LEMONTREE - Lemon Tree Hotel
📢 Recent Corporate Announcements
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed two new license agreements to expand its footprint in Raipur and Jalandhar, adding a total of 138 rooms to its pipeline. The Raipur property will operate under the 'Lemon Tree Premier' brand with 78 rooms, while the Jalandhar property will offer 60 rooms. Both hotels will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. This expansion targets high-growth urban hubs in Chhattisgarh and Punjab, catering to both business and leisure demand.
- Signed license agreements for Lemon Tree Premier, Raipur (78 rooms) and Lemon Tree Hotel, Jalandhar (60 rooms)
- Both properties to be managed by wholly-owned subsidiary Carnation Hotels Private Limited
- Raipur property is located 7 km from Swami Vivekananda Airport; Jalandhar property is 2 km from Jalandhar Cantt. Railway Station
- Expansion supports the company's asset-light growth strategy across Tier II and III cities
- Lemon Tree's total portfolio now includes 130+ operational hotels and 130+ upcoming properties
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has received an order from the CGST Delhi South Commissionerate regarding tax liabilities for the period FY 2019-20 to 2023-24. The order demands a tax payment of ₹39.98 lakhs related to the import of services under the reverse charge mechanism. Additionally, a penalty of ₹39.98 lakhs plus applicable interest has been imposed. The company has stated that this order will not have a material impact on its financial operations and is currently evaluating legal remedies.
- Tax demand of ₹39,97,924 raised for import of services under reverse charge mechanism
- Penalty of ₹39,97,924 imposed under Section 74(9) of the CGST Act, 2017
- Demand covers a five-year period from Financial Year 2019-20 to 2023-24
- Company is exploring legal actions and expects no material impact on operations
Lemon Tree Hotels' subsidiary, Hyacinth Hotels Private Limited, has received a tax order from the CGST authority in Delhi. The order demands a tax payment of ₹46.4 lakhs related to the import of services under the reverse charge mechanism for the period FY 2019-20 to 2023-24. Additionally, a matching penalty of ₹46.4 lakhs has been imposed along with applicable interest. The company is currently evaluating legal remedies to challenge the order and states there is no material impact on operations.
- Tax demand of ₹46,39,783 raised for import of services under reverse charge mechanism.
- Equivalent penalty of ₹46,39,783 imposed under Section 74(9) of the CGST Act.
- The order covers a five-year period from Financial Year 2019-20 to 2023-24.
- Company is exploring legal options to contest the demand and interest charges.
Lemon Tree Hotels achieved a record expansion in FY 2025-26, signing 56 new properties and opening 20 hotels. The company's total portfolio has reached 269 hotels, with 131 currently operational and a massive pipeline of 138 hotels. This growth is driven by a capital-efficient asset-light model focusing on Tier II/III cities, pilgrimage sites, and leisure destinations. The operational capacity now exceeds 11,000 keys across 80+ destinations, positioning the company to capture diverse travel demand across India.
- Signed 56 new hotels and opened 20 properties during the financial year 2025-26.
- Total portfolio expanded to 269 hotels, comprising 131 operational and 138 in the pipeline.
- Operational capacity reached 11,000+ keys across 80+ destinations in India and abroad.
- The core Lemon Tree Hotels brand led growth with 27 signings and 12 openings.
- Strategic focus on asset-light growth in underserved Tier II/III markets and pilgrimage sites like Ayodhya and Tirupati.
Lemon Tree Hotels has filed its quarterly compliance certificate under Regulation 74(5) of SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The document, provided by KFin Technologies Limited, confirms that all dematerialization requests were handled within the required 15-day window. It verifies that physical certificates were mutilated and cancelled upon conversion to electronic form. This filing is a standard administrative requirement and indicates the company's adherence to regulatory procedures regarding share registry.
- Compliance certificate covers the period from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026
- Registrar KFin Technologies confirmed processing demat requests within 15 days of receipt
- Physical security certificates were cancelled and mutilated after due verification
- Register of members updated with depository names for all approved dematerialization requests
Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the mutual termination of its Hotel Operating and License Agreements for a proposed property in Agartala, Tripura. The agreements, originally signed on March 18, 2024, involved the company's subsidiary, Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., and the owner, PRM Tirupati Pvt. Ltd. As the hotel was not yet operational at the time of termination on April 8, 2026, the company has confirmed there is no financial impact resulting from this decision. This development represents a minor adjustment to the company's future growth pipeline in the Northeast region.
