Godrej Properties has unveiled the Taj The Trees hotel in Mumbai’s evolving Vikhroli neighbourhood. This luxury hotel, owned by Godrej Properties and managed by Indian Hotel Companies Limited (IHCL), spans 0.35 million square feet, offering 151 spacious rooms, dining options, a rooftop bar, pool, conference facilities, and a spa. The establishment has earned IGBC Platinum certification and offers captivating views of mangroves and an art and sculpture park. Vikhroli’s strategic location along the Eastern Express Highway connects it to various parts of Mumbai, including airports, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers.Read more

The Postcard Hotel is set to unveil India's most expensive hotel in Ranthambore, Rajasthan, offering luxury amidst nature's beauty. The hotel, designed by architect Luca Franco, features 14 opulent rooms, each with a private heated pool, and nightly rates starting at Rs. 1.95 Lakh. The Postcard Hotel plans to expand to seven more locations in the coming year, including Tirupati, Goa, and the Himalayas. With a vision to redefine luxury in the Indian hospitality sector, the chain aims to amass $1 billion in assets over the next three years and open new properties every quarter for the next seven years. Meanwhile, the ITC Hotels Group is expanding its boutique "Storii" brand to Kolkata, adding to its collection of unique boutique hotels across India.Read more

DS Group, a leading Indian FMCG conglomerate, has reported a 12% increase in room revenues and 75% occupancy in its hotels over the past year. Capitalizing on this success, the company is expanding its hospitality offerings to meet the growing demand. With current locations in Jaipur, Guwahati, Nainital, and Jim Corbett, DS Group plans to add 250 more rooms to its portfolio by 2025. This move aligns with India's year-round tourism growth and increasing demand for accommodations due to conferences, weddings, and weekend events. The company intends to invest Rs. 500 crore in expanding existing hotels and another Rs. 500 crore in new hotel developments.Read more

Lemon Tree Hotels inaugurated India's largest hotel, the 669-room Aurika Mumbai Skycity, marking their third property in Mumbai and under the Aurika Hotels & Resorts brand. Positioned near Mumbai airport's terminal 2, the expansion aligns with Lemon Tree's goal of reaching 20,000+ rooms, both operational and upcoming, in the next four years. Lemon Tree Hotels Chairman Patanjali G. Keswani emphasizes on meeting the rising needs of business and leisure travellers while revealing plans to add 1300 rooms across 15 cities and hire 3000 new staff, half for expansion and half for replacements.Read more

Joy Alukkas, a well-known name in the jewellery industry, is planning to go public after previous attempts in 2011 and 2022 were hindered by market conditions and regulatory delays. The family-run business aims to fund its expansion plans using internal accruals and bank loans. They expect a 22% increase in net profit, projecting it to reach Rs. 1,100 crore, and anticipate a 25 to 30% surge in revenue due to declining gold prices. Joy Alukkas is also eyeing international markets, with plans to achieve a revenue of Rs. 7,500 crore in 2024 and expand its presence in North India, Canada, and Australia.Read more

Costa Coffee, a British coffee chain owned by Coca Cola, has identified India as one of its top 10 priority markets and plans to open 40-50 specialty coffee stores annually in the country. Since its establishment in India in 2005 through franchise partner Devyani International, Costa Coffee has steadily grown and recently celebrated the inauguration of its 150th store in New Delhi. The company is strategically partnering with entities like PVR-INOX multiplex chains and leveraging associations with events like the ICC Men’s World Cup to expand its reach. Costa Coffee sources all its coffee from the Chikmagalur and Coorg regions in Karnataka, emphasizing sustainability and local connections in its operations.Read more

Reliance Retail Ventures is set to raise approximately Rs 4,966.80 crore from an Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) subsidiary, marking a significant investment at a pre-money equity value of around Rs 8.38 trillion. This move propels Reliance Retail Ventures among the top four companies in India by equity value. ADIA, having participated in the retailer's 2020 fundraising round, will secure an additional 0.59% equity stake through this investment. The support from ADIA, along with recent funds from Qatar Investment Authority and KKR, reinforces confidence in Reliance Retail Ventures' growth trajectory and its role in transforming India's retail sector.Read more

InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises Pvt Ltd and Accor Asia Pacific, is expanding its presence in India with two new properties in Mumbai and Bengaluru by 2025, investing around Rs 550 crore. The 'Ibis’ Styles hotel is already open, and an 'Ibis' property in Mumbai will follow in 2023, with a Novotel-branded hotel in Bengaluru slated for early 2025. The company sees India's growth potential with a 2030 plan and an ambitious revenue target of Rs 1,100 crore for 2023, affirming its long-term commitment to India's growth over the next few decades.Read more

Kishore Hospitality Group has brilliantly transformed a historic 1850s villa in Dalhousie into the luxurious boutique hotel, Elgin Hall. The property boasts seven uniquely designed rooms, each with its own distinctive character, adorned with soft pastel hues and Victorian-inspired furnishings. Elgin Hall also offers a curated culinary experience that combines traditional North Indian flavours with global influences. Guests can enjoy the timeless British tradition of high tea in the charming tearoom. This transformation provides an immersive and unforgettable experience, preserving history while delivering contemporary luxury in the heart of Dalhousie.Read more

Reliance Retail, India's largest retailer, has secured significant investments from global partners, including the Qatar Investment Authority and KKR, among others. These investments have more than doubled the company's valuation and resulted in a 30% surge in profits. With an extensive expansion plan, Reliance aims to open 55 new stores and grow its retail footprint across India. These strategic partnerships and funding injections are part of Reliance's strategy to bolster its presence in the Indian market and strengthen its position as one of the top retailers globally. The company has also partnered with international brands such as Burberry, Pret a Manger, and Tiffany & Co to enhance its offerings in India.Read more