Hyatt Signs Deal for 4 Hotels Near Jim Corbett National Park

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has signed an agreement with Saraca Hotels & Resorts to add four hotels to its portfolio in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The agreement includes two existing properties and two new hotel developments near Jim Corbett National Park. While Saraca Hotel Lucknow and Saraca Resort & Spa Corbett will join the Unscripted by Hyatt brand, the upcoming properties will operate under Destination by Hyatt and Hyatt Place. The agreement covers both hotel rebranding and new development projects, giving Hyatt an opportunity to increase its presence in these destinations.

Two Existing Saraca Hotels Join Hyatt

The two operating assets, which will be included in Hyatt’s Unscripted portfolio under the agreement, include Saraca Hotel Lucknow, situated on Mall Avenue in Lucknow. This hotel is made up of 41 rooms that provide guests with access to dining and cultural amenities that are associated with the heritage of this city. The inclusion of the above-mentioned amenities is relevant to tourists interested in exploring the city’s heritage.

Secondly, there is Saraca Resort & Spa Corbett, which is situated in close proximity to Corbett Tiger Reserve. This is an establishment that consists of nine acres of land with 44 rooms and suites in it. Facilities provided by this establishment include wellness services, dining services, and nature-based services. The geographical location of the resort makes it ideal for tourists visiting the Corbett area.

Both hotels will join Unscripted by Hyatt, a brand within Hyatt's Essentials portfolio. The brand works with independent hotels that want to retain their individual identity instead of following a completely standardised hotel design and service model. However, joining the brand also allows these properties to become part of Hyatt's international distribution network and World of Hyatt loyalty programme. This arrangement provides independent hotels with access to Hyatt's booking channels and loyalty customers.

Two New Hotels Planned Near Jim Corbett

The agreement also includes two new hotel developments near Jim Corbett National Park. Both projects are currently in the planning stage, but they will have different accommodation types and facilities.

The first project will operate under the Destination by Hyatt brand. It is planned across approximately 20 acres and is expected to offer around 111 accommodations. The proposed accommodation types include villas, suites and residences. Planned facilities include multiple dining venues, wellness services, recreational activities and dedicated event spaces. These features are intended to serve families, leisure travellers and groups looking for different accommodation options within one resort.

The second development is Hyatt Place Jim Corbett Mohaan, which is expected to have 70 guest rooms. Its planned facilities include dining options, meeting spaces, a fitness centre and recreational facilities. The meeting spaces will make the property suitable for business travellers, while its accommodation and other facilities will also serve tourists visiting the Corbett region.

Both projects will add new accommodation options to the Jim Corbett hotels market. However, their planned facilities address different requirements. The Destination by Hyatt development will include larger accommodation types, such as villas and residences, while Hyatt Place Jim Corbett Mohaan will offer regular hotel rooms and meeting facilities. Hyatt has not announced the construction schedules or expected opening dates for either property.

What Hyatt and Saraca Say About the Deal

Vikas Chawla, President of India and Southwest Asia at Hyatt, said that India remains an important market for the company's future growth. He explained that Hyatt is interested in destinations that offer distinctive visitor experiences and have strong connections with local communities. He also referred to Lucknow's heritage and food traditions and the natural surroundings of Corbett.

His comments highlight Hyatt's interest in destinations where local culture and natural attractions are important parts of the visitor experience. The agreement with Saraca includes both types of destinations, allowing Hyatt to work with an existing hotel in Lucknow and expand its presence near a major wildlife destination.

Mohammad Abdullah, founder of Saraca Hotels & Resorts, said that the agreement would help the company connect with more customers through Hyatt's international presence. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining the identity of Saraca's properties. His statement reflects Saraca's interest in increasing its market reach while continuing to maintain the individual character of its hotels.

The two statements explain the interests of both companies in the agreement. Hyatt is looking to increase its presence in important Indian destinations, while Saraca aims to benefit from working with an international hotel group without losing its own hospitality identity.

What This Deal Means for Hyatt's India Expansion

The agreement represents two different approaches to Hyatt's expansion in India. Through the existing Saraca properties, Hyatt is adding independent hotels to its portfolio without developing entirely new buildings. The two upcoming projects, on the other hand, will involve new hotel developments under established Hyatt brands. This allows the company to increase its presence through both existing hotel partnerships and new investments.

The agreement also supports the presence of independent hotel brands within Hyatt's portfolio. Unscripted by Hyatt gives independent properties an opportunity to work with an international hotel company while retaining their individual identity. This arrangement may also help Hyatt build partnerships with other hotel owners who want access to international customers but prefer to maintain their existing property concepts.

Another important aspect is Hyatt's planned expansion near Jim Corbett National Park. The two new developments will increase the company's accommodation options in a destination known for wildlife tourism and nature-based travel. The projects also show that Hyatt plans to serve more than one type of traveller in the region, including holidaymakers, families, groups and business visitors.

For Saraca Hotels & Resorts, the agreement provides an opportunity to increase the reach of its existing properties and develop new hotels with Hyatt's involvement. The partnership also connects the company with an established international hotel business.