Restaurant India News: The Fern Hotels Signs Desert Inn Beacon in Rann of Kutch, Expands Gujarat Portfolio

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has signed Desert Inn Beacon, Greater Rann of Kutch, in Gujarat. With this addition, the company’s combined portfolio of operational and upcoming properties in the state has reached 37. The move reflects sustained interest from hospitality operators in Gujarat, driven by rising tourism activity, infrastructure upgrades, and increasing commercial movement across key destinations such as the Rann of Kutch.

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Gujarat continues to be a key market in our growth strategy, offering immense potential driven by increasing tourism, commercial development and infrastructure expansion. The signing of Desert Inn Beacon, Greater Rann of Kutch further strengthens our regional footprint and aligns with our vision to expand into emerging destinations with quality hospitality offerings that cater to the evolving needs of today’s travellers.”

The property is being developed in partnership with Hotel Desert Inn, indicating continued collaboration between branded operators and local ownership groups to accelerate expansion in emerging leisure markets.

Prahlad Singh, Partner, Hotel Desert Inn, said, “We are delighted to partner with The Fern Hotels & Resorts for Desert Inn Beacon, Greater Rann of Kutch. With The Fern’s strong brand reputation, operational excellence and commitment to sustainable hospitality, we are confident that this collaboration will create a distinctive hospitality destination in the region and offer guests a memorable and elevated stay experience.”

As per the development plan, the hotel will include 35 rooms and suites, targeting both business and leisure segments. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant designed to serve multiple cuisines, along with event infrastructure positioned to cater to meetings, social gatherings, and small-format events.

Additional facilities will include a swimming pool and recreational amenities, aligning with current guest expectations around blended business and leisure stays. The asset positioning suggests a focus on mid-scale to upper mid-scale travellers seeking organised accommodation in a destination that has traditionally seen seasonal demand spikes.

The hotel is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026. The signing highlights how hospitality brands are continuing to expand into non-metro and experiential destinations, leveraging improved connectivity and rising domestic travel demand to build presence in high-potential regions like the Greater Rann of Kutch.