Sarovar Hotels introduces Nepal’s largest hotel and MICE destination

In a groundbreaking move for the hospitality sector in Nepal, Sarovar Hotels, in collaboration with The Massif Hotel, has announced the signing of Royal Tulip Kathmandu which is set to become the largest hotel and a premier MICE destination in India’s neighbouring nation. To be managed under Sarovar’s Louvre Hotels Royal Tulip brand, the property aims to redefine luxury landscape and event hosting in the region.

In an exclusive interview with BW Hotelier, Ajay K Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, revealed the ambitious plans behind the signing of Royal Tulip Kathmandu.

“It is undeniably a landmark project. What excites me the most is its potential to set new benchmarks for luxury, hospitality and MICE offerings in Nepal. This collaboration combines Sarovar Hotels’ expertise in delivering world-class service with The Massif Hotel’s vision for excellence. The result is a property that will be the largest in inventory and the most luxurious one in Kathmandu,” said Bakaya.

The hotel will feature 304 well-appointed rooms, state-of-the-art amenities and Kathmandu’s largest convention centre with 22,000 sq ft of event space, including two grand halls of 11,000 sq ft each. Designed to cater to leisure travellers and corporate clients alike, Royal Tulip Kathmandu plans top position Nepal as a serious contender among regional luxury and MICE hubs such as Singapore and Thailand.

Emphasising on the broader impact of the project, Bakaya shared, “Beyond being a hotel, the property is set to become an aspirational destination. It will elevate Nepal’s hospitality landscape by delivering a refined blend of luxury, comfort, and cultural authenticity. Guests will experience world-class luxury alongside the rich heritage of Nepal, all under one roof.”

Strategic expansion into Nepal
Sarovar Hotels’ entry into Kathmandu aligns with its ambitious growth strategy to expand to 150 hotels across 95 destinations by 2025. “Nepal is a key market for us,” Bakaya stated, pointing to the brand’s existing property in Birgunj and two additional projects planned for 2025 besides Royal Tulip Kathmandu.

The strategic location of Nepal, situated between India and China, presents significant opportunities for cross-border travel. Bakaya highlighted the growing tourism potential of Kathmandu as a hub for both leisure and business travellers. “The introduction of the Royal Tulip brand caters to the rising demand for luxury accommodations, aligning with our commitment to providing premium services in high-potential markets,” he added.

A new era for MICE in South Asia
Royal Tulip Kathmandu is poised to lead Nepal’s MICE sector, housing the largest events space in the city. “With 22,000 sq ft of event space, we’re perfectly equipped to host international conferences, high-profile weddings and corporate events,” said Bakaya. He envisions the property becoming a go-to destination for large-scale business and social gatherings, offering unparalleled facilities and competitive costs compared to other regional hubs.

Unmatched guest experiences
The property’s design marries contemporary luxury with Nepalese culture, providing an immersive experience for guests. “With its strategic location just 3.5 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, Royal Tulip Kathmandu offers seamless accessibility for domestic and international travellers,” Bakaya explained.

Guests can indulge in premium amenities such as an all-day dining restaurant, a chic lounge and bar, a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, and a wellness centre. Curated experiences, from bespoke culinary offerings to wellness programmes and activities showcasing Nepal’s natural beauty and heritage, make it a distinctive hospitality destination.

Attracting Indian travellers
With its strong presence in India, Sarovar Hotels anticipates significant interest from Indian travellers and businesses. “We foresee Royal Tulip Kathmandu becoming a prime choice for Indian companies and leisure travellers,” Bakaya noted. Proximity, cultural familiarity and cost-effectiveness make Nepal an attractive alternative to established MICE hubs like Singapore, Dubai and Thailand. “The property’s location and extensive facilities will appeal to travellers from neighbouring Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Nepal’s scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage add an experiential edge, making it a memorable destination for Indian travellers,” he concluded.

With the largest inventory and a wide array of luxury amenities, Royal Tulip Kathmandu is not just a hotel—it’s a destination that offers an exceptional blend of modern luxury and Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, making it a top choice for both leisure and business travellers.