In a major development for India’s hospitality sector, IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its 50th hotel in the country with the launch of Crowne Plaza Lucknow, reinforcing the global hospitality giant’s rapid expansion and long-term commitment to the Indian market.
The new property, situated along the Lucknow-Sultanpur Road with strategic connectivity to key city hubs like Shahid Path, the IT corridor, and the cricket stadium, further strengthens IHG’s premium brand footprint in India. Offering 110 upscale rooms, expansive event spaces totaling 40,000 sq. ft., multiple dining options, a gym, and an outdoor pool, Crowne Plaza Lucknow is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, capitalizing on the city’s growing demand for quality hospitality experiences.
“This is a significant milestone that reflects our deep commitment to the country and our confidence in its vibrant travel and hospitality landscape,” said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for the Middle East, Africa & Southwest Asia at IHG. “India remains one of our most strategic markets globally, and we’re focused on accelerating growth across all segments.”
The new opening underlines the growing relevance of the Crowne Plaza brand, known for its business-leisure blend and forward-looking design. First launched in 1983, the brand has evolved to meet shifting traveler needs, with innovations such as guest room zoning and redesigned meeting spaces. The Lucknow hotel echoes this ethos, aligning with trends spotlighted in Crowne Plaza’s latest white paper, “Leading the Charge in Blended Travel,” which found India leading globally in “blended travel” — the merging of work and leisure during trips.
According to Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia at IHG, the 50th hotel milestone is more than symbolic. “It signifies IHG’s deep-rooted ambitions and robust pipeline in India. With more than 70 hotels in development, including a significant number in the luxury and premium segments, we are set to more than double our footprint over the next five years.”
IHG’s aggressive expansion is backed by strong consumer demand and a burgeoning domestic travel market. In 2024 alone, the group signed 18 new hotels in India, nearly 30% of which fall in the premium and luxury categories. Brands such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Six Senses form a core part of this upscale push, complementing the continued growth of mainstream brands like Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
The Crowne Plaza Lucknow launch also marks a continuation of IHG’s focus on creating high-return opportunities for owners while ensuring memorable guest experiences. “We’re proud of our track record in India, delivering strong value for both guests and partners,” added Mattar.
With this latest opening, IHG now operates hotels under five brands across the country—Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express—with a healthy pipeline of new properties slated to open in the next two to five years. As India’s travel ecosystem evolves, IHG’s investment and presence in emerging and established markets appear firmly in step with the country’s upward hospitality trajectory.
