated by conventional luxury hotel brands.

Globally, W Hotels has established a strong presence across major international destinations, including London, New York, Dubai, and Singapore. The Delhi NCR property will combine the brand’s signature design-led philosophy, vibrant social experiences, and service excellence with elements inspired by local culture and heritage.

The hotel aims to attract a new generation of luxury travellers who seek immersive experiences, creative environments, and personalised hospitality. Furthermore, the project reflects the growing preference for lifestyle-focused hotels among younger, experience-driven consumers and affluent travellers.

W Hotels Delhi NCR will leverage its prime location, globally recognised brand identity, and substantial investment commitment to position itself as a landmark destination in the region’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape.

Highlighting the opportunity within India’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector, Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, DS Group, said, “The Indian hospitality sector is currently witnessing an unprecedented growth trajectory, fueled by a robust surge in domestic travel and a significant demand-supply mismatch in the premium segment. With approximately 0.27 hotel keys per 1,000 people compared to the global average of 2.2, India’s hotel penetration rate is roughly one-tenth of the global standard. As marquee global players are rapidly expanding their footprints across the Indian landscape, New Delhi remains the indispensable gateway to the high-value diplomatic and corporate echelons that ultimately establish a brand’s equity and authority in the subcontinent. The launch of Marriott International’s W Hotels brand reinforces our continued commitment to the hospitality business and marks a significant milestone in DS Group’s growth strategy, aligned with our long-term vision of providing unparalleled experiences to our guests.”

Kumar further revealed that DS Group is pursuing an aggressive hospitality expansion strategy. The company plans to double its existing room inventory by 2029 and invest Rs 1,000 crore over the coming years. The expansion will primarily focus on luxury and midscale hospitality segments across high-growth Tier I and Tier II cities.

Meanwhile, DS Group currently operates six hospitality assets across key destinations, including Namah Nainital, Namah Jim Corbett, Radisson Blu Guwahati, InterContinental Jaipur, Renaissance Bengaluru, and Holiday Inn Express Kolkata. Furthermore, the company continues to strengthen its presence in India’s hospitality sector through strategic investments and partnerships across premium and luxury hotel segments.

Discussing the strategic importance of the project, Nathan Andrews, Business Head, Hospitality, DS Group, said, “This project is a significant step for the DS Group as we expand our hospitality footprint with a target of 10–12 hotels by FY29. By bringing the iconic W Hotels brand to Delhi NCR, we are setting a new benchmark for design-led luxury projects in one of India’s most competitive markets. The Aerocity area continues to demonstrate exceptional demand and RevPAR growth, making it the ideal location for a globally recognised brand that combines unmatched connectivity with long-term value for Delhi NCR. This partnership underscores our commitment to shaping the future of Indian hospitality by delivering curated, high-impact experiences for the modern global traveller.”

Speaking on the significance of the agreement, Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, said, “The signing of our first W Hotels in Delhi NCR is set to introduce a bold new expression of luxury to this dynamic, high-energy market. We are delighted to collaborate with the Dharampal Satyapal Group, whose legacy of excellence and forward-looking approach to premium, experience-led hospitality aligns seamlessly with Marriott International’s commitment to delivering differentiated, high-quality hospitality experiences, grounded in strong partnerships and a shared vision for long-term value creation.”

The addition of W Hotels further reinforces DS Group’s commitment to expanding its footprint in India’s luxury hospitality sector. Known for its bold design philosophy, contemporary luxury experiences, and strong focus on self-expression, W Hotels brings a distinctive lifestyle hospitality concept centered on creativity, connection, and immersive guest experiences.

Currently, Saltstayz operates 33 hotels with approximately 1,214 keys in the mid-premium and premium hospitality segments. The Gurugram-based company manages its properties under three brands—Autograph, Select, and Premier—and has established a presence across seven cities in India.

Speaking about the expansion strategy, Saltstayz co-founder Gaurav Gupta said, “We are planning to add another 22 properties this fiscal year, taking the total to 55 hotels this year. Our presence is more in the north, so in our next phase of expansion we will focus more on the south and the west.”

