Marriott Plants "The Fern" in India's Budget Hotel Landscape

US-based hospitality leader Marriott International has acquired a minority stake—estimated at around USD 15 million—in India’s Concept Hospitality, the operator of The Fern Hotels and Resorts. This strategic move marks the launch of a new, affordable hotel brand focused on offering no-frills, well-priced accommodations.

As part of the collaboration, The Fern brand will initially be integrated into Marriott’s new offering, with the possibility of including other Concept Hospitality brands in the future. Despite Marriott's investment, Concept Hospitality will continue to independently manage its hotel operations.

The new brand will be incorporated into Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s global loyalty program, and is aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in India’s growing secondary and tertiary markets. Marriott currently operates 158 hotels in India, totaling nearly 30,000 rooms. Concept Hospitality, supported by CG Corp Global of Nepal, runs 84 hotels across the country, with an additional 31 in development—bringing its total room count to approximately 8,000.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.