Written By: Gouri Ghosh

Indian travel business is increasing quickly. As major IT cities Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune booming, more professionals are traveling for meetings, training, and corporate initiatives. Such travelers are searching for high-quality, comfortable hotels they can rely on. That's why branded hotels in top locations are sought after. It is an ideal time to get into the hotel sector for new investors. Benefiting from the support of well-established brands and consistent demand in business centers, having a hotel franchise can prove to be both lucrative and viable.  In this blog, we are going to discuss how corporate travel is fueling this growth, where the top opportunities are, and why Indian premium hotel franchise opportunities are some of the most lucrative hotel franchises in 2025. 

If you're considering owning an Indian 5 star hotel franchise, this guide will give you a head start on where to begin and how to maximize it.

Tech Clusters That Are Shaping Hotel Demand

If you are considering investing in a hotel franchise, the area you locate in will make all the difference. India's top tech cities are registering a consistent increase in business tourism, led by IT professionals, finance professionals, and multinational companies. They require quality hotels in proximity to their offices, and they prefer established brands.

Here's an overview of some of India's leading technology clusters that hold significant promise for hotel franchise owners.

Bengaluru

In bangalore lacings such as Whitefield, Electronic City, and Outer Ring Road are filled with high-tech parks and international offices. These locations experience a constant stream of consultants, engineers, and business executives, hence recurring demand for upscale hotels.

Hyderabad

BIG IT, worldwide names, and pharmaceutical companies rule HITEC City and Gachibowli.  Weekday bookings are particularly robust here, led by business tours and project work.

Pune

Business travelers visit Hinjewadi and Kharadi, where several offices are located. The city also attracts domestic and international visitors, hence creating a viable market for high-end hotel franchises.

Gurugram

Situated in close proximity to Delhi, Gurugram is a key business area with headquarters, finance institutions, and startups. 

Chennai

Chennai has a solid mix of automotive, electronics, and IT sectors. Business travelers usually reside close to OMR and Taramani, where most business houses are located. There is a consistent flow of weekday reservations and also a priority destination for hotel investments.

Other Emerging Cities

It's also worth observing smaller but rapidly developing cities such as Coimbatore, Indore, Bhubaneswar, and Trivandrum. These are included in India's second wave of smart cities, with growing infrastructure, business areas, and increased demand for quality housing. These markets might provide lower initial investment costs with favorable long-term prospects.

What Business Travelers Expect from Premium Hotels?

When business travelers travel, visitors aren't necessarily seeking luxury they're seeking convenience, comfort, and ease. These travelers are busy and short on time, so they need a hotel that will support them in staying productive and relaxed throughout their visit.

Here's what they care about most:

Rapid and convenient check-in

Business visitors value anything that saves them time. Amenities such as app-based check-in, express check-out, and mobile room keys go a long way. It's not an extravagance—it's an expectation these days.

Clean, contemporary rooms

Following a stressful day of meetings or travel, a clean and neatly designed room is essential. It's not only about sleeping—it's also about having a quiet space to rest or do a bit of last-minute work.

Good food and room service

Whether a good breakfast, a productive lunch, or an evening meal, having a good in-house restaurant or room service is a big plus.

Work-friendly spaces

Hotels with quiet spaces, in-room desks, or business lounges provide them with the flexibility they require.

Why Franchising is the Wiser Choice in 2025?

Opening a hotel from scratch is challenging—establishing trust, managing operations, and drawing bookings requires time and capital.

That's why investors are increasingly opting to partner with the best hotel 

franchise in India, where you receive:

• A tested business model

• Centralized reservation and marketing systems

• Operational assistance and staff training

• Robust loyalty programs that generate repeat business

Premium hotel franchise brands in India also offer backend technology, layout design support, and site selection assistance so you can concentrate on returns, not daily frustrations.

 Premium Hotel franchise Chains to Invest in India (2025)

If you're planning to invest in a premium or 5-star hotel chain in India, these are the brands that are dominating the market based on trust, support, and profitability over the long run. These brands have varying franchise models based on your geographical location, investment size, and operational involvement level.

Radisson Hotel Group

• Multiple formats: Radisson Blu (5-star), Park Inn by Radisson (premium), and others

• Strong owner support and extensive B2B corporate relationships

• Estimated Investment: ₹15–40 crore (depending on format and location)

Lemon Tree Premier

• Part of the Lemon Tree Hotels chain, this brand seeks to target high-end business travelers

• Highly efficient, modern architecture, and strong domestic allegiance

• Suitable for investors wanting to enter tech-intensive areas

• Estimated Investment: ₹12–25 crore

Fortune Hotels (by ITC)

• Supported by the ITC brand, famous for steadfast luxury and sustainability

• Aims for upper-midscale to premium segments

• Good national presence, particularly in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities

• Estimated Investment: ₹8–20 crore

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts

• Provides various premium and upscale alternatives such as Sarovar Premiere

• Belongs to the Louvre Hotels Group (France), providing access to international booking networks

• Estimated Investment: ₹10–18 crore

Marriott International 

• Globally acclaimed with different luxury formats such as Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield, and Four Points

• Perfect for luxury investors seeking global positioning

• Robust training, marketing, and technology ecosystem

• Estimated Investment: ₹25–50 crore (based on the format)

The Fern Hotels & Resorts

• Recognized for sustainable premium hospitality

• Great franchise model with scalable assistance

• Estimated Investment: ₹8–16 crore

Capitalizing India's Hospitality in 2025

India's economy is rising steadily, and the technology sector is developing at a greater pace than before. Such growth is fueling a rise in business travel, so there is a consistent need for good-quality, dependable hotel stays. Metropolises where multinational corporations, startups, and remote working teams are flourishing such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram are particularly promising for hotel investors.

Franchising in premium and 5-star hotel segments presents the investor with the best of both worlds. You can count on:

• Good returns from consistent corporate bookings

• Less operational risk by aligning with proven brands

• Use of consistent business traveler base who have a preference for established hotel brands

• Marketing, management, and technological support by consistent hotel groups

With the appropriate franchise partner, you have the opportunity to take advantage of India's emerging business tourism market while establishing a profitable and sustainable asset.

Conclusion

India's emerging tech cities are generating increasing demand for high-end hotels. If you consider investing in India's premium hotel franchise business, now is an ideal time to do so.

Selecting the top hotel franchise in India provides you with the backing of popular brands and assists in attracting business travelers. Investing in luxury or 5-star hotels allows you to be part of the most profitable hotel franchises in 2025.

With the appropriate brand and location, you can establish a successful and enduring business.

Leverage the increasing corporate travel industry in India and hospitality demand it presents in 2025 and beyond.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.