IHG Hotels & Resorts is continuing the expansion of its premium voco brand in India with the signing of a management agreement to convert a property in Karjat, in the state of Maharashtra. The contract was concluded with Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd., the owner of the asset, with the opening under the voco banner scheduled for early 2028.
The future property will add more than 200 rooms to the British group’s portfolio, which has been racking up signings in emerging leisure destinations across the Indian subcontinent for several months.
Karjat, a Developing Destination on the Doorstep of Mumbai and Pune
Located at the foot of the Sahyadri mountain range, Karjat is steadily establishing itself as a weekend destination, buoyed by its proximity to two major urban centres: the town lies roughly 62 km from Mumbai and 102 km from Pune. This accessibility makes it an attractive market for leisure tourism, weddings, private celebrations and corporate seminars.
Growing demand for premium stays and immersive experiences is reinforcing interest in this location, which remains largely untapped by international branded hospitality.
voco, IHG’s Fast-Growing Premium Brand
Launched in 2018, voco combines the distinctive character of an independent hotel with the standards of an international group, while offering owners IHG’s global distribution, loyalty programme and commercial expertise. The brand passed the 100-open-hotel mark just seven years after launch, making it the group’s fastest-growing premium brand.
This expansion has been accompanied by continued geographic diversification, as illustrated by voco’s recent signings in Canada, which reflect the same strategy of establishing a presence in high-potential markets.
An Offering Designed for Leisure, Weddings and MICE
voco Karjat will offer three dining venues: a 200-cover all-day dining restaurant, a 50-seat pool bar and a 150-seat rooftop. The property will also feature a fitness centre, a spa, a kids’ area, a lounge and pet-friendly facilities, as well as parking capacity.
This configuration is designed to meet the expectations of families, groups and event organisers alike, in a format consistent with the brand’s positioning in getaway-style destinations.
A Conversion that Illustrates IHG’s India Strategy
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, notes that Karjat represents a promising emerging market, where proximity to Mumbai and Pune creates a strong opportunity to meet demand for weekend getaways, weddings, celebrations and MICE. He states that the group’s strategy is to position the right brands in the right markets, working closely with owners to build new assets or unlock the potential of existing properties.
Naqisa Chaudhary, CEO of Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd., highlights Karjat’s potential as a premium destination for leisure and events, and sees this partnership with IHG as an opportunity to create a differentiated offering that combines the character of the existing property with the strength of a globally recognised brand.
This signing forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen IHG’s Indian portfolio, combining new-build projects and conversions. The group currently operates 53 hotels in India across seven brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express, and has a pipeline of 110 hotels planned over the next three to five years. This momentum is also reflected in the group’s expansion into India’s secondary cities, where branded hotel supply remains limited relative to growing demand.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
voco Karjat – Key facts
Brand: voco (IHG Hotels & Resorts), signed with Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd.
Scale: 200+ rooms, conversion project
Location: Karjat, Maharashtra – 62 km from Mumbai, 102 km from Pune
Opening: early 2028
F&B: 200-seat all-day dining restaurant, 50-seat pool bar, 150-seat rooftop
India portfolio: 53 open hotels across 7 brands, pipeline of 110 hotels
