Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has reached a milestone of its 200th hotel with the launch of Gorbandh Palace, under its IHCL SeleQtions brand, at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India.

The Gorbandh Palace, an 83-key hotel, is nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert.

The company stated that the hotel is a “mélange of modern comfort that blends seamlessly with old-world Rajasthani legacy”.

With the opening of Gorbandh Palace, IHCL now operates 23 hotels under various brands in Rajasthan, with seven more under development phase.

The new hotel offers a variety of dining experiences, including the Bazaar for multi-cuisine options, Seray for Italian delicacies, and Musafir Khana for handcrafted cocktails.

The hotel's expansive outdoor lawns, spanning over 80,000ft², and a grand banquet hall of more than 3,000ft² make it a venue capable of hosting high-profile events and corporate gatherings.

Additionally, the on-site spa offers guests with treatments based on India's ancient wellness practices.

IHCL managing director and CEO Puneet Chhatwal said: “We are delighted to open Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer which also marks the momentous milestone as IHCL’s 200th operating hotel. This completes the important tourist circuit of Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer. We are honoured to collaborate with Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar for the third hotel in our partnership of over 50 years.”

IHCL announced the signing of Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer in October 2021.

The palace has been converted into a hotel in partnership with Historic Resort Hotels (HRH), whose chairman and managing director is Arvind Singh Mewar, who comes from the royal house of Mewar.

HRH executive director Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar said: “IHCL, the true custodians of Indian hospitality has a long and fruitful association with my family. We are delighted to build on the partnership and continue this journey with Gorbandh Palace-IHCL SeleQtions. I am confident that this opening will enhance the tourism potential of Jaisalmer.”

In December 2023, IHCL expanded its presence in India with the signing of a new hotel in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The IHCL-SeleQtions branded hotel in the Bandra neighbourhood comprises 43 rooms with an all-day diner.

It occupies multiple floors of a mixed-use development, featuring upscale retail outlets and restaurants.