Latest news with #TajHotels
Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Telegraph
The world's best hotel groups, according to you
Around 20,000 readers voted in the 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, nominating their favourite destinations, hotels and holiday companies – and the results are in. Here we reveal your top accommodation providers. Best Hotel Group Oberoi Hotels & Resorts Belmond Taj Hotels Oberoi Hotels & Resorts has made a triumphant return to the top spot in this year's award for the world's best hotel group. After a one-year hiatus in the most recent (2023) awards, when Greek all-inclusive brand Ikos ended the group's three-year reign, Indian-based Oberoi is Telegraph readers' favourite once again. Our 2023 awards were the first since before the pandemic and thus reflected a period when Britons were holidaying much closer to home than usual. Groups such as Oberoi, which operates 13 hotels in India, along with a handful of properties across Egypt, Indonesia, Mauritius, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, saw much less of us. Happily that era is over and winter-sun destinations such as these are firmly back on the map. Oberoi was founded in 1934 and has remained in the family of the same name, with a mantra of 'the guest is everything'. It has recently welcomed a new Indian opening, Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Our reviewer described a stay here as 'the best, most intimate and most Indian way to see endangered Bengal tigers. This luxury camp-style base for safaris comes with respect for local culture and the grace, elegance and unparalleled service of India's most lauded hotel group'. Another hotel will follow nearby, Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, near to the Khajuraho temples. The palace dates back to the Bundela Dynasty in the late 1800s and original features have been carefully preserved. Its 70 acres are home to lush gardens, an infinity pool and lakeside fine dining. Climbing into second place from third in 2023 is Belmond. While its luxury trains are having an exciting year, its hotel portfolio too continues to develop. The Splendido property in Italy's Portofino has just completed the first phase of a four-year renovation courtesy of Martin Brudnizki, including its pool area. Another Indian brand, Taj Hotels, came in third place, a huge jump from number 21 in the previous awards. Taj is much larger than Oberoi, with several hundred hotels across India and the world, and more openings planned, but dates back even further, to 1903. Rachel Cranshaw Best Villa Operator Vintage Travel Oliver's Travels Simpson Travel Offering a roster of carefully selected villas across Europe – all with pools – Vintage Travel has taken the top spot in this category for a third consecutive time, having also been named Best Villa Operator at our 2019 and 2023 awards. In business for more than 30 years, its customers praise its commitment to seeking out lesser-known spots within well-loved destinations, as well as its recognition that there remains a place for 'old-school' service within the industry (allowing travellers to browse and book via brochure and telephone, for example, rather than only online). After taking third place at our 2023 awards, Oliver's Travels moved up to second this year, following a year of record-breaking revenue during what co-founder Oliver Bell described as 'a landmark period' for the company. Established in 2013 by Bell and Ravi Sabharwal, the brand continues to focus on offering unique properties across the world – reflected in the tag line 'why do ordinary?' – in destinations as varied as the UK, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and East Asia. In third place this year is Simpson Travel, with its hand-picked selection of villas and boutique hotels. The company continues to be recognised for its personal, knowledgeable service – in particular, its provision of direct access to experts with first-hand, on-the-ground experience of the accommodation offerings and local areas. Best Cottage Operator Boutique Retreats Mr and Mrs Smith Sykes Cottages This has been one of the Award's most hotly-contested categories and this year proves no different. Only one of the top three entries from 2023 has held its position on the podium. More frequently recognised for its hotel and villa listings, Mr & Mrs Smith has dropped from first to second place. With grand, characterful properties, its cottage collection continues to grow and the stylish homes on its roster offer impeccable service. Many, as you may expect from such a provider, are attached to some of the country's finest hotels; Cliveden, Thyme and Chewton Glen, for example. These provide the privacy of a self-catered break with the added benefit of access to hotel facilities and restaurants. Most of its stays also come with an added little extra too – a bottle of champagne or a box of chocolates, perhaps. During the last iteration of the Awards, Sykes Cottages had tumbled from second place (in 2019) to eighth. This year, it has fought its way back onto the podium, finishing third. With more than 30 years in the industry, Sykes is one of the biggest UK cottage providers and has a huge directory of over 22,500 holiday homes across the UK and Ireland. It has a solid reputation for affordability, and offers everything from romantic weekend getaways to mansions sleeping more than 20. Scooping up first place this year is Boutique Retreats, which has soared to the top after taking fourth place in 2023. Standing on a platform of carefully curated luxury, the arrival of Boutique Retreats at the top of the charts demonstrates the emphasis that our discerning readers place on quality over quantity (the provider has just 274 UK cottages on its books) and the value of a well-crafted holiday experience.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-best-hotel-india-the-oberoi-amarvilas-agra-kohinoor-suite-00-INDIAHOTELSWB25-da9db9cf2ece40b4a44cc3a5aafb826d.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The 8 Best Hotels in India of 2025
