IHG Hotels & Resorts expands premium portfolio in India with signing of Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett

Featuring 181 rooms, the resort will further strengthen IHG’s presence in India’s key leisure destinations.

India, 26 March, 2025:  IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Girija Land Ventures Pvt Ltd to develop Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett. Scheduled to open in Q1 2027, the signing marks the debut of the Crowne Plaza brand in Jim Corbett, reinforcing IHG’s commitment to expand its portfolio in well-known leisure destinations across the country.

As one of world’s largest premium hotel brands with locations in city, airport, resort and suburban destinations, Crowne Plaza is perfectly placed to meet the needs of today’s guest, whether they are travelling for business, leisure, or a blend of both. There are currently eight operating Crowne Plaza hotels in India with the portfolio set to double soon with eight more in the pipeline.

Located in Ramnagar, the gateway to the renowned Jim Corbett National Park, the hotel will offer 181 well-appointed rooms designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers. With over 300,000 visitors annually, Jim Corbett National Park is one of India’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries and is fast emerging as a prime destination for MICE events and weddings. Adding to its appeal, the hotel is conveniently located near key attractions such as Garjiya Devi Temple and Corbett Falls, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both nature and culture.

Once operational, Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett will offer four dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a specialty restaurant, and a lobby lounge. The hotel will also feature banquet halls and versatile meeting venues, making it an ideal destination for social gatherings, and corporate events. Guests will have access to a club lounge, spa, swimming pool, and fitness center, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay. Additionally, the hotel will house dedicated retail spaces for an enhanced guest experience.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to partner with Girija Land Ventures Pvt Ltd to launch Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett, strengthening IHG’s commitment to bring quality branded accommodation to key destinations. As one of India’s most sought-after wildlife getaways and a rapidly emerging venue MICE opportunities, Jim Corbett is a natural fit for Crowne Plaza’s premium offerings. With improved connectivity and rising tourism demand, we are confident that Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett will be a great fit for the destination and will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region, catering to guests seeking both business and leisure experiences.”

Mr. Avinash Kumar Jha, Director, Girija Land Ventures Pvt Ltd, added “We are pleased to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to Jim Corbett. With IHG’s global expertise and our deep local insights, we are confident that this premium hotel will elevate the hospitality experience in the region. Its prime location, coupled with IHG’s renowned service standards, will make it a sought-after destination for both leisure and business travelers seeking a seamless blend of comfort and nature.

IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens its leisure portfolio with the signing of Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala

Situated in the picturesque Himalayan town of Dharamshala, known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual heritage, the resort will feature 150 rooms and an array of facilities

India, November 2024: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Aaraki Hotels & Resorts to develop Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala. The latest signing underscores IHG’s commitment to expand its footprint across key leisure destinations in India. Scheduled to open in Q3 2027, the new hotel will add 150 keys to IHG’s growing presence in the region.

Nestled in the picturesque Himalayan town of Dharamshala, located at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet, Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will be a preferred hotel for both domestic and international tourists. Known for its panoramic valley views, favorable climate, and spiritual significance as the home of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala attracts both domestic and international tourists year-round. The town is also home to one of the world’s most iconic cricket stadiums and has been selected as one of India’s 100 Smart Cities, underscoring its potential for sustainable and citizen-friendly growth.

A pioneer brand with a rich heritage, Holiday Inn has continued to evolve through the years, keeping the guest at the heart of all innovation and earning its status as one of the world’s most loved, trusted and recognized hotel brands. Once operational, Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will offer well-equipped rooms, including standard accommodation and suites, along with three dining options: an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and a lobby lounge, ensuring a delightful experience for all guests.  For guests looking to unwind and relax, the hotel will also feature a pool, a fitness centre, retail stores, and a resort centre. Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will also feature meeting spaces, including a grand ballroom catering to social gatherings and MICE opportunities with excellent road and air connectivity for business and leisure travelers alike.

Designed for the contemporary traveller, Holiday Inn Dharamshala will feature the brand-transforming Open Lobby concept, offering guests a revolutionary approach and in-hotel experience. The concept reimagines the traditional hotel lobby into a multi-functional hub featuring trendy and modern designs, where guests can seamlessly blend work, grab a bite, or unwind.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated, "We are thrilled to partner with Aaraki Hotels & Resorts to bring the iconic Holiday Inn brand to Dharamshala, which perfectly aligns with our growth strategy in India’s high-demand leisure markets. As travel preferences shift toward unique and experiential getaways, destinations like Dharamshala are emerging as top choices for both domestic and international travelers, drawn by its spiritual depth, natural beauty, and year-round appeal. The signing of this hotel underscores our commitment to expanding IHG’s presence in key leisure destinations, offering travelers globally recognized brands and memorable experiences."

