IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its luxury portfolio in India with the launch of The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection, marking the debut of the Vignette Collection brand in both India and South West Asia. The 145-room property becomes the latest addition to IHG's growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio and joins a global family of distinctive hotels celebrated for their unique character and memorable guest experiences.
Designed around the idea of celebrating individuality while offering the assurance of a globally recognised hospitality brand, Vignette Collection brings together independent hotels with distinctive identities. Each property tells its own story while providing travellers with an authentic, locally inspired experience under the trusted IHG umbrella.
Blending contemporary luxury with thoughtful service and a deep connection to its surroundings, Vignette Collection is guided by its philosophy of creating "Moments that move you." The Panchkula hotel reflects this vision by offering guests an immersive stay rooted in local culture, design and hospitality.
Located against the backdrop of the Shivalik Hills in Panchkula, within the Chandigarh Tricity region, the hotel is strategically positioned for both business and leisure travellers. Guests enjoy convenient access to popular attractions such as Morni Hills, Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden and Chandigarh's Capitol Complex, while also remaining close to the region's key commercial and business districts.
As IHG's first collection brand, Vignette Collection caters to the rising demand among luxury and lifestyle travellers for distinctive, experience-led stays combined with the reliability of a global hospitality company and the benefits of the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. The brand has expanded rapidly to include 34 hotels across 17 countries, with another 45 properties in the pipeline, each retaining its independent identity while contributing to the brand's growing global footprint.
Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, said: “The opening of The Aarlis Hotel, Panchkula is a landmark moment for Vignette Collection and for IHG in India. As the brand’s first hotel in India and South West Asia, it signals our intent to bring distinctive, character-led stays to one of the world’s most dynamic luxury and lifestyle markets. India represents enormous opportunity for Vignette Collection and The Aarlis Hotel, Panchkula is the perfect hotel to lead that journey: a property with genuine individuality, a deep sense of place and everything our guests are looking for when they choose to travel differently.”
Designed to deliver a refined luxury experience, The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection offers thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites that combine contemporary interiors with warm aesthetics, curated amenities and intuitive smart-room technology. Guests can personalise their stay through features such as automated climate control, touch-operated curtains and adjustable lighting settings, creating a seamless blend of comfort and convenience.
The hotel also presents a diverse culinary and lifestyle offering with multiple dining destinations, including Sapio, an all-day dining restaurant; Cabinet V, serving contemporary Indian and European cuisine; Wakerie, an artisanal patisserie; Jigger, a signature cocktail bar; and Sky VI, a rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the Shivalik Hills. Complementing the guest experience are premium wellness and leisure facilities, including The Aarlis Lounge, private cabanas, a spa, salon, fitness centre and swimming pool. For corporate meetings, weddings and social events, the property features nearly 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, anchored by the grand Aura Grand Ballroom.
Neelabh Chugh, General Manager at The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection, said: “We are proud to introduce The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, Vignette Collection. As the first Vignette Collection hotel in India and South West Asia, this opening is a moment of immense pride for our team. From the beginning, The Aarlis Hotel, Panchkula was envisioned to capture the spirit of this land, the Shivaliks, Panchkula and a sense of place that is entirely our own. Now, we get to share that feeling with travellers from around the world, as part of a global brand that celebrates exactly what makes a destination unforgettable.”
Celebrating the character of every destination, Vignette Collection's 'Memorable Rituals' programme offers signature experiences that immerse guests in local traditions. At The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, this comes to life through 'Venu-Nada', a daily evening ceremony featuring the lighting of traditional oil-wick lamps accompanied by live flute and tabla performances, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Beyond guest experiences, the brand is committed to creating a positive social impact through its 'Means For Good' initiative, under which every Vignette Collection hotel collaborates with a local non-profit organisation. At The Aarlis Hotel Panchkula, the programme is delivered in partnership with Chhoti Si Asha, with locally crafted products sourced for in-room amenities and guest gifts, helping create sustainable livelihood opportunities for underprivileged women.