IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Lumbini Heritage Limited to develop Crowne Plaza Lumbini, a 147-key hotel scheduled to open in 2026. The deal marks the second Crowne Plaza hotel in Nepal and strengthens the brand’s premium presence in South Asia.

Located in the historic city of Lumbini, a revered pilgrimage site and UNESCO World Heritage location, the hotel is designed to cater to both spiritual travellers and guests attending meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE). The property is approximately four kilometres from the main pilgrimage site and 18 kilometres from Gautam Buddha Airport, giving it strategic advantage in a market with limited international hotel offerings.

The hotel will feature 137 premium rooms and 10 suites, alongside versatile meeting and event spaces, including a banquet hall suitable for a wide range of occasions. The property is expected to support the growing travel demand from both domestic visitors and guests from neighbouring Indian states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Nepal with the signing of Crowne Plaza Lumbini. Lumbini holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, and bringing the Crowne Plaza brand here reaffirms our commitment to expanding world-class hospitality across high-potential destinations. With modern design, versatile spaces, and premium facilities, we are confident Crowne Plaza Lumbini will become a preferred choice for domestic and international travellers alike.”

Subhash Amatya, chairman of Lumbini Heritage Limited, added: “We are proud to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring a Crowne Plaza hotel to Lumbini. The city holds immense cultural and spiritual value, attracting travellers from around the world. With IHG’s global expertise and the strength of the Crowne Plaza brand, we are confident that the hotel will redefine hospitality standards in the region while creating a premium welcoming space for both business and leisure guests.”

Crowne Plaza’s design focuses on blending business and leisure travel, offering flexible Social Spaces, premium rooms, and amenities to balance work, relaxation, and sleep. The brand’s recent refresh enhances guest experiences, positioning it as a leader in the premium hotel sector.

IHG currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India and maintains a strong pipeline of 72 hotels due to open in the next three to five years, reinforcing its expansion strategy across South West Asia.