Lords Hotels & Resorts COO shares expansion plans and global vision
In an exclusive interview, Puspendra Bansal, Chief Operating Officer, Lords Hotels & Resorts, outlines the group’s ambitious expansion plans, brand differentiation strategy, and its vision of taking Indian hospitality to international markets, while staying firmly rooted in its ethos, with Safari India Senior Correspondent Joyita Dutta.
Edited excerpts:
Joyita: You’ve spoken of taking Lords global. Which international markets are next on your radar?
Puspendra: We are actively exploring opportunities in Buffalo (New York State), Uganda, and Nairobi, alongside Asian markets such as Sri Lanka, Burma, and Bhutan. By the end of 2026, we plan to debut in these regions under one of our 4 brands-Lords Resorts, Lords Plaza, Lords Inn, or Lords Eco Inn.
Joyita: With multiple brands under the Lord’s umbrella, how do you differentiate and innovate across segments?
Puspendra: Each brand has a distinct identity, backed by clear design and operational guidelines. For example, Lords Eco Inn is compact with rooms under 200 sq. ft. and technology-driven lobbies, designed for smaller properties of up to 30 keys. Lords Inn starts at 30 rooms with an average room size of 230 sq. ft., along with restaurants and recreation facilities. Lords Plaza offers a minimum of 265 sq. ft. rooms, a double-height lobby, speciality dining, and expansive recreational amenities. Our Resorts require at least 3 acres of land, landscaped to create a genuine resort feel. These distinctions are codified in our SOPs, ensuring consistency and clarity across all developments.
Joyita: What advantages has the asset-light model brought to your expansion journey?
Puspendra: The asset-light model has been instrumental in our growth. It enables us to scale rapidly with minimal capital investment while delivering strong returns for property owners. Our role is to bring in operational expertise, cost efficiency, and brand value, allowing owners to focus on returns. A recent example is our signed property in Chitwan, Nepal, which is scheduled to open in October 2025.
Joyita: Do you have any plans to launch an IPO?
Puspendra: Yes, we are planning for an IPO within the next five years. It will be an important milestone in our journey, strengthening our financial base and fuelling further expansion.
Joyita: In a crowded mid-market segment, what truly sets Lords Hotels apart?
Puspendra: Our strength lies in our deep cultural understanding and strong regional presence. Lords is one of the largest mid-market chains in Gujarat, and that is not by chance. We understand the language, the cuisine, and the ethos of the market, which allows us to connect with guests in a meaningful way. My own roots in Gujarat have helped us shape this journey, and we intend to carry that authenticity into every market we serve.
Conclusion
Lords Hotels & Resorts is advancing toward 100 properties, global expansion, and a future IPO, all while staying true to its roots in Indian hospitality.
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