Hilton, a leading global hospitality company, is making giant strides in India. The hotel major, which has a portfolio of 27 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms in 143 countries and territories, in association with Olive Hospitality, has started work on building its first 10 Spark by Hilton hotels in India. This marks a significant milestone in the brand’s India mid-market growth journey.
Strategic partnerships
Both the companies signed on the dotted line, advancing the strategic agreement signed in 2024 to open 150 Spark by Hilton franchised hotels across the country.
These signings reinforce Hilton’s growing momentum in India’s midscale segment. The partnership with Olive Hospitality builds on Hilton’s broader expansion, including strategic agreements with NILE Hospitality for 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels and Royal Orchid Hotels for a further 125 Hampton hotels.
Together, these agreements and Hilton’s existing pipeline put the company on track to exceed 400 trading hotels in India in the coming years.
Expansion footprint
Set to open across key business and leisure corridors, including Bengaluru, Goa, Jaipur, Nashik, Mathura, Pune, Rajkot and Hyderabad, the expansion reflects Hilton’s strategy to deepen its presence beyond metros into the country’s next wave of growth cities, where rising mobility, infrastructure investment and expanding commercial hubs are driving sustained demand for reliable, branded accommodation at accessible price points.
India provides great opportunity
Hilton Asia Pacific Senior Vice President, Development, Clarence Tan, said, “These signings demonstrate our belief in India’s hugely untapped mid-market segment and allow us a great opportunity to bring a wider network of new owners and guests into the Hilton ecosystem. We are targeting a mix of metro and non-metro locations to debut these hotels that will provide a new level of hospitality to India’s emerging domestic traveller.”
Brand proposition
Spark by Hilton hotels in India will be characterised by thoughtful simplicity and reliable service. The public spaces will feature multi-functional seating, from communal tables to rocking chairs, offering plenty of options for guests to enjoy breakfast, socialise or work throughout the day.
Spark by Hilton will add value to the guest experience by offering a complimentary breakfast featuring local items, so guests can fuel up before hitting the road. The brand will also offer a 24-hour retail market for on-the-go travellers.
Regional perspective
Hilton Asia Pacific Regional Head, Focused Service and All-Suites Brands, Andrew Ling, said, “Spark by Hilton was created to bring the hallmark reliability of Hilton to a new generation of travellers who value quality, comfort and consistency at an accessible price point. As the brand takes root in India, our focus is on delivering the core Spark experience of thoughtful simplicity and elevated essentials, while adapting meaningfully to local preferences.”
Partner viewpoint
Olive Hospitality Co-founder & CEO Kahraman Yigit said: “Crossing 10 signings is an important milestone and sets the tone for the pace of growth we are building together. With these first signings, we are building a pipeline designed for speed, reliability and long-term owner value. Our approach is centred on enabling efficient conversions, allowing owners to enter the branded ecosystem seamlessly while delivering a high-quality experience for guests from day one.