Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Portfolio to 269 Properties in FY 2025–26

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd reported a record year of expansion in FY 2025–26, adding 56 new hotel signings and opening 20 properties, taking its total portfolio to 269 hotels across India. The milestone reflects a continued push toward an asset-light growth strategy, enabling rapid scale while maintaining operational discipline.

Expansion Driven by Asset-Light Strategy

The company’s growth trajectory is anchored in a capital-efficient model that emphasises management contracts and franchise partnerships. With over 130 operational hotels and more than 11,000 keys across 80+ destinations, the strategy has enabled accelerated expansion without significant balance sheet pressure.

A key highlight of the year is the strength of its development pipeline, which now stands at 138 hotels—surpassing its operational inventory. This signals strong forward visibility and sustained momentum in partner-led growth.

Geographic Diversification Across High-Growth Markets

Expansion during the year moved beyond metro-centric markets, with a strong focus on tier II and III cities, emerging leisure destinations, and high-demand urban centres.

The company strengthened its presence across multiple travel segments, including pilgrimage destinations such as Tirupati, Ayodhya, and Somnath; leisure locations like Malshej Ghat, Khurpatal, and Barog; and industrial hubs including Bhilai, Rudrapur, and Mhow. This diversified footprint enables the brand to capture demand across religious, leisure, and commercial travel—particularly in underpenetrated markets.

Brand-Led Development Momentum

Growth remained well distributed across the company’s brand portfolio. The core Lemon Tree Hotels brand led expansion with 27 signings, reinforcing its position in the midscale segment.

This was supported by 9 signings under Lemon Tree Premier, strengthening the upper-midscale category, while the Keys portfolio contributed 18 signings, indicating sustained traction in the value-driven segment. Select additions under Aurika Hotels & Resorts and Lemon Tree Resort highlight a calibrated approach to upscale and experiential markets.

Operational Execution and Openings

Execution remained consistent, with 20 hotels opened during the fiscal year. The Lemon Tree Hotels brand accounted for the majority of openings, followed by Lemon Tree Premier and Keys Lite, along with additions under Keys Select.

This steady conversion of signed projects into operational assets supports faster revenue realisation and strengthens the company’s network across key travel corridors.

Portfolio Snapshot as of March 31, 2026

As of the end of FY26, the company’s portfolio stood at 269 hotels, comprising 131 operational properties and 138 in the pipeline. The Lemon Tree Hotels brand leads with 144 properties, followed by Lemon Tree Premier and Keys Select, reflecting a balanced presence across segments.

Leadership Perspective on Growth

Neelendra Singh, Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., noted that the company’s next phase of growth is focused on expanding its core midscale proposition across a wider geographic network. He emphasised that shifting travel patterns and rising demand beyond traditional metro markets are driving this expansion.

Outlook: Positioned for Scalable Growth

With a pipeline exceeding its operational base, sustained signing momentum, and a diversified brand architecture, Lemon Tree Hotels is positioned for long-term growth. The company’s focus on asset-light expansion and market diversification aligns with evolving travel demand across India, enabling it to scale efficiently while maintaining brand consistency.