- Mutual termination of operating and license agreements for the proposed Agartala hotel
- Agreements were originally executed on March 18, 2024
- The hotel was in the pre-operational stage and had not yet commenced business
- Company confirms zero financial impact arising from the termination of these agreements
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 98-room property in Simara, Nepal, which will be managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carnation Hotels. This signing marks the company's 7th property in Nepal, bringing its total portfolio in the country to 2 operational and 5 upcoming hotels. The property is strategically located just 2 km from Simara Airport, targeting high-growth commercial and transit-led demand. This expansion reflects the company's continued focus on an asset-light growth model in international gateway cities.
- New license agreement for a 98-room hotel in Simara, Nepal, featuring a restaurant, banquet, and spa.
- Strengthens presence in Nepal with a total of 7 properties (2 operational and 5 upcoming).
- Strategic location 2 km from Simara Airport to capture transit and eco-tourism traffic.
- Managed via Carnation Hotels Private Limited, maintaining an asset-light management strategy.
- Part of a larger pipeline of 130+ upcoming properties globally for the group.
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 60-room property under the Keys Prima brand in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. This addition brings the company's regional footprint to six properties, including four operational and two under development. The hotel will be managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carnation Hotels, and is strategically located just 2 km from Srinagar International Airport. This move reinforces the company's asset-light growth model in high-potential leisure markets.
- New 60-room hotel signed under the Keys Prima brand in Srinagar.
- Strategically located 2 km from Srinagar International Airport and 11 km from the railway station.
- Expands the Jammu & Kashmir cluster to 6 properties (4 operational, 2 under development).
- Managed by wholly-owned subsidiary Carnation Hotels Private Limited via a license agreement.
Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the retirement of Mr. Vilas Pawar, a member of its Senior Management Personnel, effective March 31, 2026, due to superannuation. The company has proactively managed the transition by assigning his responsibilities to Mr. Vivek Jhawar, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Business Development. Since Mr. Jhawar is already an established part of the senior management team, the company expects a smooth handover of duties. This internal succession indicates a focus on continuity in leadership and operational strategy.
- Mr. Vilas Pawar retired from the company effective close of business hours on March 31, 2026.
- The cessation of service is due to superannuation (standard retirement) rather than resignation.
- Mr. Vivek Jhawar, Senior VP – Business Development, has been assigned the responsibilities previously handled by Mr. Pawar.
- The transition is compliant with Regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the closure of its trading window for all designated persons starting April 1, 2026. This action is a standard regulatory requirement under SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations for the upcoming financial results. The window will remain closed until 48 hours after the declaration of the audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the quarter and year ending March 31, 2026. The specific date for the board meeting to approve these results will be announced at a later date.
- Trading window closure for designated persons begins on April 1, 2026.
- Closure is in relation to the audited financial results for the quarter and year ending March 31, 2026.
- The window will reopen 48 hours after the financial results are officially declared.
- The board meeting date for result approval is yet to be scheduled and intimated.
Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the opening of Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels in Vadodara, marking its 11th property in Gujarat and 3rd in the city. The hotel features 42 rooms and is operated under a franchise model, aligning with the company's asset-light growth strategy. While the room count is slightly lower than the 45 rooms initially disclosed in 2023, the launch strengthens the brand's presence in a key industrial and cultural hub. The company continues to scale aggressively with a pipeline of over 130 upcoming properties.
- Opening of the 11th property in Gujarat and 3rd in Vadodara city.
- The hotel features 42 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and banquet facilities.
- Operated as a franchised property, supporting the company's asset-light expansion model.
- Strategically located 12 km from Vadodara Domestic Airport and 7 km from the Railway Station.
- Lemon Tree currently operates 130+ hotels with an additional 130+ in the pipeline.
Lemon Tree Hotels and its subsidiaries have received several regulatory orders, the most significant being a GST demand against its material subsidiary, Fleur Hotels Limited. The CGST authority has raised a tax demand of approximately ₹4.25 crore along with an equivalent penalty of ₹4.25 crore for the period FY 2019-20 to 2024-25. Other minor penalties were levied by the Central Ground Water Board and ESI authorities for compliance lapses. The company intends to challenge the GST demand through legal appeals, stating it is not maintainable.
- Fleur Hotels Ltd received a CGST demand of ₹4.25 crore and an equivalent penalty of ₹4.25 crore (Total ~₹8.5 Cr) for FY 2019-25.
