Dinesh Rai, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Kochi, shares details about the hotel’s remarkable year of growth and transformation, its renewed culinary focus, and strategic emphasis on weddings, MICE, and leisure travel.
Gunjan Sabikhi
A year of growth, renovation and expansion
Year 2025 has been a year of transformation for Crowne Plaza Kochi. Managing multiple renovations while ensuring uninterrupted guest experience has been one of the hotel’s greatest achievements. Mosaic, the all-day dining restaurant serving over 300 guests daily, was completely revamped and expanded from 85 to 185 covers.
The new design features the city’s longest island-style buffet, and the renovation was impressively completed in just 28 days without any closure. Both speciality restaurants, Zoka and Sky- Grill, continued to make the hotel proud — Zoka won at the Economic Times Restaurant and Nightlife Awards for Best International Cuisine, while both outlets received Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice recognition.
All 14 meeting and event spaces were refreshed with new carpeting and décor, creating a vibrant look. The next phase includes renovation of the lobby and public areas to enhance the guest arrival experience. On the expansion front, KGA Group has signed a franchise agreement with IHG for a new hotel in Changanassery, Kerala, slated to open in early 2027.
Focus on experiences and culinary innovation
For the upcoming season, Crowne Plaza Kochi is focused on curating experiences that resonate with guests. Building on recent renovations, the hotel plans to refresh the lobby and public spaces, creating a contemporary and inviting ambience. Exclusive pop-up events and food festivals will continue to attract new audiences, featuring collaborations with renowned chefs like Michelin- starred Chef Alexandre Kerbouz for French Omakase and Nepali Nirvana experiences. These initiatives reinforce the hotel’s position as a culinary leader in the city.
Strengthening weddings, MICE and leisure segments
The focus for the coming year will be on weddings, MICE, and leisure travellers — segments that have shown exceptional potential. Large-scale conferences, concerts, and corporate events have driven occupancy and revenue, underscoring their significance. With 10,000 sq. ft. of indoor banquet space, 14,000 sq. ft. of outdoor venues, and a scenic backwater setting, Crowne Plaza Kochi is a sought-after wedding destination. Its MICE capabilities, 269 well-appointed rooms, and award-winning restaurants make it ideal for conferences and incentive programs.
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