IHCL signs 96-key Gateway resort in Kasauli, expands Himachal Pradesh portfolio to 27 hotels

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has signed a 96-key greenfield Gateway resort in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, in partnership with Vasuki Hospitality Private Limited, expanding its footprint in North India’s leisure destinations and taking its total portfolio in the state to 27 hotels, including those under development.

The upcoming property will be developed as a full-service resort under IHCL’s Gateway brand, reinforcing the company’s focus on growing its presence in high-demand hill stations and drive-to leisure markets. The project is part of IHCL’s broader expansion strategy targeting scenic and emerging destinations across India.

96-key greenfield Gateway resort planned in Kasauli

The resort will feature 96 rooms and is being developed as a greenfield project, offering views of the surrounding Shivalik hills. The property will include multiple food and beverage options, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and a bar, designed to cater to both leisure travellers and destination guests.

In addition to accommodation and dining, the resort will provide a range of amenities such as a heated swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa. These facilities are aimed at positioning the property as a complete leisure destination, catering to short getaways and extended stays.

The hotel will also include banqueting infrastructure, with a venue spanning over 4,000 square feet, targeting demand from social events, weddings and corporate retreats, segments that are gaining traction in hill station destinations.

Partnership with Vasuki Hospitality strengthens development pipeline

The project is being developed in collaboration with Vasuki Hospitality Private Limited, which is part of the Ornay Group. The partnership marks the group’s entry into the hospitality sector, leveraging its experience in real estate development, particularly in North India.

IHCL stated that the collaboration aligns with its strategy of partnering with local developers to expand its presence through asset-light models. This approach allows the company to scale efficiently while leveraging regional expertise and investment.

According to company representatives, the partnership reflects confidence in Kasauli’s potential as a growing leisure destination, supported by increasing visitor interest and infrastructure connectivity.

Kasauli emerges as key leisure destination in North India

Kasauli, located in the foothills of the Shivalik range in Himachal Pradesh, has gained popularity as a weekend and holiday destination due to its proximity to major urban centres. The hill station is known for its colonial-era architecture, scenic landscapes and outdoor experiences.

The destination attracts visitors for nature-based activities such as trekking and walking trails, along with landmarks including Christ Church and Gilbert Trail. Its accessibility and relatively quieter environment compared to other hill stations have contributed to its growing appeal among travellers seeking short breaks.

IHCL noted that the location’s demand profile makes it suitable for resort-style developments, particularly those catering to leisure and experiential travel segments.

IHCL expands Himachal footprint to 27 hotels

With the addition of the Gateway resort in Kasauli, IHCL’s portfolio in Himachal Pradesh will increase to 27 hotels, including 12 properties currently under development. The expansion reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its presence in key tourism-driven states.

The Gateway brand, positioned in the full-service segment, plays a key role in IHCL’s strategy to expand across leisure and secondary markets. The brand is designed to offer contemporary hospitality experiences in destination locations, supporting both domestic tourism and group travel demand.

IHCL’s broader network currently comprises 628 hotels globally, including 255 in the pipeline, spanning multiple brands and segments across 14 countries and over 250 locations.

Expansion aligns with asset-light growth strategy

The Kasauli project underscores IHCL’s continued emphasis on asset-light growth, with management contracts and partnerships forming a central part of its expansion model. By collaborating with property owners and developers, the company is able to scale its footprint without direct ownership of assets.

This strategy is particularly relevant in leisure destinations, where demand is rising for organised hospitality offerings supported by branded operators. The addition of new projects in such locations is expected to enhance IHCL’s ability to capture demand from domestic travellers and event-driven segments.

The signing of the Gateway resort in Kasauli reflects ongoing momentum in India’s hospitality sector, where operators are actively expanding into emerging destinations to meet rising travel demand. The project remains in the development stage, with further details on timelines and execution expected as it progresses.