This year's top hotels in India, as voted by Travel + Leisure readers, exemplify the extravagant aesthetics and luxurious service that make the country's hospitality industry one of the best in the world. Readers clearly have no problem picking favorites, with the top properties located mostly in major travel destinations like Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Agra. They're also partial to homegrown brands: All of this year's winners are part of either Taj Hotels, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, or The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, all founded in India. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. The luxurious Kohinoor Suite at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this year's reader-favorite city hotels in India are split between the country's two most populous cities, Delhi and Mumbai. Taj Lands End, Mumbai (No. 2) is the perfect high-end option for business travelers, with many spaces for meetings and events—a natural fit for Mumbai, known as India's financial capital. But it's really the prime location on the edge of the Arabian Sea, next to Bandra Fort, that stood out. The winners in the capital include the stately The Leela Palace New Delhi (No. 3) on the edge of Chanakyapuri, the city's diplomatic enclave. Travelers raved about the friendly atmosphere—'the staff became extended family by the end of our stay,' wrote one reader—but it's also well-loved by locals. 'My family and I love going to the hotel for staycations, or even just for the excellent brunches,' another survey respondent wrote. Taj Mahal, New Delhi Classic meets contemporary at Captain's Cellar at the Taj Mahal, New Delhi. This 213-key hotel has become an icon in the capital in the nearly 50 years since it opened at 1 Mansingh Road. The property completed a major renovation in late 2023, which likely propelled it to making its first appearance on the list of India's best city hotels in 2024. And now, the Taj Mahal, New Delhi, has risen to the top. T+L readers especially loved its proximity to historic sites like the National Museum and Humayun's Tomb. In fact, one survey respondent wrote that the hotel has 'one of the best locations in Delhi,' also praising its 'amazing food, nice garden, and excellent service, as per the Taj standard.' 1. Taj Mahal, New Delhi Reader Score: 98.59 2. Taj Lands End, Mumbai Reader Score: 97.93 3. The Leela Palace New Delhi Reader Score: 97.40 Four of this year's top five resorts in India come from a single brand: The Oberoi Group. And four are located in the storied state of Rajasthan—including one in Jaipur, the capital, and two in Udaipur, sometimes referred to as India's 'city of lakes.' One of the Udaipur properties, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (No. 5), is even found among a lake—set on a small island within Lake Pichola and reached by private boat. 'The location is really like heaven,' wrote one survey respondent; another said their 'ridiculously high expectations were completely exceeded.' But one of the Rajasthani winners is unlike the others: The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore (No. 3), just outside Ranthambore National Park, is a sanctuary for the endangered Bengal tiger. The tented camp is a great home base for wildlife-spotting and visiting sites like the UNESCO-protected Ranthambore Fort, but with luxury comforts like clawfoot tubs and, in some rooms, private plunge pools. The No. 1-favorite is also an Oberoi property, but it's located in the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh—and is just a 10-minute walk from one of the country's most famous sites, the Taj Mahal. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra A glimpse into The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra's Deluxe Suite. Some of the 95 rooms and seven suites at this palatial resort have views of the Taj Mahal: Agra's most famous attraction, which is also subtly referenced in the hotel's design. Readers were captivated by the property's 'beautiful architecture with great Mughal-era vibes,' as one survey respondent put it, referring to the domes, arches, fountains, and pristine gardens. But looks are just one of the reasons why the Oberoi Amarvilas came in at No. 1 for 2025, its first year in the top spot since 2018. For example, readers also loved the 'perfect location'—less than half a mile from Emperor Shah Jahan's famous tomb, builtd for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. 1. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 98.87 2. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur Reader Score: 98.06 3. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore Reader Score: 97.68 4. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur Reader Score: 97.36 5. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur Reader Score: 95.56
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sultan of Brunei eyes NYC's Pierre Hotel
The Sultan of Brunei is reportedly exploring the purchase of New York City's iconic Pierre Hotel, in what could become one of the most high-profile real estate transactions in Manhattan this year. The potential acquisition comes as international investors return to the luxury property market following a slowdown during the pandemic. