Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Marriott's 'Series' debuts with India launch

Marriott is actively discussing the brand with U.S. owners following its India debut

Marriott International launches Series brand in India for global midscale expansion

Marriott International has launched 'Series by Marriott,' a new global brand targeting the midscale and upscale segments, debuting in India and now being pitched in the U.S. Pictured is a Marriott hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Marriott Launches ‘Series by Marriott’ Brand in India

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHED “Series by Marriott”, a new global brand targeting midscale and upscale segments, debuting in India. Marriott plans to market the brand in other countries, including the U.S.

The company signed a foundational agreement with Concept Hospitality, the Indian operator of the eco-focused Fern brand, to support its expansion in the country. Under the strategic agreement, CHPL’s flagship brands—The Fern, The Fern Residency and The Fern Habitat—will exclusively affiliate with Series by Marriott in India, with Marriott making a small equity investment in CHPL, the duo said in a joint statement.


“We are thrilled to partner with the world’s largest hospitality company in driving growth in India’s midscale segment,” said Param Kannampilly, CHPL chairman. “Our vision is to unlock the potential of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as lesser-known destinations across India rich in culture, heritage and opportunity. This collaboration underscores our commitment to expanding access to quality hospitality, fostering local economies and meeting rising demand for sustainable, comfortable and accessible stays in emerging markets.”

Besides its founding deal with CHPL, Marriott is actively discussing the brand with owners in the U.S., Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“This deal will help expand Marriott’s leading position in India, a key market for the company,” said Anthony Capuano, Marriott president and CEO. “We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in markets worldwide.”

CHPL, founded by Kannampilly in 1996, operates more than 100 hotels across 90 locations under six brands, the statement said.

The Fern portfolio includes 84 open properties and 31 pipeline deals, totaling 115 properties and about 8,000 rooms. Fern hotels are expected to join Marriott’s India portfolio over time, pending discussions and long-term franchise agreements with third-party owners.

CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, holds a majority stake in CHPL.

“Through our majority stake in CHPL, we’ve nurtured The Fern brands as standard-bearers for eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality in India,” said Binod Chaudhary, CG Corp. Global’s chairman. “Joining Series by Marriott will amplify our reach. The Fern brands will benefit from the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, global distribution systems and strategic growth opportunities.”

“Series by Marriott” amenities include fitness centers and meeting spaces at select properties.

Marriott recently reported a 4.1 percent year-over-year global RevPAR increase, driven by 3.3 percent growth in the U.S. and Canada and 5.9 percent internationally.


More for you

Salamander D.C. Joins Preferred Hotels’ Legend Collection
Photo credit: Salamander Collection

Salamander D.C. joins Preferred’s Legend Collection

Summary:

  • The 373-key Salamander Washington, D.C. joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection after a full renovation.
  • The hotel is part of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, led by founder and CEO Sheila Johnson.
  • Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the largest independent hotel brand, with more than 600 properties in 80 countries.

SALAMANDER WASHINGTON, D.C., located on the city’s southwest waterfront, joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. The 373-room hotel recently completed a property-wide renovation that includes updated communal spaces, redesigned guest suites, a two-level Salamander Spa and Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi.

Keep ReadingShow less
WTH Conference Returns to Los Angeles July 17

WTH conference returns to L.A. on July 17

Summary:

  • The 2025 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference returns to Los Angeles on July 17.
  • The event gathers women in travel, tourism, hospitality, investment, wellness, and lifestyle.
  • It also will mark the launch of the new Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network website.

THE 2025 WOMEN in Travel & Hospitality Conference, hosted by the Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network and supported by the Boutique Lifestyle Lodging Association, will return to Los Angeles, California, on July 17. The event brings together women from around the world working in travel, tourism, hospitality, investment, wellness and lifestyle.

Keep ReadingShow less
ExStay Washington DC

Third regional ExStay workshop set for D.C.

Summary:

  • ESLA and Kalibri will hold the third ExStay workshop on July 30 in Washington, D.C., following sessions in Atlanta and Dallas.
  • The event will feature experts from brands, operators, data firms and advisory groups.
  • Sessions will cover investment and include Q&As on developing, renovating, converting and operating extended stay assets.

THE EXTENDED STAY Lodging Association and Kalibri Labs will host the third quarterly ExStay workshop on July 30 in Washington, D.C., following earlier sessions in Atlanta and Dallas. The event will bring together extended stay lodging executives for networking.

Keep ReadingShow less
Deloitte value-seeking report 2025

Study: Consumers seek value over low prices

Summary:

  • Consumers are prioritizing value over low prices, pushing brands—including hotels—to adapt, Deloitte finds.
  • Economic uncertainty and inflation are driving caution and shifting views on pricing and spending.
  • Value-seeking by generations: 49 percent of Gen X, 43 percent of Boomers, 40 percent of Millennials and 44 percent of Gen Z.

AMID ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY and inflation, U.S. consumers are prioritizing value over low prices, favoring brands with added benefits, according to a Deloitte study. This shift is reshaping the market as companies, including hotels, adapt to changing expectations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gen Z Shifts Hotel Shopping: Tech, Experiences & Values

Survey: Gen Z redefines hotel shopping

Summary:

  • Younger consumers are redefining hotel discovery through platform-hopping and peer input, according to SOCi.
  • Fragmented search and discovery are reshaping how trust is built.
  • About one-third of consumers aged 18–34 report less brand loyalty than a year ago.

GEN Z IS RESHAPING hotel shopping through multiple platforms, peer input and real-time research, according to SOCi, a marketing platform for multi-location businesses. Unlike previous generations who relied on a single search engine or map app, the younger consumer moves through a series of smaller decisions - starting on TikTok, checking Reddit or Yelp and ending with a Google Maps search.

Keep ReadingShow less