Lemon Tree Hotels Limited , India's fastest-growing mid-scale and premium hotel chain, has announced a significant expansion of its leisure portfolio in Maharashtra. The company has signed a franchise agreement for a new property, Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Saj by the Lake, in Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra.

Property Details

The new hotel will feature:

• 55 well-appointed rooms
• A resto bar
• Banquet and open event spaces
• Recreational facilities including a swimming pool and spa

Strategic Location

Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Saj by the Lake, is strategically located in the Western Ghats, approximately:

• 110 km from Pune International Airport
• 92 km from Kalyan Railway Station

This picturesque location offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, observe diverse bird species, and explore serene hills with calming waterfalls.

Expanding Presence in Maharashtra

This signing marks a significant step in Lemon Tree's expansion strategy in Maharashtra. The company now boasts:

• 13 operational properties in the state
• 11 upcoming properties
• The newly signed Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels, Saj by the Lake

Partnership and Future Prospects

Mr. Vilas Pawar, CEO - Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the new agreement, stating, "We are delighted to welcome SAJ Hotels Ltd as our valued partner. This signing will expand our leisure portfolio in Maharashtra, a state where we have a strong presence."

Notably, this property is expected to be the first of several that Lemon Tree Hotels plans to sign with SAJ Hotels Ltd, indicating a potentially fruitful long-term partnership.

Company Overview

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has been rapidly expanding its footprint across India. The company operates over 120 hotels in more than 75 cities, with a robust pipeline of over 110 upcoming properties. Their diverse brand portfolio includes:

• Aurika Hotels & Resorts
• Lemon Tree Premier
• Lemon Tree Hotels
• Red Fox
• Keys Prima
• Keys Select
• Keys Lite

These brands cater to various segments, from upper upscale to midscale, and include leisure, wildlife, and spiritual offerings.

As Lemon Tree Hotels continues to grow, this new franchise agreement in Malshej Ghat reinforces the company's commitment to expanding its presence in key leisure destinations while providing guests with fresh, vibrant, and value-driven experiences.

Lemon Tree Hotels , India's largest midmarket and upscale hotel chain, has unveiled significant changes to its top management, marking a new chapter in the company's leadership structure.

Key Leadership Changes

Patanjali Govind Keswani, the co-founder and current Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, will transition to the role of Executive Director and Chairman for an 18-month period, effective October 1, 2025. Keswani, who has been at the helm since the company's inception in 2002, will step down from his position as Managing Director on September 30, 2025.

In a strategic move, Neelendra Singh has been appointed as the new Managing Director for a five-year term, also beginning October 1, 2025. Singh brings over 26 years of leadership experience to the role, having previously held key positions at companies including Adidas India, Arcus, Hutchison, and Shoppers Stop.

Additionally, Kapil Sharma, a long-standing member of the Lemon Tree team since 2004, has been named Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for a five-year term starting October 1, 2025.

Shareholder Approval and Market Response

These leadership changes were approved by the company's shareholders at the 33rd Annual General Meeting held on September 25, 2025. The meeting, conducted through video conferencing, saw the passage of several resolutions related to these appointments and their respective remunerations.

Following the announcement, Lemon Tree Hotels' shares experienced a slight decline of 1.90% on the National Stock Exchange, closing at ₹166.30.

Future Direction

Under the new leadership structure, Keswani will focus on shaping the company's long-term vision and strategic direction. His role will include expanding the technology platform and ensuring the company's sustained success. He will also be involved in leadership development and mentoring, nurturing the next generation of leaders as Lemon Tree Hotels continues its growth trajectory.

Neelendra Singh, as the incoming Managing Director, is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the company's operations and strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors.

Kapil Sharma's elevation to Executive Director and CFO recognizes his significant contributions to the company over the past two decades, particularly in areas such as mergers & acquisitions, private equity, project financing, and capital markets.

These changes represent a significant milestone for Lemon Tree Hotels as it prepares for its next phase of growth and development in the competitive hospitality industry.