- Central Ground Water Board imposed penalties of ₹1,00,000 and ₹2,50,000 on subsidiaries for compliance and equipment failures.
- Minor notices were received from ESI (₹557) and Karnataka Excise (₹12,000) for procedural violations.
- Management believes the major GST demand is not maintainable and is evaluating legal remedies including filing an appeal.
- The company stated there is no material impact on operations despite the financial demands.
Ms. Freyan Jamshed Desai has resigned from her position as a Non-Executive Independent Director of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, effective from the close of business hours on March 20, 2026. The resignation also includes her withdrawal from all Board Committees where she served as a member. The stated reason for her departure is health concerns, which prevent her from dedicating the necessary time to her duties. The company has confirmed that there are no other material reasons for her resignation beyond those stated.
- Resignation of Independent Director Ms. Freyan Jamshed Desai (DIN: 00965073) effective March 20, 2026.
- Departure is attributed to health reasons and inability to dedicate required time to the role.
- The director has stepped down from all Board Committees simultaneously.
- Confirmation provided that no other material reasons exist for the resignation.
- The outgoing director holds no other directorships in listed entities as per the disclosure.
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 50-room resort in Lonavala, Maharashtra, which will be managed by its subsidiary Carnation Hotels. This addition strengthens the company's leisure portfolio in a high-demand weekend and wedding destination near Mumbai and Pune. The company currently has 15 operational properties in Maharashtra with 14 more in the pipeline, including this signing. This move continues their asset-light growth strategy through management and license agreements.
- New 50-room resort signed in Lonavala, a major leisure and corporate offsite hub.
- Property to be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary.
- Expands Maharashtra footprint to 15 operational and 14 upcoming properties.
- Strategic location 69 km from Navi Mumbai International Airport and 5.8 km from Lonavala station.
- Resort features include a banquet hall, meeting room, swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.
Lemon Tree Hotels has signed a license agreement for a new 76-room hotel in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which will be managed by its subsidiary, Carnation Hotels. This signing increases the company's footprint in Uttar Pradesh to 26 hotels, with 8 currently operational and 18 in the pipeline. The property is strategically located near Gorakhpur's airport and railway station, catering to the growing demand for branded hospitality in Eastern UP. This expansion reflects the company's ongoing strategy to penetrate high-potential regional and transit hubs across India.
- New 76-room hotel signed in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, under a license agreement.
- Total portfolio in Uttar Pradesh reaches 26 hotels, including 18 upcoming properties.
- Property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a 100% subsidiary.
- Strategic location 14 km from Gorakhpur Airport and 8.5 km from the Railway Station.
Financial Performance
Revenue Growth by Segment
Owned hotels revenue grew 8% YoY to INR 293 Cr in Q2 FY26, representing 63% of total network revenue. Managed and franchised hotel network revenue grew 13% YoY to INR 174 Cr (37% of network). Management fees from third-party hotels rose 7% YoY to INR 14.3 Cr, while fees from Fleur Hotels increased 8% to INR 19.9 Cr.
Geographic Revenue Split
The company operates a pan-India portfolio across 73 cities. Significant revenue is concentrated in major metros including Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, where major renovations and rebranding (e.g., Red Fox Aerocity to Lemon Tree Hotel) are driving repricing and higher revenue capture.
Profitability Margins
Profit After Tax (PAT) margin improved to 18.9% in FY25 from 17.0% in FY24. For Q2 FY26, PAT stood at INR 41.9 Cr, up 20% YoY. Cash profit for Q2 FY26 was INR 76.3 Cr, a 9.2% YoY increase.
EBITDA Margin
Net EBITDA margin was 43.0% in Q2 FY26, down 306 bps YoY from 46.1% in Q2 FY25. This was primarily due to investments in renovation, technology, and one-time ex-gratia payments which together accounted for 8% of revenue. Margins are expected to expand as these costs reduce to 5% in FY27 and 2% by FY28.
Capital Expenditure
Planned maintenance and renovation capital expenditure is estimated at INR 60-70 Cr per annum over the next three fiscals (FY26-FY28).
Credit Rating & Borrowing
Credit rating improved from A to A+ (Positive outlook from ICRA/CRISIL). This upgrade reduced the average cost of borrowing by 96 bps YoY to 7.72% in Q2 FY26 compared to 8.68% in Q2 FY25.