The company follows an asset-light business model that includes lease agreements, revenue-sharing arrangements, and management contracts. This strategy allows Saltstayz to scale rapidly without investing heavily in property ownership. As a result, the company has set an ambitious target of operating 250 hotels across 50 cities with approximately 10,000 to 11,000 keys by FY30.

Furthermore, Gupta emphasized that the company prefers not to own hospitality assets because doing so could slow its growth trajectory. Instead, Saltstayz intends to expand aggressively across both existing markets and new destinations throughout the country.

“We prefer not to own assets because it will slow down our expansion. We want to expand our presence across the country to 50 cities by FY30. This will include both existing cities and new markets. We are also planning to focus on signing properties in religious places; spiritual tourism is the next big thing in India. Basically, we are looking at opportunities in any city that has year-round footfall,” Gupta said.

In addition to geographical expansion, Saltstayz sees significant opportunities in India’s rapidly growing spiritual tourism segment. With increasing domestic travel to religious and pilgrimage destinations, the company plans to sign properties in cities that attract consistent tourist traffic throughout the year.

The expansion is also expected to create substantial employment opportunities. Saltstayz currently employs approximately 670 people and reported revenue of around Rs 1,214 crore in FY26. Looking ahead, the company aims to increase its workforce to between 3,000 and 3,500 employees while targeting revenue of Rs 1,500 crore by FY30.

Notably, Saltstayz has funded its growth entirely through internal resources since its inception. Highlighting the company’s financial approach, Gupta said, “We are totally bootstrapped, funding entirely through our own resources. We have not liquidated any equity in the company as of now, so the expansion is done organically. Till now we have invested Rs 12 crores.”

To support its next phase of expansion, the company plans to invest an additional Rs 18 crore to Rs 20 crore in entering new markets. Thanks to its asset-light operating model, Saltstayz requires relatively limited capital expenditure compared to traditional hotel ownership models.

However, the company also recognizes the need for additional funding to achieve its long-term growth targets. Consequently, Saltstayz is exploring fundraising opportunities that could accelerate its nationwide expansion plans.

Discussing future financing options, Gupta said, “We also realise that to reach the FY30 target, we will require a quick influx of funds. So just to cater to that, we’re also looking to raise some money this year. So far, we have considered mostly debt as a funding option, but I think equity is on the cards as well, though we have not decided on this yet.”

As India’s hospitality sector continues to benefit from rising domestic tourism, business travel, and spiritual tourism, Saltstayz is positioning itself to capture opportunities across multiple travel segments. Through its expansion into new cities, focus on religious destinations, and scalable business model, the company aims to strengthen its position in the country’s growing hotel industry.

Apple Valley Hospitality Services owns the property, while Ananta Hotels & Resorts will operate it under a management contract. Consequently, this structure aligns with the company’s asset-light expansion strategy, enabling scalable growth without heavy capital investment.

The development will feature modern banquet facilities, multiple restaurants, a spa, and a range of guest-centric amenities. As a result, the hotel will cater to diverse segments, including leisure travellers, families, social events, destination weddings, and corporate retreats, thereby tapping into multiple revenue streams within the hospitality sector.

Furthermore, the location offers a significant strategic advantage due to improved connectivity following the operationalisation of the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway. This infrastructure upgrade enhances accessibility from key markets such as NCR and Punjab, thereby strengthening Dehradun’s position as a preferred travel and weekend getaway destination.

Positioned at the foothills of the Shivalik range, Vikasnagar provides proximity to major tourist hubs, including Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, along with access to the renowned Char Dham circuit. Therefore, the project is well-positioned to benefit from both leisure tourism and religious travel demand.

Mr. Rupam Das, Chief Operating Officer, Ananta Hotels & Resorts (Ananta Global), said, “The location spoke for itself: mountains, forests, and a setting where the landscape does half the work. Ananta Elite, Dehradun, will bring together banqueting, dining, wellness, and comfortable stays in a property designed around its natural surroundings. We are delighted to partner with Apple Valley Hospitality Services to bring this vision to life.”

