Soaltee Accelerates Chain Expansion After Going Independent

The Soaltee, one of Nepal’s oldest hospitality brands, has accelerated the expansion of its chain after repositioning itself as an independent brand in 2021 and resuming operations as The Soaltee Kathmandu.

After decades under international chain management, the group announced its brand expansion strategy in 2022. Since then, it has taken over the management of seven hotels and resorts. In several properties, it has also made minority equity investments.

Soaltee exited its long-running management arrangement with the crown brand of the British multinational InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2021. The nearly 27-year partnership formally ended on May 15, 2021. Following this, the group launched its own chain brand. In June 2025, The Soaltee Kathmandu became the first Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection hotel in South Asia.

The group currently manages hotels and resorts across Bhairahawa, Pokhara, Birgunj, Chitwan, Manakamana, Itahari and Nagarkot. These include both operational and newly built properties outside Kathmandu.

Recently, Soaltee assumed management responsibility for properties in Pokhara, Birgunj and Manakamana. The Pokhara hotel is already in operation. The Birgunj property is in the process of being brought under the Soaltee Westend brand. A five-star resort in Manakamana, Gorkha, is also nearing launch, according to a company official.

Within Nepal, hotels fully managed under the Soaltee brand include properties in Manakamana, Pokhara and Birgunj. In other locations, the group holds minority equity stakes.

In Pokhara, a key tourist destination, several Kathmandu-based legacy hotels have entered through direct investment. Soaltee, however, has opted for brand-led management rather than ownership. A four-star hotel on 18th Street in Lakeside is operating as Soaltee Westend Lakeside, Pokhara. The property was developed by Hotel Peninsula Pvt Ltd. A management agreement was signed in Bhadra 2082 BS (mid-August to mid-September 2025), and the hotel is now operational.

In Manakamana, Soaltee has taken over the management of a five-star property operating as Soaltee Westend Resort, Manakamana. The resort is in the final stage of construction and is expected to open soon.

In Birgunj, an existing hotel operated by an Indian group is being renovated to meet Soaltee standards. Once completed, it will operate as Soaltee Westend Resort, Birgunj.

Soaltee Westend Resort, Nagarkot, along with properties in Chitwan, Itahari, Bhairahawa and Tiger Palace, involve limited equity participation by the group. In recently added properties, Soaltee has taken on management responsibilities without direct investment. The group says it prefers partnerships with local owners.

The brand has also expanded internationally since last year. In Germany, Soaltee has taken over the management of two four- and five-star hotels in Frankfurt.

Founded in 1966, Soaltee began its journey by partnering with international hospitality brands. It first brought in India’s Oberoi Group in 1969. In 1994, it entered into a management agreement with IHG, a partnership that defined the hotel for nearly three decades before its transition to an independent chain brand.