Bhubaneswar Welcomes Its First Internationally Branded Hotel With Novotel

Bhubaneswar has long been known as the Temple City, drawing visitors for its centuries-old heritage, thriving education sector and growing business ecosystem. Now, the city is adding another milestone to its hospitality landscape. Accor has officially entered Odisha with the launch of Novotel Bhubaneswar, a 118-room property that also becomes the city's first internationally branded hotel.

The opening reflects the increasing attention Bhubaneswar is receiving as a destination that extends beyond religious tourism. Over the past few years, the Odisha capital has steadily strengthened its position as a centre for business, sports, conventions, and large-scale social events, creating demand for branded accommodation that caters to both corporate and leisure travellers.

Strategic Expansion

Located close to Biju Patnaik International Airport, Novotel Bhubaneswar is well placed for travellers arriving in the city for work or short leisure breaks. The hotel also enjoys easy access to Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Kalinga Stadium, major commercial districts and some of the city's best-known landmarks, including the iconic Lingaraj Temple. Its central location makes it equally convenient for visitors attending conferences, sporting events or exploring Odisha's cultural attractions.

The launch is another step in Accor's broader expansion across eastern India, a region where international hotel brands have been gradually increasing their presence as infrastructure improves and tourism continues to diversify. Bhubaneswar, in particular, has emerged as an important gateway to Odisha, with improved air connectivity and growing investment in business and public infrastructure helping reshape the city's hospitality needs.

For Accor, the new property also strengthens the footprint of Novotel, its globally recognised midscale brand, which now operates more than 620 hotels across over 70 countries.

Modern City Stay

Designed for business travellers, families and guests seeking longer stays, Novotel Bhubaneswar houses 118 guestrooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Executive Rooms and larger suites that offer additional space for extended visits.

The property has also been planned with meetings and events in mind. Around 12,000 square feet of flexible event and social spaces can accommodate corporate conferences, weddings, celebrations and other gatherings, reflecting the growing demand for organised event venues within the city.

Dining forms another key part of the hotel's offering. Guests can choose from Food Exchange, the all-day dining restaurant serving international and regional cuisine; Tea & Tonic, a café designed for informal meetings and light refreshments; and E2O – East Essence, Pan Asian Kitchen & Bar, which focuses on Asian flavours in a contemporary setting.

The hotel also features a fitness centre and leisure facilities, aligning with Novotel's global emphasis on balancing work, rest and wellbeing during a stay.

Growing Hospitality

The opening comes at a time when Bhubaneswar is witnessing growing demand across multiple travel segments. Alongside its reputation as one of India's oldest cultural centres, the city has become an increasingly important destination for business meetings, government events, sporting tournaments and destination weddings. This broader mix of travellers has encouraged hotel brands to invest in the market, bringing more internationally recognised hospitality options to Odisha.

Novotel positions itself around what it calls its "Longevity Everyday" philosophy, focusing on everyday habits centred around eating well, sleeping better, staying active and creating opportunities for meaningful connections. The approach is reflected across its accommodation, dining and shared spaces, which are designed to support both productivity and relaxation.

The brand also continues to integrate sustainability into its operations through its long-term partnership with WWF, supporting initiatives aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems while encouraging more responsible hospitality practices globally.

Accor's arrival in Odisha follows several expansion announcements across India, highlighting the group's continued confidence in the country's hospitality market. Earlier this year, the company also partnered with Sri Bhramara Group to develop a beachfront Novotel property in Andhra Pradesh, further strengthening its presence in the region.

For Bhubaneswar, however, the significance of this opening goes beyond adding another hotel to the city's skyline. As its first internationally branded hospitality destination, Novotel marks an important chapter in the capital's evolution as a modern urban centre where business, tourism, culture and large-scale events increasingly intersect. With improved connectivity, expanding infrastructure and a steady rise in visitor numbers, the city appears well positioned for the next phase of its hospitality growth.

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