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that representatives of the Brunei royal family have initiated preliminary discussions regarding the purchase of the Pierre, a historic property overlooking Central Park. The hotel, currently managed by Taj Hotels, is partially owned by India's Tata Group. While no official bid has been confirmed, early-stage talks are said to be ongoing. The Pierre Hotel, which opened in 1930, is a symbol of old-world luxury and one of the few remaining independently operated five-star hotels in Manhattan. Its combination of luxury residences and hotel suites has long attracted elite clientele from around the world. A potential acquisition by the Sultan would mark a strategic move at a time when New York's ultra-luxury real estate market is seeing renewed interest from overseas buyers. The weakening dollar, coupled with stabilising tourism and easing capital flow restrictions, has made prime U.S. assets more attractive to sovereign wealth funds and high-net-worth individuals. Experts note that landmark assets like the Pierre offer long-term value and prestige that align with the investment profile of royal families and global investors. The Brunei Investment Agency, which oversees the Sultan's portfolio, has historically favoured hospitality investments, including ownership of London's Dorchester Collection. If completed, the deal would further reinforce the trend of foreign capital flowing into high-end hotel assets in global gateway cities. Similar transactions have occurred recently in London, Paris, and Singapore, as investors seek trophy properties with enduring reputations. The Pierre's future ownership could bring changes to its management or positioning, but industry analysts say any transition would likely maintain the hotel's legacy appeal. For now, both the Brunei representatives and current stakeholders have declined to comment publicly on the matter. "Sultan of Brunei eyes NYC's Pierre Hotel" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mohini Mohan Dutta consents to Ratan Tata's will that left him assets worth Rs 588 crore
Mohini Mohan Dutta , a former director at the Taj Hotels group and a close associate of Ratan Tata, has agreed to the conditions outlined in the late industrialist's will, which allocates him one-third of Tata's residual estate, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 588 crore, The Times of India reported on May 19. With Dutta's agreement in place, the executors of the will can now proceed more swiftly in securing a probate from the Bombay High Court. At 77, Dutta was the only individual among nearly two dozen beneficiaries of Tata's Rs 3,900-crore estate to raise concerns about the worth of his bequest, ToI's report (by Reeba Zachariah) said. The rest of the residual estate—excluding real estate and shareholdings—will be equally divided between Tata's two half-sisters, Shireen Jejeebhoy, aged 72, and Deanna Jejeebhoy, aged 70, who also serve as executors of the will. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This may be of interest to you! Undo Although Dutta initially expressed reservations regarding the distribution, he was unable to legally contest the will due to a 'no-contest' clause, ToI's report added. This clause ensures that any heir disputing the will forfeits their entitlement. The executors submitted a request to the High Court for probate on March 27. The court has since instructed them to publish a public notice and solicit objections from any heirs who have not given their consent. In addition, an originating summons was lodged on April 9 to advance the proceedings (see graphic). Live Events Among the recipients named in the will, Dutta is the only individual outside the Tata lineage to be awarded a share of such magnitude. He sought to view some valuable items bequeathed to him, including a Ganesh idol, but was not permitted access to Tata's Halekai property in Colaba, a source reported. These assets remain under the control of the estate's executors, the source added. Once the High Court grants probate, Dutta will not be subject to any estate duty, as inheritance from a will is not taxable under Indian law. Dutta shared a bond with Tata that spanned more than sixty years. Their initial encounter occurred at the Dealers Hostel in Jamshedpur when Dutta was 13 and Tata was 25, as recalled by Dutta. He later moved to Mumbai and took up residence at Tata's Bakhtawar home in Colaba. Dutta has publicly credited Tata for shaping his personal and professional life. He began his professional journey at the travel desk of the Taj group. In 1986, with financial support from Tata Industries, he launched Stallion Travel Services. According to its memorandum of association reviewed by TOI, Dutta's official residence at that time was recorded as Bakhtawar. Tata Group companies were subsequently directed to utilise Stallion's services for their travel needs. In 2006, Stallion was integrated into a Taj Hotels subsidiary, leading to Dutta's appointment as director of the resulting firm, Inditravel. He ranked among the highest-paid executives at Taj during his tenure. The travel services division was later transferred to Tata Capital in 2015, which eventually sold it to Thomas Cook India in 2017. Dutta continued to hold a board seat until 2019, when the business was consolidated under Thomas Cook.
Tourism Breaking News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Taj Hotels and Resorts to open two properties in Saudi Arabia
Post Views: 95 In an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East, Saurabh Tiwari – Area Director Middle East & CIS, Taj Hotels part of IHCL shared that there are two hotels in the pipeline for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One will be in the cultural capital of Diriyah Gate in Riyadh with 200 rooms whilst the other will be in Mecca with an inventory of 350 rooms. ' Saudi Arabia is growing at a phenomenal pace—it's already among the world's top 20 economies and is well on its way to breaking into the top 10. With numerous giga projects underway and nearly a trillion-dollar economy, the momentum is unstoppable. The opportunities here are vast; it's not just one runway, but six major runways of growth and potential. The future truly looks bright. As for Taj Hotels, we currently operate three exceptional properties in Dubai. Now that we're well-established there and our growth in India has been remarkable, we've turned our attention to Saudi Arabia. We've already signed two hotels—one in the holy city of Mecca and another in Riyadh. We're actively engaging with promising partners and like-minded investors who recognize the strength of our brand. And it's not just about Taj—it's also about the power of Brand India. There's a strong Indian diaspora here in Riyadh, over 1.7 million people, not to mention the countless pilgrims from the subcontinent who visit Saudi Arabia. They know our brand, they trust it, and they connect with it. We're confident that Taj will thrive in Saudi Arabia, and we're incredibly excited about what's ahead.'
