Restaurant India News: Espire Hospitality Launches 3 Hotels in Uttarakhand, Introduces Smart Stays Brand

Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Espire Hospitality Limited, has announced the launch of three new properties in Uttarakhand, marking a step forward in its regional expansion strategy. The openings include properties in Dehradun and Rishikesh, along with the introduction of a new sub-brand, ‘Country Inn Smart Stays’, positioned to target younger travellers.

With these additions, the company has expanded its presence across key locations in the state, complementing its existing footprint in Mussoorie, Bhimtal, and Jim Corbett National Park. The move reflects a focus on building a network across both leisure-driven and urban destinations.

The 53-key property in Dehradun is located on Saharanpur Road, along the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway corridor, which has reduced travel time to approximately 2.5 hours. The hotel is positioned to cater to both business and leisure demand, offering large room formats, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and banqueting infrastructure. Event spaces such as the Crystal Ballroom and Aura Hall are expected to support weddings and corporate gatherings, indicating a focus on MICE and social events.

In Rishikesh, the company has introduced two formats aimed at different customer segments. The 28-room Country Inn property in Tapovan is located near established landmarks including Lakshman Jhula and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The property includes suite categories with river views, a dining outlet, and a small-format event space, targeting travellers seeking proximity to spiritual and leisure attractions.

Alongside this, the company has launched Country Inn Smart Stays, Rishikesh, introducing a new format within its portfolio. The property features 31 rooms and is positioned around compact design, operational efficiency, and experience-led amenities. Located within walking distance of Lakshman Jhula, the hotel includes a rooftop pool, dining space, and a café-led concept, along with recreational areas aimed at younger guests.

“Uttarakhand continues to be a strong focus market for us, given its growing appeal across leisure, spiritual, and experiential travel. With the opening of three new Country Inn properties and one more coming very soon across Dehradun and Rishikesh, we are strengthening our presence across the state while catering to a diverse mix of travellers. From urban stays in Dehradun to multiple formats in Rishikesh, this expansion reflects our intent to be present across key destinations with offerings for diverse travellers” said Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Espire Hospitality Group.

These additions will play an integral role in our overall growth strategy. With over 30 signed hotels and a plan to add at least 1,000 keys every year, we are on track to achieve the milestone of 45 hotels by the end of FY27. The expansion highlights a portfolio diversification strategy, with the introduction of differentiated formats to cater to varying traveller profiles. Industry observers note that such multi-format expansion across high-demand destinations aligns with broader hospitality trends focused on asset-light growth and segment-specific offerings.