Operational Drivers
Raw Materials
Not applicable as a service provider; however, key operational costs include employee ex-gratia payments, technology investments, and renovation materials for hotel upgrades.
Capacity Expansion
Current operational capacity is 10,956 rooms across 121 hotels. The total pipeline includes 9,118 rooms, aiming for a total group inventory of 20,074 rooms across 242 hotels. A new 500-550 room Aurika hotel is planned for Nehru Place, New Delhi.
Raw Material Costs
Renovation, technology, and one-time employee payments accounted for 8% of Q2 FY26 revenue (approx. INR 24.5 Cr). Total expenses for Q2 FY26 were INR 175.6 Cr, up 14% YoY.
Manufacturing Efficiency
Occupancy stood at 69.8% in Q2 FY26 (up 139 bps YoY). Gross Average Room Rate (ARR) increased 6% YoY to INR 6,247, resulting in a RevPAR of INR 4,358 (up 8% YoY).
Strategic Growth
Expected Growth Rate
20%
Growth Strategy
Aggressive expansion of the management and franchise pipeline (currently 9,118 rooms). Rebranding lower-tier hotels to higher-tier brands (e.g., Red Fox to Lemon Tree Hotel) to drive RevPAR growth, as evidenced by a 47% RevPAR increase in a renovated Pune property. Focus on high-demand markets like New Delhi with the new Aurika project.
Products & Services
Hotel room stays, Food & Beverage (F&B) services, and hotel management/franchise services for third-party owners.
Brand Portfolio
Aurika Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Premier, Lemon Tree Hotels, Red Fox by Lemon Tree Hotels, Keys Prima, Keys Select, and Keys Lite.
New Products/Services
Launch of Lemon Tree Suites, Gurugram (246 rooms) and the upcoming 500+ room Aurika in New Delhi.
Market Expansion
Expansion into northern India and major business hubs; signed 15 new contracts adding 1,138 rooms to the pipeline in Q2 FY26 alone.
Market Share & Ranking
Among the top three hotel chains in India by number of rooms.
Strategic Alliances
Management arm Carnation Hotels Private Limited manages properties for third-party asset owners; Fleur Hotels serves as a key internal management partner.
External Factors
Industry Trends
The industry is seeing a demand-supply mismatch in major metros favoring incumbents. Lemon Tree is positioning itself by upgrading existing assets to capture higher rates as supply growth remains minimal in prime locations.
Competitive Landscape
Competes with major domestic and international hotel chains in India; maintains competitive edge through a dominant mid-scale presence and rapid asset-light expansion.
Competitive Moat
Durable advantage through a diversified brand portfolio covering economy to upscale segments and a massive pan-India footprint (111+ hotels) which is difficult for new entrants to replicate quickly.
Macro Economic Sensitivity
Highly sensitive to domestic tourism trends and corporate travel demand; H1 FY26 demand was muted due to floods and geopolitical tensions.
Consumer Behavior
Shift toward branded mid-scale and upscale accommodation; company is responding by upgrading 'Keys' and 'Red Fox' properties to 'Lemon Tree' and 'Keys Prima' brands.
Geopolitical Risks
Geopolitical tensions cited as a headwind causing muted demand in the first half of FY26.
Regulatory & Governance
Industry Regulations
Compliance with hospitality standards and GST regulations; forward-looking risks include changes in tax laws and import duties.
Taxation Policy Impact
Tax expense for Q2 FY26 was INR 13.9 Cr, up 36% YoY. GST revisions in the hospitality sector were noted as a demand headwind in H1 FY26.
Legal Contingencies
Maintains 100% resolution rate for sexual harassment cases over the last four years; governance includes 67% independent directors.
Risk Analysis
Key Uncertainties
Susceptibility to cyclicality in the hospitality industry and potential slower-than-expected ramp-up of new or renovated assets impacting short-term profitability.
Geographic Concentration Risk
While pan-India, a significant portion of owned asset value is concentrated in Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Third Party Dependencies
Dependency on third-party hotel owners for the 'managed' portfolio expansion; delays in their construction timelines impact management fee growth.
Technology Obsolescence Risk
Investing heavily in technology to mitigate obsolescence; tech spend is expected to stabilize at 2% of revenue by FY28.
Credit & Counterparty Risk
Net debt to EBITDA ratio (including lease liabilities) is a key monitorable, currently targeted to stay below 2.6x for further rating upgrades.