He further added, "We are certain that Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will set a new benchmark in the region, providing guests with a perfect blend of the brand’s timeless appeal and modern innovations tailored to today’s travelers. By introducing our Open Lobby concept, alongside thoughtfully designed accommodations and dining experiences, we aim to deliver an elevated stay that resonates with both domestic and international tourists.”

Manish Kakkar, Managing Partner, Aaraki Hotels & Resorts added: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, a globally respected hospitality brand, to launch Holiday Inn Dharamshala. Given its strategic location and IHG’s esteemed reputation, we are confident that Holiday Inn Dharamshala will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. The hotel’s thoughtful design, exceptional amenities, and unparalleled service will elevate the travel experience in this scenic town.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts to debut in Ujjain with signing of a Holiday Inn hotel

The 100-key new-build hotel is set to open in 2028, bringing world-class hospitality to the city

National, November, 2024: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Peachery LLP to launch Holiday Inn Ujjain. Scheduled to open in 2028, the new property aligns with IHG’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in high-growth secondary markets across India.

A major Hindu pilgrimage center, Ujjain is renowned for hosting the Kumbh Mela, with the next event set for 2028. The city is also home to the famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas shrines respected as sacred abodes of Shiva, making it a significant attraction for pilgrims.

With over 70 years of trusted hospitality, Holiday Inn is set to launch in Ujjain and offer unique stay experiences tailored to both spiritual travellers and those celebrating weddings in the culturally rich city.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are excited to announce the signing of Holiday Inn Ujjain in partnership with Peachery LLP. Ujjain is one of the key spiritual destinations in India and is rightfully experiencing a rise in demand from multigenerational travelers due to the growing interest in religious and spiritual tourism. Its appeal as a major pilgrimage site, as well as a popular location for destination weddings, makes it an ideal match for Holiday Inn brand. We are confident that Holiday Inn Ujjain will offer an enriching experience for visitors seeking spiritual solace, or once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.”

Mr. Santosh Agrawal, Partner and Co-founder, Peachery LLP, said: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce the Holiday Inn brand to Ujjain. By combining our local expertise with IHG’s global standards, we aim to create a distinguished destination that will become a preferred choice for guests visiting Ujjain. With excellent location and world-class amenities, we are confident the hotel will set new standards of hospitality in Ujjain.”

Holiday Inn Ujjain will feature 100 well-appointed rooms, including 10 suites, and will offer a range of dining options: an All-Day Dining, a lounge bar, and a specialty restaurant. For events and meetings, the hotel will provide a banquet hall and five versatile meeting venues, making it an ideal destination for social events. Leisure amenities such as the hotel’s pool and fitness centre will provide guests with a comfortable and relaxing stay.

IHG® currently has 46 hotels operating across six  brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, voco,  Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 58 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.*

*Numbers as of September 2024.

IHG Hotels & Resorts recognized as one of India’s Best Places to Work 2024

The company ranked 27th in the ‘Great Places to Work’ 2024 survey on Top Companies to Work for in India

June, 2024, New Delhi: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has been named one of the Top Companies to Work for in India by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on Workplace Culture assessment. Renowned for its commitment to foster an engaging and fulfilling work environment, IHG Hotels & Resorts has secured its spot in India’s 100 Best Companies to Work For and ranked 27th amongst the nation's leading employers.

With over 2000 companies participating in this year's evaluation, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ win reaffirms the company’s unwavering commitment to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, where all colleagues can thrive.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South-West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented on receiving the recognition, "We are thrilled to be once again recognized as one of India's Best Places to Work in 2024. This achievement underscores IHG's ongoing commitment to nurture a positive and engaging workplace culture, where our exceptional talent can learn, grow as well as feel included and recognized. These accolades inspire us, as a leading hospitality player in the region, to continue raising the bar and creating even more rewarding work cultures for our colleagues.

Jain added, "Our colleagues are at the heart of our success, and we extend our appreciation to each individual who has contributed in making IHG a great place to work.”

IHG’s success in India reflects its continuous commitment to investing in talent development and creating opportunities for professional growth. Initiatives such as the IHG Academy, a pioneering global collaboration between IHG and local education and community provider, play a pivotal role in assisting individuals in kickstarting their careers in hospitality.

