Hotel Openings

🏨 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Mohali, Punjab, as a greenfield project. The 225-room Taj Mohali will feature restaurants, a bar, a pool, a gym, and a health club. It boasts over 26,000 sq. ft. of banqueting space, the largest in the region. Mohali, known for its modern infrastructure, will host IHCL's 14th hotel in Punjab, with 7 still under development.

🏨 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced a new Gateway hotel in Hennur, Bengaluru, a greenfield project. The 350-key hotel will feature dining options, a 16,000 sq. ft. banqueting space, meeting rooms, a gym, health club, swimming pool, and treatment rooms. Located in North Bengaluru, it offers excellent connectivity near IT hubs and the airport. With this addition, IHCL will have 20 hotels in Bengaluru, including 11 under development.

🏨 Choice Hotels International plans to expand its Ascend Collection brand in Canada with six new properties in Québec by early 2026. This expansion will increase the Ascend portfolio in Canada by 20%. The hotels include Hotel Brossard, Hotel Cheribourg, Hotel du Domaine, Hotel Montréal Metropolitan, La Cache du Lac Champlain, and Manor Des Sables. The company reported a 7% year-over-year increase in Canadian RevPAR in Q3. Franchisee Bing Zhao leads the multi-unit deal.

🏨 The Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia, underwent a significant renovation in 1988, closing for 6 months and resulting in one fatality. The renovation, which doubled the budget, was completed by summer 1989. The Canadian Pacific Presidents Conference was the first major event hosted post-renovation. Notable attendees included William Stinson, Canadian Pacific's chairman. The conference involved complex logistics, such as misplaced luggage and a shortage of phone lines, highlighting the challenges of hotel management.

🏨 Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Red Lion Inn & Suites Junction City, located at 1133 South Washington Street, Junction City, Kansas. This 81-room, midscale hotel offers an exterior corridor design. Guests can benefit from the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program. The Red Lion brand is known for its welcoming service and proximity to outdoor adventures. For more information, visit their [website](https://www.sonesta.com/red-lion-inn-suites/ks/junction-city/red-lion-inn-suites-junction-city).

🏨 Hong Kong, January 2026: The Royal Garden Kowloon East opens in Tseung Kwan O, marking the first expansion in 44 years for the Royal Garden brand. The 366-room resort, formerly Crowne Plaza, features seven villas, themed family rooms, and a 25-meter outdoor pool. Dining highlights include Ponentino, opening July 2026, offering Italian cuisine. Eco-conscious design by LAAB Architects caters to Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha, with phased openings throughout 2026.