Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) signs definitive agreements to acquire a 51% stake in Brij Hospitality, the owner of the boutique leisure brand Brij Hotels. The transaction will result in IHCL acquiring ownership of the Brij brand and marks a strategic step in expanding its presence in India’s fast-growing boutique and experiential leisure segment.
The acquisition builds on IHCL’s existing partnership with the Clarks Group and reflects the company’s continued focus on catering to the rising demand for experiential travel in India. With Brij Hotels’ footprint spanning destinations such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, the northern hills, the North East, and Goa, the brand adds depth and diversity across cultural, spiritual, wildlife, and leisure destinations within IHCL’s portfolio.
Following the transaction, IHCL’s overall portfolio will grow to 610 hotels, including 253 properties under development, reinforcing the company’s growth roadmap under its Accelerate 2030 strategy.
Brij Hotels operates a collection of boutique luxury hotels and resorts recognised for their heritage-led properties and locally rooted experiences. Its flagship property, BrijRama Palace in Varanasi, is a prominent heritage landmark that reflects the city’s architectural and cultural legacy.
Commenting on the acquisition, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “India’s hospitality sector is witnessing sustained demand growth driven by rising disposable incomes and a growing preference for experiential leisure. We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Clarks Group by evolving our marketing and distribution alliance into a majority shareholding in Brij Hotels, one of the country’s early entrants in the boutique leisure segment.”
He further added,
“With this acquisition, IHCL strengthens its leadership in India’s leisure tourism space, with market presence across key cultural, spiritual, and wildlife destinations. Brij’s presence in offbeat locations adds heterogeneity to our portfolio, taking IHCL’s portfolio to 610 hotels with 253 in the pipeline, keeping us well on track to achieve our guidance of 700 hotels under Accelerate 2030.”
Udit Kumar and Anant Apurv Kumar, Co-Founders of Brij Hospitality, said,
“We are excited to partner with IHCL to shape the future of boutique hospitality. Brij Hotels is recognised for immersive, locally rooted experiences that celebrate India’s cultural diversity. IHCL’s legacy of presenting Indian hospitality to the world aligns deeply with our purpose. Together, we aim to combine IHCL’s tradition of excellence with Brij’s experiential, design-led approach to build the first truly global Indian boutique hospitality brand.”
With this strategic acquisition, IHCL continues to consolidate its position as a frontrunner in India’s hospitality sector, strengthening its portfolio across distinctive leisure destinations nationwide.
