Hotels

OPO Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Dawnland by OPO Essential, a 42-room hotel in Itanagar, marking the company’s further expansion into Northeast India. Located at RCC Ganga Market, the property operates under a management contract and brings together accommodation, dining and entertainment facilities in the state capital. The hotel features 42 guest rooms, a 25-cover restaurant, a 25-cover bar and a 90-cover rooftop lounge. It also houses three dedicated karaoke rooms, each accommodating approximately 8–10 guests. The combination of these facilities is designed to cater to a varied customer base, including business travellers, government officials, tourists, local residents and groups looking for spaces to socialise and celebrate. The opening comes as Itanagar continues to serve as an important administrative and commercial centre in Arunachal Pradesh. The city’s government and institutional activity, regional business movement and role as a starting point for travel across the state provide opportunities for hospitality operators catering to both corporate and leisure demand. Connectivity through Donyi Polo Airport and the Naharlagun railway network further supports its position as a gateway for visitors exploring the region. Commenting on the opening, Sandeep Basu, CEO, OPO Hotels & Resorts, said, “We see considerable potential in regional markets where hospitality demand is driven by a mix of business, government and leisure travel. Itanagar is an important addition to our portfolio, given its position as the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and its growing relevance as a destination for visitors to the Northeast. With Dawnland by OPO Essential, we are bringing together accommodation, food and beverage and entertainment under one roof. We believe this combination gives the property an opportunity to connect with both visiting guests and the local community.” He further added, “Our focus will be on working closely with our ownership partners, strengthening the hotel’s market presence and ensuring that it delivers a consistent experience for its guests. This opening is another step in our effort to build a wider network of professionally managed hotels across India, with a particular focus on emerging regional destinations.” Arunachal Pradesh’s growing visibility as a tourism destination, supported by its natural landscapes, indigenous cultures and nature-based travel experiences, also adds to the region’s hospitality potential. With its location in Ganga Market, Dawnland by OPO Essential aims to serve the city’s existing accommodation demand while offering additional dining and entertainment options to the local community.

There is something special about a hotel once the sun goes down. Mountains become silhouettes, city lights begin to sparkle, pools take on a different glow and riverside landscapes become quieter and more atmospheric. From a beach resort in Goa to a Himalayan retreat and a hotel overlooking the Taj Mahal, these stays offer scenic settings that are just as rewarding after sunset. 1. ibis Styles Goa Vagator Resort, Goa Goa’s laid-back beach atmosphere takes on a more vibrant character after sunset at ibis Styles Goa Vagator Resort. The resort’s brightly lit, contemporary setting, illuminated pool and palm-fringed surroundings make for an inviting evening escape. With warm music, a beach breeze and the glow of the poolside setting, it is an easy place to slow down after a day in Vagator. Where: Chapora Fort Road, Vagator, North Goa 2. Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati Set amid the rolling green hills of Sonapur, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort offers a tranquil setting that becomes particularly atmospheric after dark. The property’s illuminated swimming pools lend a soft glow to the expansive landscape, while the surrounding valley and evening mist add to its secluded feel. It is a setting suited to long, unhurried evenings surrounded by Assam’s greenery. Where: Tapesia Garden Road, Sonapur, Guwahati, Assam 782401 3. Aloha On The Ganges, Rishikesh For an evening by the river, Aloha On The Ganges offers panoramic views of the Ganga and the foothills beyond. As daylight fades, the riverside landscape becomes quieter, with the surrounding lights adding to the serene setting. The resort makes for a peaceful base from which to experience Rishikesh beyond its daytime bustle. Where: NH 58, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192 4. Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa, Dehradun Set at the edge of Malsi Forest, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa brings together forested surroundings, mountain views and the Doon Valley. The property overlooks the Malsi Reserved Forest and Himalayan range, while its outdoor spaces also frame views towards the Dehradun skyline. As evening sets in, the contrast between the darkening forest and the lights of the valley makes for an atmospheric backdrop. Where: Malsi Forest Edge, Mussoorie Road, Salan Gaon, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009 5. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Mashobra Surrounded by pine forests in the hills of Mashobra, Wildflower Hall offers the kind of mountain setting that feels made for clear nights. Away from the bustle of the city, the high-altitude retreat provides an opportunity to spend evenings surrounded by forest and mountain views, with outdoor spaces that make the most of the Himalayan landscape. On a clear night, the starlit sky adds another layer to the experience. Where: Charabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012 6. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra Few hotel views are as instantly recognisable as this one. At The Oberoi Amarvilas, the Taj Mahal forms the centrepiece of the experience, with the monument visible from across the property. The view becomes particularly magical as daylight fades, while moonlit nights offer an altogether different perspective of the marble monument. Condé Nast Traveller has previously highlighted the privileged Taj Mahal views from the property, including from its Kohinoor Suite. Where: Taj East Gate Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with AR Infra Consultancy for the development of Crowne Plaza Hyderabad Shamshabad Airport Road. Scheduled to open in Q1 2031, the 250-key hotel will strengthen IHG’s presence in Hyderabad and mark the entry of the Crowne Plaza brand into the region. The upcoming premium hotel will be located adjacent to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and the 3.5 million sq. ft. World Trade Centre. The hotel will be positioned to cater to airport transit, corporate travel, meetings and events, long-stay guests, and project and industrial-related demand. Shamshabad is an emerging growth corridor in Hyderabad, supported by expanding commercial, industrial, and infrastructure developments. The airport handled approximately 31 million passengers in 2025, while the upcoming World Trade Centre and the expanding Aeronautical Park are expected to further strengthen the region’s corporate travel potential. The surrounding ecosystem of aerospace and industrial parks, logistics infrastructure and mixed-use developments is also expected to support demand over the coming years. Crowne Plaza is one of the world’s fastest-growing premium hotel brands, defined by purposeful design and energising guest experiences that blend work and life seamlessly. With over 400 properties in gateway cities, airports, resorts and suburban markets worldwide, the brand offers thoughtful amenities and service built around genuine connection, all backed by IHG’s global enterprise strength. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Shamshabad represents a compelling growth opportunity, supported by its proximity to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and the development of key commercial infrastructure, making it a strong fit for our Crowne Plaza brand. With the potential to cater to growing corporate travel, meetings and airport-related demand, we are confident the hotel will deliver exceptional experiences for guests while generating long-term value for our partners, AR Infra Consultancy. This signing further strengthens our presence in Hyderabad and reflects our continued commitment to expanding our premium portfolio across India.” P. Revanth Reddy from AR Infra Consultancy, added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Crowne Plaza to Hyderabad. As our first venture into the hospitality sector, this project marks a significant milestone for our family and AR Infra Consultancy as we build on our experience in real estate and infrastructure across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. We see this development as an opportunity to create a landmark hospitality destination in Hyderabad, while contributing to the city’s growing prominence as a business and investment hub. Our vision is to build on this foundation and establish a long-term presence in the hospitality sector. With IHG’s global expertise complementing our vision and development experience, we look forward to creating lasting value for our guests, our partners and the region.”

