IHCL managing director and CEO Puneet Chhatwal with Yarkay Group CEO Ugen Penjor. Credit: © The Indian Hotels Company Limited.

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the expansion of its portfolio in Bhutan with the signing of a new 83-key hotel in Thimphu.  

The property has been signed in partnership with Yarkay Group, a diversified family-owned business established in 1970. 

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It will be rebranded and operated under IHCL’s “SeleQtions” brand. 

IHCL’s SeleQtions brand, which is known for its city hotels and leisure resorts, was launched in 2019 and began with 12 properties across India, offering distinctive experiences rooted in their location. 

The Thimphu hotel will undergo a transformation to align with SeleQtions’ standards, which will help in enhancing the property’s interiors and introducing a variety of dining options.  

Guests can look forward to an all-day dining restaurant cum bar as well as a rooftop dining venue at this Thimphu hotel.  

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In addition to culinary offerings, the hotel will feature wellness facilities, including a spa, a gym, and an indoor heated swimming pool.  

The Indian hospitality company highlighted that all these amenities will cater to the growing number of visitors to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital that is known for its cultural significance. 

Commenting on the signing of new hotel, IHCL Real Estate & Development executive vice president Suma Venkatesh said: “We are delighted to expand our presence in Bhutan. The country’s growing popularity as a short-haul international getaway, particularly amongst Indian travellers, presents a significant opportunity for us.  

“Thimphu’s strategic location makes it a natural inclusion in popular Paro – Thimphu – Phobjikha itinerary, allowing us to create a seamless circuit for those seeking to explore this Himalayan kingdom.” 

With this new addition, IHCL strengthens its presence in Bhutan, where it now has three hotels that are currently under development.  

Yarkay Group CEO Ugen Penjor said: “We are excited to join hands with IHCL with its legacy of pioneering destinations in Indian Sub-continent. This partnership will be invaluable in establishing hotel as leading choice for travellers visiting Thimphu.” 

IHCL features a global portfolio of 322 hotels, including 99 in the pipeline, spanning four continents, 13 countries, and over 130 locations. 

In April 2024, IHCL, in partnership with Merlin Group, announced plans to open a SeleQtions branded hotel in Kolkata, India.