Guna Group’s Royal Tulip Kathmandu Set for June Opening, Marking Major Hospitality Expansion
KATHMANDU, NEPAL – June 15, 2025 – Guna Group, a diversified Nepalese conglomerate, is poised to make a significant entry into Nepal’s burgeoning hospitality sector with the phased launch of its first five-star property, the Royal Tulip Kathmandu. The upscale hotel is slated to begin operations with 104 rooms this June, following the successful activation of its expansive banquet hall in mid-January 2025 (Magh 2081 BS).
Due to the sheer scale and complexity of the development, the hotel has adopted a strategic phased operational approach. The initial phase saw the opening of the banquet hall, catering to large-scale events and conferences. The upcoming June launch will encompass the second phase, introducing 104 guest rooms. The final phase will see the full activation of all 308 rooms, completing the hotel’s extensive offering.
Strategic Partnership and International Standards The formal management agreement between Guna Group and France-based Royal Tulip was sealed in January 2025. This partnership brings international hospitality standards and global brand recognition to Kathmandu’s rapidly evolving hotel landscape. Royal Tulip, a brand under the Louvre Hotels Group, is renowned for its premium services and facilities worldwide. The hotel management confirms that all ongoing work is meticulously aligned with Royal Tulip’s rigorous operational and quality requirements, ensuring a world-class experience for its guests.
According to Diprash Shakya, Managing Director of Guna Group, the decision to open 104 rooms in June aligns with fulfilling all five-star hotel criteria. “We have ensured that the entire structure is prepared to meet the highest standards of a five-star hotel,” stated Shakya, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail. The hotel’s banquet hall, already operational, boasts an impressive capacity to serve 1,500 guests simultaneously, further complemented by extensive parking facilities accommodating up to 600 vehicles – a significant amenity in the often-congested Kathmandu valley.
Investment, Design, and Amenities Construction of the Royal Tulip Kathmandu commenced in August 2018 but faced unforeseen delays primarily due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the project has pushed forward to deliver a landmark property. Spanning an expansive 16 ropani (approximately 0.8 hectares) of land, the thirteen-story hotel represents an investment exceeding NPR 6.5 billion (approximately USD 48.8 million).
The hotel’s accommodation offerings include a range of room types: Presidential Suites, Suite Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Standard Rooms. Each room is meticulously designed to blend modern luxury with a distinct “Nepali essence,” promising a unique cultural experience alongside premium comfort. Guests can anticipate a host of amenities, with a swimming pool, state-of-the-art gymnasium, and health club nearing completion.
Prime Location and Market Impact Strategically positioned near Tribhuvan International Airport and adjacent to the Kathmandu Valley Ring Road, the Royal Tulip Kathmandu offers unparalleled accessibility for international travelers.
Its proximity to cultural heritage sites like Patan Durbar Square, just two kilometers away, further enhances its appeal to both leisure and business tourists seeking a blend of convenience and cultural immersion.
This venture marks Guna Group’s inaugural foray into the hospitality sector, a significant diversification for a conglomerate that has historically expanded its investments across housing, shopping malls, airlines, and media industries.
The opening of Royal Tulip Kathmandu signifies a vote of confidence in Nepal’s tourism rebound and a strategic move to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-end accommodation and international standard services.
As the first Royal Tulip property in Nepal, its launch is keenly watched by industry observers, potentially paving the way for more international brand collaborations in the future, given Royal Tulip’s reported ongoing agreements for other hotel and resort management projects in Nepal.
