IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Lumbini Heritage Limited for Crowne Plaza Lumbini. Scheduled to open in 2026, the signing marks the second Crowne Plaza hotel being developed in the country, further cementing the premium brand’s positioning in South Asia.
Nestled in the historic city of Lumbini, one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage site, the hotel will offer unparalleled stays for spiritual travellers and guests travelling for MICE, including those from neighbouring Indian states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Located approximately four kilometres from the main pilgrimage site and 18 kilometres from Gautam Buddha Airport, Crowne Plaza Lumbini will be strategically located with a strong competitive advantage in a market currently underserved by international hotel brands.
Once operational, the hotel will feature 137 premium rooms and 10 suites. Beyond guest rooms, the hotel will feature a range of versatile meeting and event spaces including a banquet hall, supporting events for all occasions.
Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Nepal with the signing of Crowne Plaza Lumbini. Lumbini holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, and bringing the Crowne Plaza brand here reaffirms our commitment to expanding world-class hospitality across high-potential destinations. With modern design, versatile spaces, and premium facilities, we are confident Crowne Plaza Lumbini will become a preferred choice for domestic and international travellers alike.”
Subhash Amatya, chairman, Lumbini Heritage Limited, added: “We are proud to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring a Crowne Plaza hotel to Lumbini. The city holds immense cultural and spiritual value, attracting travellers from around the world. With IHG’s global expertise and the strength of the Crowne Plaza brand, we are confident that the hotel will redefine hospitality standards in the region while creating a premium welcoming space for both business and leisure guests.”
Crowne Plaza has long been a pioneer in blending business and leisure travel, offering purpose-driven design, thoughtful amenities and service focused on connection. The brand’s recent refresh, featuring a new visual identity and enhanced guest-facing programmes designed with blended travel in mind, reinforces its role as a pioneer and thought leader in the premium hotel space. Known for its purposeful design, the brand offers flexible spaces to work, meet, and relax, while inspiring the needs of modern travellers both personally and professionally. Its signature Plaza Workspace concept transforms traditional hotel lobbies into agile, connected spaces that encourage collaboration and informal gatherings, while the patented WorkLife Room ensures guests can seamlessly balance work, relaxation, and sleep.
IHG® has a strong portfolio in South West Asia, including several Crowne Plaza hotels, and continues to strengthen its pipeline across segments to meet growing travel demand in the region.
IHG® currently has 51 hotels operating across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, voco™ Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 72 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.
