IHG Hotels & Resorts brings its premium voco brand to Punjab with the opening of voco Amritsar, a 139-key property positioned near Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. The launch marks the brand’s first appearance in the state and represents another milestone in IHG’s accelerating India-wide expansion, as the company pushes towards a target of more than 400 open and in-development hotels within the next five years.
The property was originally signed in December 2023 in a management agreement with A.R Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd, with Amritsar identified as a high-potential destination combining pilgrimage, cultural tourism and business travel. The city’s magnetic draw, anchored by the Golden Temple and reinforced by landmarks such as Jallianwala Bagh and the Wagah Border, generates year-round visitor traffic across both domestic and international segments.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, had noted at the time of signing: ‘Amritsar is one of the prime tourist destinations in the Punjab belt and there is a constant demand for quality branded accommodations. We are confident that voco Amritsar will cater to the needs of discerning travellers seeking a modern and comfortable hospitality experience.’
Punjab’s premium hospitality gap
Amritsar has long punched above its weight as a tourism destination without a commensurate supply of internationally branded upscale accommodation. The entry of voco addresses that structural gap, offering a format positioned between the conventions of a global chain and the personality of an independent property.
The voco brand, which IHG classifies within its premium tier, is designed to combine the consistency and assurance of a major operator with a more relaxed, characterful guest experience. Since its India debut in 2023, the brand has expanded into Jim Corbett, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa and now Amritsar, with further signings across Srinagar and Lucknow in the pipeline.
Gulsahil Singh, Managing Director of A.R Resorts & Hotels Pvt Ltd, described the opening as an opportunity to ‘offer upscale experiences to guests’ through a partnership with ‘an internationally and locally trusted hospitality brand.’
Design, rooms and sustainability
voco Amritsar’s interiors reflect a contemporary approach balanced with regional sensibility. Public spaces use layered lighting, soft tones and textured finishes to create an environment that is relaxed rather than formal, consistent with the brand’s positioning.
The 139 rooms span four categories: Standard, Premium, Suites and Duplex. The Duplex Rooms stand out with a two-level layout providing additional space and flexibility for guests seeking a distinctive stay. Across all room types, the property incorporates sustainability-conscious elements, including bedding produced from recycled plastics.
Food, beverage and events
The hotel’s food and beverage offering operates across three outlets. Saffron serves as the principal all-day dining restaurant, presenting a mix of regional and international cuisine. The Gallery provides a casual space for tea and light bites, while Plum Lounge occupies a rooftop setting and offers cocktails and bar bites.
The events infrastructure is substantial. The property’s 8,075 sq. ft. Blossom Ballroom serves as its primary MICE venue, supported by six additional indoor spaces including Imperial Hall, Legacy Hall, Colonial Court Room, Magnolia Hall, Maple Chamber and Pearl Chamber. Two outdoor venues, Harmony Lawn and The Pavilion, cater to open-air functions and social celebrations. The combination positions voco Amritsar as a credible venue for weddings, conferences and corporate gatherings in a city where such facilities have historically been limited.
Wellness and leisure
The property’s wellness offering is anchored by Tattva Spa, a brand operating across more than 100 locations in India. Three private therapy suites deliver a range of treatments, from Swedish and deep tissue massage to traditional Ayurvedic modalities. An outdoor swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness centre complete the leisure amenities.
Leadership perspective
Manish Kumar Yadav, General Manager of voco Amritsar, spoke to the dual intent behind the property: ‘voco Amritsar has been envisioned as a stay experience that balances comfort with a strong sense of place, inviting guests to truly unwind while staying connected to the city’s spiritual and cultural pulse.’
IHG’s India momentum
The opening comes as IHG reports its third consecutive year of record signings in India in 2025. The company currently operates more than 50 hotels in the country across eight brands, with around 80 properties in development due to open within three to five years. The ambition is to reach 400-plus open and in-development hotels within the next five years, making India one of IHG’s most strategically significant growth markets globally.
For hospitality operators and investors, voco Amritsar illustrates a broader pattern: international brands recognising that India’s premium travel demand is no longer concentrated in its major metros. Cities like Amritsar, with deep cultural pull and expanding air connectivity, are increasingly viable targets for upscale development. The question for regional markets is whether the supply can keep pace with what travellers are now willing to spend.