Notably, this signing follows Ananta’s recent expansion initiatives in Somnath, Ajmer, and Katra. Thus, the company continues to strengthen its presence across emerging hospitality markets, focusing on high-growth destinations with increasing tourism demand.

The acquired property includes a 144-room hotel spread across 8.2 acres, featuring nearly 3 acres of landscaped lawn area, extensive banqueting facilities, two restaurants, and a bar. Consequently, the property’s scale and infrastructure position it strongly to cater to high-demand segments such as weddings, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and leisure travel, which consistently drive tourism growth in Udaipur.

Seasons Hotels Private Limited, incorporated on December 27, 2001, commenced commercial operations of the hotel in October 2008. Over the past three financial years, the company reported audited turnover of ₹74.3 million in FY25, ₹103.5 million in FY24, and ₹97.2 million in FY23. Therefore, these figures indicate that the asset has operated below its full potential, thereby offering significant upside through strategic repositioning.

Importantly, Chalet Hotels has structured this acquisition as a buy-renovate-reposition strategy rather than a simple operational takeover. The company has clearly stated that it will upgrade the property into an upper-upscale or premium lifestyle destination. During the refurbishment phase, the hotel will remain non-operational. In addition, Chalet Hotels is actively evaluating expansion opportunities, including increasing room inventory beyond the current 144 keys, given the substantial 8.2-acre land parcel.

This repositioning aligns closely with Chalet Hotels’ broader portfolio strategy. Currently, the company operates 11 hotels and resorts with 3,389 keys under globally recognised brands such as JW Marriott, The Westin, and Novotel. Therefore, upgrading the Udaipur asset into a premium lifestyle offering will ensure alignment with the company’s high-end hospitality portfolio rather than adding a mid-market property.

Moreover, Chalet Hotels has introduced its in-house premium lifestyle brand, ATHIVA, which focuses on experience-led hospitality. As a result, the company may position the Udaipur property under this brand as part of its repositioning strategy.

Shwetank Singh, Managing Director and CEO of Chalet Hotels Limited, said, “We are delighted to announce our entry into Rajasthan with the acquisition of this resort in Udaipur, a market we have been keen to enter. This investment reflects our continued focus on expanding in high-growth leisure destinations with strong long-term potential. The property is well-located and offers significant headroom for value creation through refurbishment, repositioning, and expansion. As we enhance and reposition the resort, our focus will be on creating a high-quality, experience-led destination that delivers both strong guest appeal and long-term value.”

The transaction involves the acquisition of 100% equity shares of Seasons Hotels Private Limited. Chalet Hotels will execute the deal in tranches, with completion targeted by May 15, 2026, or another mutually agreed date. The ₹171 crore consideration will be paid entirely in cash, without any share swap component. Furthermore, the transaction does not qualify as a related party deal, and neither the promoter nor the promoter group holds any interest in the acquired entity. Notably, the company does not require regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition.

Strategically, this acquisition marks a significant shift in Chalet Hotels’ growth trajectory. The company has traditionally focused on business hotels in metropolitan cities; however, it is now diversifying into leisure destinations across India. Udaipur, which consistently ranks among India’s top domestic tourism and destination wedding locations, fits perfectly within Chalet’s high-growth leisure market strategy.

At present, Chalet Hotels has approximately 1,510 rooms under development in addition to its existing 3,389 operational keys. Simultaneously, it is expanding its commercial real estate portfolio from 2.4 million square feet to 3.3 million square feet. Therefore, the Udaipur acquisition strengthens its presence in the leisure segment while complementing its ongoing expansion in business and commercial real estate.

