Indian Hotels Company has launched a new luxury collection brand, Claridges Collection.

The new option for hoteliers comes as a result of a strategic partnership between Indian Hotels and the Claridges brand. Launching with three properties from the start, there are plans to build the collection brand up to more than 20 hotels across India by 2030. IHCL will be seeking opportunities to add hotels in both key Indian cities, and also major leisure destinations.

Luxury is in demand

“With India’s growing economic prominence, the income pyramid is witnessing a structural shift and the demand for luxury product and services is at an all-time high led by significant expansion of households in the high-net worth bracket,” said IHCL managing director and CEO, Puneet Chhatwal. “This presents a market opportunity to extend hospitality offerings in the luxury segment as consumers are seeking differentiated experiences.”

The flagship for the brand and the collection will be the existing Claridges hotel in New Delhi. In November 2024, Indian Hotels signed an agreement with Claridges Hotels Pvt to take over management of the property. The 119 room hotel was established in 1955, and combines old-world charm with a much more modern feel in its execution. A core part of New Delhi society, the destination is valued as much for its culinary experiences as for its laid back luxury feel.

As the new management agreement was revealed, Suresh Nanda of Claridges Hotels commented: “Under IHCL’s management, we believe that The Claridges will build on its prestigious legacy.”

The Connemara hotel in Chennai will be the second hotel to join the collection. The property is steeped in history and has been part of the Taj brand since 1984. Also switching to the new brand will be the Blue Diamond hotel in Pune. Currently operating under IHCL’s SeleQtions brand, this will relaunch following a comprehensive renovation.

The Claridges brand will be an additional option for Indian Hotels, as it looks to rapidly expand its presence both in the Indian hotel market, and internationally. The company has been consistently breaking records, quarter after quarter, as it grows both revenues and its profitability, driving forward under an course of change set by CEO Chhatwal.

Claridges joins a brand portfolio that includes Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Gateway and Ginger, addressing different segments of the accommodation marketplace and meeting differing guest needs.

Growth based on a long heritage

As Taj hotels, the group opened its first property, the Taj Mahal Palace in Bombay, in 1903, under the wing of the Tata Group, an established Indian conglomerate. Fast forward to today, and the hotel empire now has 240 hotels open and a further 128 in development, across 14 countries on four continents.

Indian Hotels is also expanding internationally. It recently signed Taj Wellington Mews in Ras Al Khaimah, a branded hotel apartment project with 336 units that will add to the group’s presence in the Middle East.