Hilton has signed two hotels in partnership with GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) under its Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotels & Resorts brands. The hotels will be located at GMR Aerocity, New Delhi—India’s first global business district with world-class hotels, restaurants and premier future-ready offices at Delhi International Airport.
These developments will bring Hilton’s luxury and full-service brands to the heart of the capital’s best-connected hospitality and commercial district. The projects strengthen Hilton’s presence in New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), an area already home to four Hilton properties.
The signing includes the debut of Waldorf Astoria in India’s capital, underscoring Hilton’s long-term commitment to India’s fast-growing luxury market. The hotel will feature 150 rooms and suites, as well as signature dining experiences, large event spaces and indulgent wellness amenities. Guests will also experience Peacock Alley, the iconic gathering space at the heart of every Waldorf Astoria.
In addition, the 350-room Hilton at GMR Aerocity will be the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in New Delhi, bringing business and leisure travellers new, sophisticated facilities, dining options and social spaces.
Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton, said, “The signing of a Waldorf Astoria and Hilton in Delhi Aerocity with our partners at GMR-led DIAL underscores Hilton’s long-term commitment to India. As we continue to accelerate our growth in South Asia, these landmark properties and partnerships play a pivotal role in expanding Hilton’s portfolio and delivering exceptional, elevated experiences for global travellers. This signing marks a significant step forward in Hilton’s growth trajectory in the region and reinforces our role in shaping the future of the Indian hospitality market.”
Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added, “The introduction of Waldorf Astoria and our flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to GMR Aerocity marks a major milestone in our India growth strategy, bringing timeless luxury and modern hospitality to the capital. This signing is another step in our goal to grow our India portfolio to 10 times its current size in the next decade, supported by vast infrastructure investment and increasing appetite for travel.”
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Corporate Chairman, GMR Group, commented, “Partnering with Hilton to bring Waldorf Astoria and Hilton to GMR Aerocity reflects our continued commitment to [bringing] world-class global brands to Aerocity, thereby positioning the facility as a force multiplier for Delhi’s tourism and business economy. Hilton’s global standards align well with our ambition to build GMR Aerocity as a strategic destination, establishing new benchmarks in urban and hospitality infrastructure.”
Aman Kapoor, CEO, Airport Land Development, GMR Group, said, “This partnership positions GMR Aerocity, New Delhi, as a globally benchmarked destination, reinforcing its role as an unparalleled strategic urban centre connecting India to the world. Our vision has always been to create integrated, world-class destinations that drive economic and social impact. Partnering with Hilton for these two renowned brands reflects our commitment to bringing best-in-class experiences to one of the region’s most important travel and business hubs.”
The signing also brings Hilton another step forward on its trajectory to grow its luxury presence to 150 hotels in the Asia Pacific region in the coming years. In the coming years, Hilton will open Waldorf Astoria properties in Jaipur, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xi’an and Hanoi.
Hilton is regionalising its brands and expanding its brand portfolio in India to cater to different price points and stay occasions to meet the evolving needs of Indian travellers. The company will double its current five brands (Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton) to 10, adding Waldorf Astoria, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Signia by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton and Spark by Hilton in the coming years.