As demand for destination weddings, experiential travel, and luxury stays continues to rise, this move is likely to enhance Chalet Hotels’ competitive positioning in India’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Located in the historic city of Lumbini, one of the world’s most renowned pilgrimage destinations, the upcoming Crowne Plaza aims to serve both spiritual travellers and business guests from neighbouring Indian states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Positioned just four kilometres from the main pilgrimage site and 18 kilometres from Gautam Buddha Airport, the property enjoys a strategic location in a region that remains largely untapped by international hospitality brands.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Nepal with the signing of Crowne Plaza Lumbini. Lumbini holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, and bringing the Crowne Plaza brand here reaffirms our commitment to expanding world-class hospitality across high-potential destinations. With modern design, versatile spaces, and premium facilities, we are confident Crowne Plaza Lumbini will become a preferred choice for domestic and international travellers alike.”

The 147-key hotel will comprise 137 rooms and 10 suites, complemented by versatile meeting and event spaces, including a large banquet hall suitable for both corporate gatherings and social celebrations.

As part of Crowne Plaza’s refreshed brand identity, the property will integrate design concepts that seamlessly blend business and leisure. Furthermore, the hotel will incorporate Crowne Plaza’s signature Plaza Workspace and WorkLife Room features to create environments that help guests balance productivity and relaxation. Ultimately, these additions aim to deliver a modern, flexible, and guest-centric experience.

Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Subhash Amatya, Chairman, Lumbini Heritage Limited, stated, “We are proud to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring a Crowne Plaza hotel to Lumbini. The city holds immense cultural and spiritual value, attracting travellers from around the world. With IHG’s global expertise and the strength of the Crowne Plaza brand, we are confident that the hotel will redefine hospitality standards in the region while creating a premium, welcoming space for both business and leisure guests.”

With several Crowne Plaza hotels already operating across key South West Asian markets, IHG continues to expand its regional footprint. The signing of Crowne Plaza Lumbini aligns with the group’s growth strategy to meet rising travel demand and further enhance its premium hospitality offerings across the region.

OYO is making a strategic shift by prioritizing the premiumization of its UK portfolio, focusing on acquiring high-end properties through long-term leasehold and management contracts. Additionally, the company is in advanced discussions with major hotel chains and real estate firms for potential asset management deals.

“OYO’s investment in premium hotels will not only strengthen our tourism infrastructure but back our ambitious ‘Showcase Britain’ initiative, helping to boost economic growth as part of our Plan for Change,” said the UK Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson OBE in the statement.

Puneet Yadav, Country Head of OYO UK, stated that the company entered the UK market in 2018, adopting a model that had already been successful in other international markets.

“While we continue to cater to the budget segment, we are now focused on expanding through leasehold agreements and management contracts with premium properties. Additionally, we plan to introduce several of our popular European brands to the UK market, further diversifying our offerings and meeting evolving customer needs,” Yadav stated.

The investment was announced on the sidelines of the Nasscom delegation to the UK, organized by The Department of Business and Trade, UK.

Appreciating the role taken up by tech startups in strengthening the Indo-UK trade, Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, said, “India’s tech startup ecosystem has evolved into a global force, driving innovation and economic growth beyond its borders. Proud to see tech startups like OYO strengthening trade ties between both the nations, playing a crucial role in increasing the bilateral trade from USD 42 billion to USD 50 billion and beyond”.

OYO operates over 200 hotels in the UK, primarily in the budget segment, spanning 65 cities, with key hubs in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Brighton.

Recently, the company unveiled plans to launch more than 40 premium self-operated hotels through leasehold contracts within this financial year. So far, it has onboarded 18 hotels under this model and aims to add 22 more across major cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, and Edinburgh.

In 2024, OYO’s parent company, Oravel Stays Limited, entered the UK’s premium market by launching SUNDAY Lansbury Heritage in Canary Wharf.

In London, SUNDAY Lansbury Heritage, located near the bustling business hub of Canary Wharf, is now managed by Oravel. This 35-room hotel is a Grade II listed building with a rich history dating back to 1628 when the East India Company established a chapel and almshouses at the site. 