Moreover, in recent years, the company has launched industry-leading programmes to help colleagues grow in their roles and develop personally and professionally, such as Journey to GM, which focuses on accelerating the development of high-potential talent to become General Managers and RISE, a mentoring initiative that empowers female talent within the company to realise their career ambitions.

The company also celebrates its colleagues great work through initiatives such as its annual ‘IHG Celebrate Service’ week, where employees are recognised for their commitment and dedication to deliver great guest experiences every single day.

The Great Place to Work rankings serve as a testament to organizational excellence and are calculated based on a meticulous assessment of workplace culture, alongside feedback from team members.

IHG® currently has 45 hotels operating across five brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, with a strong pipeline of 50 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.

IHG Hotels & Resorts expands presence in Nepal with signing of Crowne Plaza Resort Nepalgunj

The new-build hotel featuring over 100 keys will bring premium hospitality experiences to the country 

New Delhi, May, 2024: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of a management agreement with Mansarovar Amusement Park & Resort to develop Crowne Plaza Resort Nepalgunj, Nepal. Scheduled to open in early 2028, the resort will feature over 100 keys and will further strengthen IHG’s growing portfolio in the SWA region.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s largest premium hotel brands, with more than 520 open or in pipeline properties in major global cities and resort locations. Rooted in a deep understanding of the needs of today’s business traveler, Crowne Plaza’s “Work/Life Blend” features multi-functional spaces where guests can switch effortlessly between work and socialization. 

Located in the sub-metropolitan city of Banke District, Nepalgunj is a vibrant and diverse city that serves as a major transport hub for many of the western regions of Nepal. It is a convenient stopover for travellers between Nepal and India, due to its location near the southern border with Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh. The city is famous for its treks to the Dolpo Plateau and Jumla region, and offers a strategic stopover spot on the pathway to the Himalayas, offering a unique blend of culture, adventure, and nature. The new resort will be easily accessible from the Nepalgunj Airport and the India-Nepal border, catering to the needs of travellers seeking leisure and blended travel.

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are delighted to announce the signing of Crowne Plaza Resort Nepalgunj, further expanding IHG's presence in Nepal. The strategic location of the hotel will provide us with a great opportunity to offer world-class premium hospitality and cater to the demands of our guests across leisure, business and blended travel.”

He added: “The signing represents a strategic milestone in IHG's expansion into South West Asia, a region ripe with an increasing demand for world class hospitality. With the strong brand recall of Crowne Plaza, the signing further strengthens IHG’s positioning in Nepal, and highlights our commitment to bring premium offerings to key markets across the region."

Dr. Om Prakash Mishra, Managing Director, Mansarovar Amusement Park & Resort, added, "We are thrilled to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to Nepalgunj. True to the renowned Crowne Plaza brand, we are confident that the hotel will provide guests with an exceptional experience, combining world-class facilities with the rich cultural heritage of Nepalgunj. We look forward to harnessing the benefits of IHG’s global systems and robust loyalty program to maximise our mutual success."

Once opened, the hotel will offer exceptional culinary experiences across three F&B venues that cater to diverse guest preferences. For guests looking to unwind and relax, the hotel will boast a fitness centre, club lounge, rejuvenating spa, as well as a retail store. To cater to MICE demands, the hotel will be equipped with two meeting rooms, including a ballroom.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport

July  2023, Lucknow: IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels across 18 brands, has just opened Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport in Lucknow. Lucknow, a city known for its polite mannerism and warm hospitality is emerging as a sought-after destination for business, MICE, leisure, and social gatherings. Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport is designed to deliver memorable experiences through its warm and welcoming service, and contemporary design. Located along the Kanpur – Lucknow highway, the new-built hotel enjoys excellent visibility. The hotel will become a preferred choice for travelers visiting the city for business or leisure needs.  

Situated minutes away from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and at walking distance to Transport Nagar metro station, Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport provides easy access to the major city center. Lucknow’s largest shopping centers - Phoenix Palassio and Lulu Mall is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel.  Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport is the perfect destination for guests with diverse needs to enjoy the world-class hospitality experience that the brand is known for.

Stylish and spacious rooms

Featuring 192 cozy and modern rooms & suites which are a great blend of style and functionality with a view of the cityscape as well as the pool. Catering to every guest’s needs Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport accommodations provide guests with a unique and authentic hospitality experience and is equipped with a gymnasium, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and a comfortable workstation. Additionally, the hotel also comprises of spacious, one-of-a-kind Executive Suite of 1044sq.ft. with a terrace attached for hosting private parties. The hotel is also equipped with an extraordinary concierge service, vibrant seating arrangements, a 13,000sq meeting and events space with over 32,000 sq.ft lawn area to cater to all social and corporate event needs.  

