Restaurant India News: IHG Signs voco Lucknow with 135 Keys, Targets Q3 2029 Opening

IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement with Rajdeep Infra and Sales Pvt Ltd to develop voco Lucknow, marking the entry of the brand into the city. The hotel is scheduled to open in Q3 2029 and will add IHG’s premium voco brand to a key state capital as part of the company’s ongoing expansion across high-potential urban markets in India.

The property will be located in Ashiyana, a well-established residential and commercial area of Lucknow with access to major city corridors and connectivity to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. Lucknow, the capital of India’s most populous state, continues to see demand from business, government, education, and cultural tourism segments, supporting steady inbound travel from domestic and international markets. The project is positioned to capture demand from these segments due to its location and brand positioning.

voco operates as a premium brand within IHG’s portfolio, positioned between full-service global brands and independent-style hotels. The brand model combines standardised systems with a more informal operating approach. The brand hallmarks ‘Come on in’, ‘Me time’, and ‘voco life’ are part of voco’s global framework for guest experience delivery.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts, said: “We are delighted to partner with Rajdeep Infra & Sales Pvt Ltd to introduce the vibrant voco brand to Lucknow. This signing is a strategic step in expanding our premium portfolio in India’s integral state capitals. Lucknow’s dynamic growth as an administrative, educational, and business destination makes it an ideal market for voco’s contemporary and distinctive hospitality. We are confident this hotel will resonate strongly with travellers seeking a premium, relaxed, and characterful stay.”

Aman Singh Chauhan, Director, Rajdeep Infra & Sales Pvt Ltd, said: “Partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the voco charm to Lucknow aligns with our vision of creating high-quality assets in prime locations. We believe the unique personality and premium positioning of the voco brand, supported by IHG’s global systems and expertise, will fill a notable gap in the Lucknow hospitality landscape and become a preferred choice for modern travellers.”

The 135-key hotel is currently under construction and will become IHG’s third property in Lucknow, alongside the operational Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels. The addition reflects IHG’s approach of building multi-brand clusters in key cities to drive operational scale and brand visibility.

At a national level, IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. The group has a pipeline of 80 hotels in development and has stated its objective to more than triple its presence in the market, with a target of over 400 open and in-development hotels within the next five years.