Similarly, the SUNDAY Holiday International Hotel has opened in Dubai, marking another milestone for the brand.

Initially launched in India in May 2023 through a partnership between SoftBank and Oravel Stays, SUNDAY already operates three properties within the country. 

The brand plans to scale up to 25 properties in India by March 2025, showing its commitment to growth and innovation.

“Our data indicates a growing demand for premium, experience-driven accommodations. This strategic move allows us to tap into the luxury segment while maintaining our commitment to delivering value across all price points,” Puneet Yadav, Head of Oravel’s UK business, said.

At a moment when Marriott stands as one of the largest hotel chains in India, operating 145 hotels in 41 cities with 16 brands and soon introducing its 17th brand, this marks the inaugural offering of its kind for the Indian market. HDFC Bank has partnered with global payment solutions provider Diner’s Club to launch this product.

Mainly aimed at leisure travelers in India who seek extraordinary luxury experiences, this credit card represents a premium hospitality option for exceptional stays. Parag Rao, the Country Head for Payments Business, Consumer Finance, Technology, and Digital Banking at HDFC Bank, emphasizes that the card caters to significant personal stays and expenditures.

He said, “The recent merger of HDFC with HDFC Bank has brought together in excess of 100 million customers under our belt, with only 18 million credit card users in India. This clearly shows the scope of growth that we have together, and these are exciting times.” He went on to say that this card offering is being extended to all the existing Bonvoy members.

Ranju Alex, Area VP, South Asia, Marriott International, said they are betting on their large portfolio of hotels in India across various brand categories and price points for this proposition. “It is a milestone to be launching this hospitality co-brand credit card since Marriott itself has 186 million members globally, so this is the power of our partnership. This is the right time to introduce this card to the world with great service, and amalgamation of innovation and customer-centricity.”

With Deefellows, the company has entered the hospitality industry. Jim Corbett will host the first Deefellows property at the end of April. Jim Corbett will host the first Deefellows property by April.

Deefellows planned to establish luxury accommodations and premium resorts across India, including in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Goa and other popular holiday destinations.

The company plans to run resorts in 10 to 15-holiday destinations within its first year of operations, with a revenue potential of over INR 50 crore. Almost 400 employees will get direct employment from the company across various locations.

In 2022, the Indian hospitality industry witnessed a remarkable rebound. Domestic tourism served as the industry’s primary growth engine. People are keen to travel after spending the last couple of years confined to their homes, and the leisure sector is growing.

“Through Defellows, we will be looking at capturing a significant chunk of this booming business,” said Kushwaha.

Jim Corbett‘s first Deefellows resort is situated on the banks of the Kosi River.

Now, OYO operates 1,800 luxury hotels throughout India. By expanding its presence in all major business cities, the move aims to take advantage of the rise in business travel.

“OYO plans to add approximately 1,800 premium hotels this year,” the hospitality tech platform said.

The expansion will focus on key business cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai in South India, Delhi and Noida in North India, Kolkata in East India, and Mumbai in West India.

The company began focusing on premium hotels when OYO added more than 400 premium hotels between October and December 2022.

“We are seeing a clear trend of people’s willingness to spend more on experiences. Therefore, hotels are now offering additional services and amenities to enhance the travel experience and make it more convenient for guests. Our expansion plan focusing on the growth of premium hotels is aligned with this trend,” Anuj Tejpal, Chief Merchant Officer at OYO, said.

In the last few months, the demand for hotels in the premium segment has seen a noticeable rise.

The rise in domestic leisure travel, transient travel, pent-up demand from the meetings, incentives, and weddings segment, and the gradual recovery in corporate travel and foreign tourist arrivals could be attributed to this.

ICRA stated in a report that the country’s pipeline of hotel rooms is expected to expand at a five-year CAGR of 3.5-4%, adding roughly 15,000 rooms to the approximately 94,000 rooms in the pan-India premium inventory in FY23.

The credit rating agency said in the report that Pan-India premium hotel occupancy is expected to be 68-70% for FY23.