Accor is strengthening its footprint in Rajasthan with the signing of Novotel Bhilwara Resort and Spa, a 144-key property slated to open in 2026. The development marks the Novotel brand's debut in Bhilwara, a city widely recognised as India's Textile City and a growing hub for business travel.
The resort will occupy more than seven acres in the Mewar region, offering a full-service experience that includes an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and a lobby lounge. Leisure amenities will feature a spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool, catering to both corporate and leisure guests.
MICE and wedding focus
Recognising Bhilwara's potential as a destination for events, the property will dedicate over 2,000 square metres of indoor space to ballrooms, conference rooms, and other function areas. In addition, approximately 6,000 square metres of outdoor lawns will be available for weddings and social gatherings, positioning the resort as a key player in the region's MICE and wedding tourism segments.
The resort will introduce Novotel's Longevity Everyday philosophy to the area, a wellness-driven approach built on four pillars: Eat, Sleep, Move, and Meet. This concept aligns with broader industry trends toward holistic hospitality, similar to initiatives seen at other recent openings such as Clinique La Prairie's wellness resort in Phuket.
Bhilwara's strategic location—with road connectivity to Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ajmer—makes it accessible for leisure travellers, families, and wedding parties. The city's industrial base, particularly its textile sector, ensures a steady stream of corporate visitors, a demographic that Accor aims to capture with this development.
Accor's expansion in Rajasthan follows a pattern of major hotel groups targeting secondary cities with high growth potential. The move echoes similar strategies by other players, such as IHCL's recent resort opening in Udaipur, underscoring the region's appeal for both business and leisure hospitality.
The Novotel Bhilwara Resort and Spa will be operated under a management agreement, though Accor has not disclosed the ownership partner. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and boost local tourism infrastructure.
With this signing, Accor continues to diversify its portfolio across India, which already includes brands like Sofitel, Pullman, and ibis. The group's focus on tier-2 and tier-3 cities aligns with the Indian government's push to promote regional tourism and business travel.
Industry analysts view the move as a positive signal for Bhilwara's hospitality market, which has traditionally been underserved. The resort's combination of business amenities and wedding facilities is likely to attract both domestic and international travellers, further integrating the city into Rajasthan's tourism circuit.
Accor's commitment to the region is part of a broader strategy to leverage India's growing travel demand, particularly in emerging destinations. As the resort takes shape, it will be interesting to see how it complements existing offerings and contributes to the local economy.
