Marriott's Autograph Collection Debuts In India With NoorMahal Hotel Opening In Karnal

Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, has entered the Indian market with the opening of NoorMahal, Delhi NCR, Karnal, Autograph Collection. The 176-room property in Haryana marks the brand’s debut in India and becomes Marriott Bonvoy’s 19th brand in the country.

The Autograph Collection portfolio is positioned as a group of independent hotels, each defined by distinct design, identity, and guest experience. With NoorMahal, the brand enters India at a time when hospitality companies are responding to increased demand for differentiated and experience-driven stays.

Kiran Andicot, senior vice president, South Asia, Marriott International, said, “As Indian travellers increasingly seek stays that are distinctive, design-led, and rooted in cultural authenticity, Autograph Collection arrives at a moment of strong relevance for the market. NoorMahal brings this to life beautifully, where India's regal heritage meets contemporary artistry to create rich, immersive moments for the modern design-conscious traveller.”

Location, Design, And Guest Accommodation

NoorMahal is located on the Grand Trunk Road along the NH44 highway in Karnal, Haryana. The property lies within a key travel corridor connecting Delhi to northern destinations such as Kurukshetra, Chandigarh, and further to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is approximately two hours by road from both Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and Chandigarh International Airport, and about 15 minutes from Karnal Railway Station.

The location positions the hotel as both a destination property and a stopover for travellers heading to cities such as Amritsar and Patiala in Punjab, Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, and Dehradun and Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. The property is also accessible for guests from Ambala and Ludhiana.

Architecturally, NoorMahal draws from multiple historical influences, including Mughal, Rajput, Punjabi, and Persian styles. The exterior features domes, arches, and jali work, while the interiors incorporate layered textures, jharokhas, handcrafted finishes, and large-format spaces. The hotel also houses an extensive collection of art and artefacts, positioning it as a heritage-focused property with curated design elements.

The hotel offers 176 guestrooms and suites designed with a mix of classical Indian aesthetics and contemporary amenities. 

Among the accommodation categories, the Raja Niwas and Khwabgah penthouses are positioned as premium offerings. These include private terraces, large living areas, and dedicated butler service. The design of these suites references traditional royal residences while integrating modern hospitality standards.

As part of the Autograph Collection experience, the property also introduces a signature “Autograph Moment.” At NoorMahal, this includes a curated portrait experience inspired by royal courts, where guests are styled and photographed in a vintage format reflecting historical portraiture. The output is positioned as a personalised keepsake.

Dining, Wellness, And Large-Scale Event Infrastructure

The hotel includes four dining venues that together form its food and beverage offering. The Frontier Mail is a specialty restaurant focused on North-Western frontier cuisine, featuring recipes and cooking styles associated with historic trade routes and royal kitchens. The menu emphasises slow-cooked preparations and regional flavours.

Colonel Saab operates as an all-day dining restaurant, offering a mix of Indian and international dishes. The venue presents both regional Indian recipes and global cuisine options in a contemporary format.

The Polo Bar is designed as a lounge-style space serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with a focus on classic and modern cocktails. The Cake Factory specialises in desserts and baked goods, contributing to the hotel’s overall dining portfolio.

In terms of wellness and recreation, NoorMahal includes a full-service spa offering treatments such as the Aroma Bliss experience. Additional facilities include a gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool, and designated relaxation areas.

The property also includes multiple recreational options, including tennis and pickleball courts, as well as adventure activities such as ziplining and rock climbing. A dedicated Kids Play Zone is available for younger guests.

One of the key features of the hotel is its event infrastructure. NoorMahal offers more than 300,000 square feet of event space, positioning it as a venue for large-scale weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. The property includes indoor venues such as Sheesh Mahal and Darbar Hall, along with outdoor lawns including Rani ka Bagh and Raja ka Bagh.

These spaces are designed to accommodate events of varying sizes, from small gatherings to large functions. The scale and variety of venues place the property within the competitive wedding and events market in North India.

Colonel Manbeer Sandhu, CMD, NoorMahal Group, said the project is rooted in a focus on heritage and hospitality. “NoorMahal is a heartfelt tribute to India’s past era, brought to life with a deep sense of pride, detail, and authenticity. Every element of this incredible Indian palace hotel reflects this commitment to preserving heritage while creating a space that feels relevant and welcoming for modern guests. With Marriott International as a strong partner, we can now share this vision with a wider global audience, while continuing to deliver experiences that are rich in character, scale, and reflect a true sense of occasion.”

The hotel has been envisioned by Colonel Manbeer Sandhu and Binny Choudhary, who are descendants of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. With this opening, Marriott International strengthens its presence in India’s upper-upscale and luxury segments while introducing a new brand category to the market. The company continues to expand across business, leisure, and destination travel segments, with a focus on properties that offer distinct positioning and local relevance.

FAQs

1. Where is NoorMahal Autograph Collection located?

NoorMahal is located in Karnal, Haryana, on the Grand Trunk Road (NH44), around two hours from Delhi and Chandigarh.

2. What is Autograph Collection by Marriott?

Autograph Collection is a portfolio under Marriott Bonvoy featuring independent, design-led hotels with unique character and curated guest experiences.

3. How many rooms does NoorMahal have?

The hotel offers 176 rooms and suites, including premium options like the Raja Niwas and Khwabgah penthouses.

4. What facilities are available at NoorMahal Karnal?

The hotel includes multiple restaurants, a spa, swimming pool, sports facilities, and over 300,000 sq ft of event space for weddings and conferences.

5. Is NoorMahal suitable for weddings and events?

Yes, NoorMahal is designed for large-scale events with indoor venues like Sheesh Mahal and Darbar Hall, along with expansive outdoor lawns.