IHCL Acquires 51% Stake in Brij Hotels to Scale Boutique Luxury

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a 51 percent controlling stake in Brij Hospitality, the owner of the boutique leisure brand Brij Hotels.

The acquisition gives IHCL ownership of the Brij brand and represents a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing boutique and experiential leisure segment, while continuing to partner with Brij’s founding promoters.

Brij Hotels is known for its immersive, locally rooted hospitality experiences across culturally and geographically diverse destinations.

Key Highlights

• IHCL acquires 51 percent controlling stake in boutique brand Brij Hotels
• Brij adds 22 operational hotels and 11 upcoming properties across India
• IHCL portfolio grows to 610 hotels, advancing its 700-hotel 2030 goal

Its portfolio spans Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, the northern hill regions, the Northeast, and Goa, covering heritage, spiritual, wildlife, and leisure tourism hubs. Iconic properties such as the heritage Brij Rama Palace in Varanasi have positioned the brand strongly within India’s premium boutique hospitality space.

Currently, Brij Hotels operates 22 boutique luxury hotels and resorts, with an additional 11 properties in the pipeline. The acquisition significantly enhances IHCL’s multi-brand portfolio and strengthens its offering in offbeat and experience-led destinations that are witnessing rising demand from domestic and international travelers.

Commenting on the development, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said “The acquisition aligns with rising demand for experiential travel driven by higher discretionary spending and evolving consumer preferences. Strengthening the partnership with the Clarks Group through a majority stake in Brij Hotels reinforces IHCL’s leadership in India’s leisure tourism landscape.”

Udit Kumar and Anant Apurv Kumar, Co-Founders of Brij Hospitality, said “The partnership with IHCL brings together Brij’s design-led, experiential approach with IHCL’s legacy of showcasing Indian hospitality globally, with the shared ambition of building a globally recognised Indian boutique hotel brand.”

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Following the transaction, IHCL’s overall portfolio expands to 610 hotels, including 253 properties under development. This keeps the company firmly on track to achieve its ambitious target of 700 hotels under its Accelerate 2030 growth strategy.