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The VITSKAMATS Group marks another milestone in its growth journey with the launch of its new property in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited (VKHL), founded in 2007 by Dr. Vikram Kamat, is the force behind the VITSKamats Group, a chain of mid-market hotels and resorts across India. Known for blending comfort, quality service, and exceptional dining, the group continues to strengthen its footprint nationwide.

This latest opening in Bengaluru reflects the group’s strategic push into one of India’s most dynamic and future-focused cities. Located at Service Road, 5th Block, Ashwath Nagar, HBR Layout, the hotel features 40 well-appointed rooms and suites designed with abundant natural light, spacious layouts, and a seamless balance of elegance and functionality. Ideal for business and leisure travellers, the property caters to Bengaluru’s growing base of professionals, domestic tourists, and culture seekers.

This launch is part of a larger growth strategy. VITSKamats already operates hotels in key destinations including Aurangabad, Lonavala, Panchgani, Dwarka, Goa, and Gurugram, with an upcoming property in Kolkata set to further expand its presence in East India.

Speaking on the this, Dr. Vikram Kamat, Chairman and Managing Director of the VITSKAMATS Group, shared, “Bengaluru is a city that beautifully represents the India of today which is forward-looking yet deeply rooted in tradition. Entering South India with this new property holds a lot more significance than a business expansion for us. It is a chance to be part of a market that thrives on innovation, diversity, and opportunity. Our philosophy has always been to provide premium yet practical hospitality, with a focus on comfort, great food, and a personal touch. With this hotel, we are excited to bring that promise closer to our guests in Bengaluru.”

As South India’s hospitality arena continues to grow, the VITSKAMATS Group strengthens its focus on expanding thoughtfully while upholding the values of service, quality, and trust that have defined its journey so far. With Bengaluru opening its doors and Kolkata on the horizon, the group continues to solidify its presence across India.

The Taj Mahal Hotel in Lucknow is poised for a significant expansion, one that honors its heritage while looking firmly to the future. Located at Vipin Khand, the project introduces 96 new luxury rooms across a built-up area of nearly 100,000 sq ft, envisioned as a seamless continuation of the existing five-star property. Overlooking the Ambedkar Memorial Park and the Gomti Nagar riverfront, the expansion commands a setting as grand as its design intent.

By CP Kukreja Architects, the development extends the architectural vocabulary of the original hotel: classical in proportion, restrained in ornament, and deeply contextual. The new built form embraces symmetry and axial clarity, ensuring coherence between the existing and the new. A double-height arched colonnade marks the lobby, creating an immediate sense of grandeur and civic presence, while the upper levels are carefully scaled for privacy and panoramic views of Lucknow.

More than an addition, the expansion aspires to be a civic and architectural landmark in its own right. Rooted in Lucknow’s cultural legacy yet attuned to modern hospitality needs, it extends the Taj’s ethos of timeless design, contextual sensitivity, and warm Indian hospitality.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Group of Hotels) said, “At Taj, every new chapter is about deepening our legacy while responding to the evolving aspirations of our guests. The expansion of Taj Mahal Hotel Lucknow is a testament to that philosophy - an architectural dialogue between past and present, rooted in the city’s heritage yet designed for tomorrow. The design embodies quiet luxury and timeless elegance, creating a seamless continuation of the hotel’s iconic identity while offering guests an elevated experience of comfort, sophistication, and connection to the city.”

“Designing the expansion of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Lucknow has been an inspiring journey - one that demanded sensitivity to the legacy of an existing landmark while envisioning its future relevance. Our approach was to create a dialogue between tradition and modernity, ensuring the new blends seamlessly with the old, yet brings its own identity of quiet luxury and contextual elegance. This project is not just an addition to the skyline; it is a celebration of Lucknow’s rich cultural ethos, while offering guests an experience that is timeless, refined, and deeply connected to the city’s spirit,” added Ar. Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal, CP Kukreja Architects.

Chef Upender Gupta has been promoted as Executive Sous Chef at The Orchid Hotel, Shimla by Kamat Hotels India Ltd, the country's top hospitality brand. Upender has 20 years of culinary experience, and his path is a tale of growth, passion, and dedication to quality.

He started out in the Baikunth Resort in Kasauli, where he became an expert in the tastes of Indian grills and curries. Here, he developed his passion for outdoor cooking, which he further developed when working at Club Mahindra Resorts, where he revolutionized dining experiences at multiple locations.

Upender has distinguished himself with his inventiveness and leadership since joining The Orchid Hotel Shimla in 2022. His effectiveness as the HoD has earned him this promotion.

 “I’m excited to lead our talented kitchen team and create memorable dining experiences for our esteemed guests. I look forward to exploring new culinary ideas and continuing to deliver sustainable and top-quality cuisine,” shared Upender.

Le Meridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR has announced the promotion of Monu Thankappan to the position of Food & Beverage Manager. 

Monu brings with him over 20 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, specialising in F&B, catering sales, and event management.

Monu Thankappan has been a valued member of the Marriott family for approximately 8.5 years, starting his journey as a Banquet Manager at Westin Gurgaon. His deep understanding of F&B sales and operations has been instrumental in driving significant revenue growth and enhancing guest satisfaction across the properties he has managed.

Throughout his distinguished career, Monu has worked with some of the most prestigious brands in the hospitality industry, including Hyatt, Leela, Intercontinental, Hilton, Radisson, Claridges, and Marriott International. His broad experience and proven track record make him an exceptional leader who is well-equipped to elevate the dining and catering experiences at Le Meridien Gurgaon.