An enjoyable stay for family  

Aiming to become one of the favorite destinations for large gatherings and staycations, the hotel pays great attention to the concept of family bonding and takes extra care to make children comfortable throughout their stay. It offers children under the age of 12 years, a shared room with their parents, free accommodation and meals. In addition to this, it also features an outdoor pool with a kid's pool, a 24-hour fitness centre and a library.  

Food & Beverages

Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport boasts an array of F&B outlets that provide a delectable experience through exquisite delicacies at All Day Dining, a variety of patisseries at the Deli, a chic and sleek bar to unwind or meet for pre-dinner drinks and the open-air rooftop restaurant, Sky 11 for a mesmerizing view of the city.  

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, “We are pleased to announce the launch of the Holiday Inn Lucknow, which attracts tourists from around the world because of its rich cultural and historical legacy. The hotel’s strategic location will be greatly beneficial and attract travellers from varied segments – business and leisure.

He further added, “IHG has been increasingly focusing on secondary markets in India, and the addition of Holiday Inn Lucknow to our brand portfolio will cater to the growing demand for quality accommodations in the city.”

Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport is excited to open with its opening offer, where guests can enjoy an exclusive introductory saving of 30% on all hotel bookings. When guests stay at any IHG Hotels & Resorts property, they can earn points and rewards thanks to the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. At Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport, IHG One Rewards Members will also receive 25% off at the hotel’s dining outlets.

Guests will be rewarded for their stay through IHG One Rewards, where they can enjoy member-only benefits and earn points on every stay at over 6,000 destinations globally.

Rates at Holiday Inn Lucknow Airport start from INR 4200 ++ per room per night and at Holiday Inn, kids stay and eat for free*.  

IHG® currently has 47 hotels operating across five brands in SWA, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn® , Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 55 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.

Numbers as of December 31st, 2022.

NEWS | IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces IHG Business Edge program for the MSME sector

IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces IHG Business Edge program for the MSME sector

In line with its vision to recognize and reward the swiftly burgeoning MSME sector in India, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced its collaboration with MSME Business Forum India to offer IHG Business Edge program. A global business-to-business program designed specifically for the small-to-medium enterprise (SME), IHG Business Edge empowers SME customers with valuable resources to help them make the best decisions for their businesses. It provides a centralized portal with tailored content, insights about a customer’s travel spend, and the ability to network with businesses mirroring the MSME segment.

As part of its domestic activation strategy in India, IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to offer the IHG Business Edge solution to the MSME Business Forum as a ‘Simple Travel Solution’ that will allow MSMEs and their employee’s autonomy, recognition and IHG reward benefits across the globe. The announcement was made during an exclusive event attended by Mr. Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director Of Development & Board Member, MSME Business Forum India; Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Mr. Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, Area General Manager - North, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Ms. Ananya Sinha, Director Commercial South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and entrepreneurs from SMEs along with the other guests.

Sharing his views on the association, Mr. Ravi Nandan Sinha, Director Of Development & Board Member, MSME Business Forum India said, “Contributing 8% to GDP, 45% to the industrial output and 40% to exports through more than 57.7 million enterprises, MSME segment is the real backbone of the Indian economy. We are committed to leveraging our network hub of erstwhile corporate executives, investors, and industry experts to enhance profitability for MSME and SME sector. As a key step in this direction, we are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts and are positive that the IHG Business Edge Program will help strengthen our efforts to drive the long-term growth of MSME sector through bespoke solutions.”

IHG Business Edge program special offer for its registered members includes:

10% rate benefit on the Best Available Rate across all participating hotels globally

15% rate benefit on the Best Available Rate across all Holiday Inn Express hotels (In India only)

Members automatically get upgraded to the ‘Gold Elite’ loyalty tier after their first stay and can use their corporate ID to get discounted booking rates for their personal travels as well

Talking about the initiative, Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “As per the ‘MSME at a Glance’ Report of the Ministry of MSMEs, the sector consists of 36 million units and provides employment to over 80 million individuals. Hence, the creation of a holistic ecosystem for the sustainable growth of MSMEs will play a crucial role in accelerating the economic development of the country. Our IHG Business Edge program aims to provide them a smarter way to manage travel. The dedicated portal consolidates data and content to serve as a one-stop-shop for flexible booking, loyalty upgrade, and provides guaranteed discount across all our participating hotels globally for business or personal travel.”

IHG Business Edge empowers small and midsize enterprises by offering a perfect travel solution that would help them take their business to the next level.