Laa Montre Collection Hotels & Resorts has commenced operations in Kharagpur, West Bengal, from September 24, 2026, introducing a luxury courtyard-style hotel that brings together accommodation, dining, wellness and leisure facilities under one roof. Located on Kharagpur Bypass on NH, Khatranga, Kharagpur, the property caters to leisure travellers, families, couples, business travellers and guests seeking a setting for social occasions and celebrations. Spread across 3,123.28 sq. metres, Laa Montre features 78 rooms across Deluxe, Premium Large, Premium Twin and Suite categories. The rooms combine comfort with functional amenities including writing tables, wardrobes, sofas, hair dryers, shaving mirrors, minibars and in-room tea and coffee-making facilities. Deluxe rooms offer farm views, while Premium categories overlook the courtyard. Suites additionally feature a bathtub and dedicated sitting area. A defining feature of the property is its courtyard, which features a spectacular, almost 600 sq. ft. handmade terracotta artwork depicting Lord Nataraj. One of the largest artistic installations of its kind, the artwork serves as a signature visual feature of Laa Montre and creates a cultural focal point. The property features an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, sauna, fitness centre, landscaped garden and terrace. Complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, room service, 24-hour front desk assistance, housekeeping and laundry services further add to guest convenience. Laa Montre offers four distinct food and beverage outlets: BHOOMI, a multi-cuisine restaurant; TAP, a bar; LAAMON, a café; and GLASS HOUSE, a lounge. Guests can access continental, American and buffet breakfast options, while the dining and outdoor spaces are suited to informal gatherings, along with two spacious banquets. “Laa Montre has been envisioned as a destination where guests can find comfort, hospitality and leisure in one place. With its contemporary setting, distinctive terracotta artwork, thoughtfully designed rooms, diverse dining options and wellness facilities, we look forward to creating memorable stays for guests visiting Kharagpur,” said Mr. Samrat Chakraborty, General Manager, Laa Montre Collection Hotels & Resorts.

 IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with Vrindam Developers Private Limited for the development of voco Vrindavan. Set to open in Q1 2031, the 130-key hotel will bring voco’s distinctive hospitality experience to Vrindavan, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, strengthening IHG’s growing premium portfolio in North India. The signing also marks Vrindam Developers Private Limited’s entry into the hospitality sector. The signing reinforces IHG’s focus on expanding its portfolio across high-potential destinations, with Vrindavan’s strong pilgrimage appeal and growing visitor base creating an opportunity for quality branded hospitality. Located in the Braj region, Vrindavan and neighboring Mathura welcomed more than 90 million visitors in 2024, up from 79 million in 2023, with arrivals expected to reach 110 to 140 million annually over the next decade. Strong connectivity to Delhi NCR, Agra and Mathura, alongside ongoing infrastructure development including the Banke Bihari Corridor and improved expressway links, is expected to further support the destination’s growth. voco offers a premium experience that combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global brand. Known for its thoughtful, unstuffy approach, the brand brings distinctive character, thoughtful touches and consistently premium guest experiences, centered around its hallmarks of ‘Come on in’, ‘Me time’ and ‘voco life’. voco Vrindavan will form part of a larger mixed-use development featuring hotel guestrooms and serviced apartments with shared amenities. The hotel will offer 130 guestrooms, including 13 suites, along with three dining venues comprising an all-day dining restaurant, a restaurant, and lobby lounge. The hotel will also feature more than 2,340 sqm of meeting and event space across six venues, including a 1400 sqm ballroom, alongside a swimming pool and fitness centre, catering to pilgrimage and leisure stays as well as meetings and social celebrations. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Vrindavan holds a unique place within India’s tourism landscape, with its deep cultural and spiritual significance attracting visitors from across the country and around the world. As the destination continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to bring more quality branded hospitality to meet the needs of its growing visitor base. The signing of voco Vrindavan reflects our focus on bringing the right brand to the right destination, with voco’s distinctive character and thoughtfully relaxed hospitality well suited to the evolving expectations of today’s traveler. We are delighted to partner with Vrindam Developers Private Limited on their first hospitality venture and look forward to bringing the voco experience to Vrindavan.” Ankush Kadyan, Director, Vrindam Developers Private Limited, added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts for our first venture into the hospitality sector with voco Vrindavan. Vrindavan’s significance as a pilgrimage destination, coupled with its growing visitor base and improving connectivity, presents an exciting opportunity for a quality international hospitality offering. We look forward to working with IHG to bring voco’s distinctive hospitality experience to the destination and create a hotel that responds to the evolving needs of travelers visiting Vrindavan and the wider Braj region.”