Since the strategic tie up with Marriott International last November, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott has witnessed significant momentum, with 62 hotels now under its Series by Marriott portfolio across major Metros and Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets in India. The growing footprint reflects the brand’s expanding presence across diverse hospitality markets and its continued focus on identifying high-potential destinations that offer sustainable opportunities for growth.
In his new role, Manish Deolekar will spearhead the brand’s business development mandate, with a focus on driving expansion across India, identifying new markets, strengthening relationships with hotel owners, developers and evaluating opportunities through robust feasibility assessments. His appointment comes at an important stage in The Fern Hotels & Resort’s growth journey, as the brand continues to build scale while maintaining a disciplined approach to new hotel development.
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Manish brings extensive expertise across hotel operations, revenue management, strategic leadership and team development. A dual-degree holder in Hospitality Management and Business Administration, he combines a strong operational foundation with a business-oriented approach to hotel development and growth.
Manish began his hospitality career as a Management Trainee with The Taj Hotels, where he developed a strong foundation in service excellence and hotel operations. He subsequently moved to New Zealand to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, while gaining international exposure with Starwood Hotels, where he developed an understanding of global hospitality standards and operating practices.
His association with The Fern Hotels & Resorts dates back to 2011, during which he has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, from Sales Manager to General Manager of a hotel and subsequently Regional General Manager – Operations, overseeing multiple properties across Maharashtra. In these roles, he has been closely involved in hotel operations, pre-openings, feasibility studies and working with owners to conceptualise, position and launch new properties.
Commenting on his new role, Manish Deolekar, General Manager – Business Development, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott, said, “My priority in this expanded role is to accelerate The Fern Hotel & Resort’s footprint across India by identifying high-potential markets, building strong owner and developer partnerships and ensuring every new project is grounded in rigorous feasibility and a clear path to financial viability. Having spent over a decade with the brand from unit-level operations to regional oversight I bring both an owner’s-eye view of what makes a hotel succeed and an operator’s discipline in execution. As we scale nationally, I remain committed to the same principle that has guided my career: a passion for excellence, in every market we enter.”
He has also played an important role in The Fern–Marriott transition, contributing to the implementation of Marriott operational brand standards and SOPs, while supporting the integration of Fern Hotels & Resorts with the Marriott internal systems.
The appointment reinforces The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott’s commitment to strategic and sustainable expansion, with business development playing a central role in identifying the right markets, partners and opportunities for the brand’s continued growth. With its presence extending across established urban centres as well as emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations, the brand is positioned to further strengthen its footprint and respond to the evolving demand for quality hospitality across India.
As The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott continues to scale, Manish’s extensive understanding of the brand, coupled with his experience across operations, regional leadership and hotel development, will support the brand in building a robust pipeline of opportunities and translating its expansion strategy into long-term, sustainable growth.
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