Brij Hotels plans to have 50 operational boutique hotels in the next five years before considering international expansion, said its co-founder Udit Kumar.
The Delhi-based company, which recently secured $4 million (about Rs 33 crore ) in series A funding, currently operates eight properties and aims to add three–four properties in 2024-25.
The company plans to seek another round of funding within a year, Kumar told ET.
“Experience is key for travellers, which is why they prefer curated stays. At each hotel, we provide a unique experience that fosters a connection with the traveller,” he said.
The series A investment in the company came from the Manipal Education & Medical Group Family Office, with participation from investors including Abhay Jain, Abhiroop Jayanthi (managing director of Bain Capital), Rajendra Rao and Prashant Deshpande.
“All our hotels operate on long-term leases spanning 20–30 years, and we make substantial investments to ensure they meet our standards. Therefore, for the expansion we have planned, we will pursue another round of funding within the next 10–12 months,” Kumar said.
According to a report by HVS Anarock, the global boutique hotel segment has grown more than 50% over the past three years.
“While traditional luxury hotels will continue to perform well, luxury travellers seeking unique experiences gravitate toward boutique hotels,” said Anant Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels. “We currently maintain a 50-55% occupancy rate, but with travel becoming a year-round phenomenon, we