“We are thrilled to have Monu Thankappan step into this crucial role,” said Suman Gahlawat, General Manager, Le Meridien Gurgaon, Delhi NCR. “His dedication, expertise, and innovative approach to F&B operations are invaluable assets to our team. We are confident that under his leadership, our F&B offerings will continue to set new standards of excellence,” he added.

As the new Food & Beverage Manager, Monu will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s food and beverage operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality and service are maintained.

गोवा के अजया बीच रिसोर्ट ने जसप्रीत सिंह को अपना नया जनरल मैनेजर नियुक्त किया है। हॉस्पिटैलिटी उद्योग में एक दशक से ज्यादा के समय के साथ जसप्रीत सिंह इस उद्योग के दिग्गज हैं।

अपनी नियुक्ति पर जसप्रीत सिंह ने कहा, 'मैं गोवा के अजया बीच रिसोर्ट के प्रतिभापूर्ण और अद्भुत परिवार का हिस्सा बनकर बहुत खुश हूं। मैं आगे आने वाली चुनौतियों और संभावनाओं को देखता हूं। अजया की लोकेशन और सौंदर्य डिजाइन दुनिया भर के सबसे समझदार यात्री को आकर्षित करेंगे।'

उन्होंने आगे कहा, 'अपने मेहमानों को इस तरह के रिसोर्ट का अनुभव देने के लिए मुझे मेहमान-नवाजी के उच्चतम स्तर को प्राप्त करने के लिए तैयार किया गया है। हमारे रिसोर्ट के लिए सिर्फ गोवा ही इस तरह के प्यार की पेशकश और निर्माण कर सकता है।'

गोवा के अजया बीच रिसोर्ट को ज्वाइन करने से पहले कमर्शियल डायरेक्टर के रूप में जसप्रीत सिंह ने भारत में पहला अंदाज होटल लॉन्च किया, जिसने हयात के दुनियाभर के 15 अन्य अंदाज होटलों के लग्जरी लाइफस्टाइल कलेक्शन को जोड़ा। सिंह ने दो साल तक इंटरकॉन्टीनेंटल होटल ग्रुप में बतौर डायरेक्टर ऑफ सेल्स एंड मार्केटिंग (दक्षिण पश्चिम एशिया) के रूप में काम किया है। इसके अलावा सिंह ने ओबरॉय ग्रुप के साथ कई क्षेत्रीय विपणन और बिक्री पदों के साथ अपनी विशेषज्ञता विकसित की, जहां उन्होंने अपने करियर के 14 साल बिताए।

अपनी नई भूमिका में, जसप्रीत सिंह मेहमानों को हॉस्पिटैलिटी और सहज ज्ञान युक्त कस्टम मेड सेवाओं की पेशकश करने के लिए उत्तरदायी होंगे, जिसकी अजाया इच्छा रखता है।

Azaya Beach Resort in Goa announced the appointment of Jaspreet Singh as the General Manager. Jaspreet Singh is an industry veteran, with over a decade in the hospitality industry.

On his appointment, Jaspreet Singh, says, "I am thrilled to be a part of Azaya Beach Resort, Goa, talented and wonderful family. I look further to the challenges and prospects that lie ahead. Azaya’s location and aesthetic design will appeal to the most discerning traveler from around the world."

"I am elated to achieve the highest levels of hospitality, delivering our guests the kind of resort experience that only Goa can offer and building an enduring love for our resort. At Azaya we aim to give our guests an exceptional, surprisingly tailored experience," he adds.

Prior to joining Azaya Beach Resort, Goa, Jaspreet Singh in the capacity of Commercial Director, launched the first Andaz hotel in India, adding to Hyatt's luxury lifestyle collection of 15 other Andaz hotels worldwide. Singh also served as the Director of Sales and Marketing (South West Asia), for InterContinental Hotels Group, for two years. Also, Singh developed his expertise with several regional marketing and sales positions, with the Oberoi group, where he spent 14 years of his career.

In his new role, Jaspreet Singh will be accountable for offering guests cordial hospitality and intuitive custom-made services that Azaya aspires for.

Micro-hospitality startup SaffronStays has about $2 million from consumer-centric venture capital firm Sixth Sense Ventures. The pre-series A investment marks the first institutional round into the firm and will help SaffronStays expand the number of holiday properties under its platform.

Founded in 2015 by Devendra and Tejas Parulekar, SaffronStays curates and manages hospitality operations, reservations, branding and marketing for private vacation homes owned by high networth individuals. The firm currently operates 45 homes across six states in India and claims to host over 1,500 guests every month.

“We are excited to have Sixth Sense Ventures as our partners in our entrepreneurial journey. We hope to use this money to expand our footprint, work on innovative business models, strengthen our operations and improve our technology backbone,” said Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays. As part of this investment, Nikhil Vora, Founder & CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures will join the board of SaffronStays.

Hospitality being a high margin sector, SaffronStays claims to be cash flow positive at a unit level even as it clocks about Rs 5 crore in annual revenues.

“The Indian travel market is massive and yet underserved. We believe that SaffronStays is very well equipped to capture this market with its exclusivity and well-curated offerings and parallely create an opportunity for homeowners to monetize their most valuable and expensive asset,” said Vora on the investment.

Currently operational around Mumbai, Pune, Goa and a few locations around Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, the firm is looking to scale to about 125 properties by the end of 2018 even as it looks to scale to over 1,000 homes over the next 5 years.