Kolkata: West Bengal’s hospitality sector is set for a major expansion, with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and Ambuja Neotia Group unveiling two new properties under the AltAir House – IHCL SeleQtions brand in Kolkata and Siliguri. The announcement comes alongside Ambuja Neotia’s investment commitment of approximately ₹2,700 crore in the state’s hospitality sector, covering multiple destinations across Bengal.
The two new hotels are part of the companies’ expanding partnership, which aims to strengthen the region’s tourism infrastructure and develop new hospitality destinations across urban, coastal, forest and hill locations.
Two New Hotels Open in Kolkata and Siliguri
The Kolkata property is located at Ecospace Business Park in New Town and features 42 individually designed rooms and suites. Its interiors draw inspiration from Bengal’s cultural heritage, with art-led design, curated dining experiences, lounge facilities and wellness amenities. The property also offers spaces for social gatherings and celebrations.
The Siliguri property, situated within Uttorayon Township, offers 60 rooms and suites. Inspired by the cultural diversity of the region, the hotel combines distinctive interiors with curated dining options and indoor and outdoor event facilities. Its event spaces can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, positioning it as a venue for large gatherings and celebrations.
The AltAir House brand builds on the legacy of AltAir in Salt Lake’s Sector V, which has served as a hospitality, dining and leisure destination for nearly a decade. The new properties follow a boutique hospitality concept, with individual design identities and experiences reflecting their respective locations.
Both hotels have been launched under a franchise arrangement with IHCL.
Ambuja Neotia Announces ₹2,700 Crore Hospitality Investment
Alongside the hotel launches, Ambuja Neotia Group announced plans to invest approximately ₹2,700 crore in West Bengal’s hospitality sector. The proposed investment will cover projects across Kolkata, Raichak, Digha, Siliguri, Lataguri, Kalimpong and Darjeeling, strengthening the group’s presence in both established and emerging tourism destinations.
The investment includes the two newly launched AltAir House properties as well as an expansion of Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa in Darjeeling.
The proposed ₹100 crore expansion of Taj Chia Kutir will add 28 rooms and 15,000 square feet of banqueting facilities, further enhancing the resort’s capacity to cater to leisure travellers, weddings and corporate events.
IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Look to Expand Regional Tourism
Speaking about the new launches, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IHCL, said the opening of AltAir House properties in Kolkata and Siliguri marks another milestone in the company’s longstanding association with Ambuja Neotia.
He highlighted that the properties’ individual design concepts and curated experiences make them a suitable addition to the IHCL SeleQtions portfolio. He also noted that the partnership is focused on developing tourism opportunities, introducing new travel experiences and expanding IHCL’s brand presence across the region.
Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, said the investment commitment reflects the group’s confidence in West Bengal’s tourism potential. He pointed to the state’s diverse attractions, ranging from its cities and riverfronts to forests, tea gardens and Himalayan destinations.
He added that the partnership with IHCL has developed around a shared approach to hospitality, with the AltAir House properties designed to offer distinctive architecture, dining experiences and spaces for social interaction.
Partnership Portfolio Crosses 80 Properties
The latest launches add to the growing partnership between IHCL and Ambuja Neotia. Their combined portfolio currently includes more than 80 properties across India, including 55 resorts operating under IHCL’s experiential leisure brand, Tree of Life.
With investments spanning Kolkata, the Sundarbans region, coastal Bengal, North Bengal and the Himalayan foothills, the partnership is looking to strengthen West Bengal’s position as a multi-destination tourism market.
The ₹2,700 crore investment commitment and the launch of the two AltAir House properties mark a significant development for the state’s hospitality industry, particularly as demand grows for premium accommodation, destination weddings, leisure travel and business events.
