KATHMANDU, Jan 22: The five-star Hotel Annapurna, located at Durbarmarg, is gearing up to reopen after approximately four years of closure. The hotel, which had ceased operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is advancing its preparations, including staff recruitment, to resume services.
Anjan Bagale has been appointed as the General Manager of the hotel. Executive Director Srijana Rana stated that they are actively working on necessary preparations for the reopening. "We are currently exploring a new operational concept for the hotel's services," said Executive Director Rana. "As the preparation phase is ongoing, the exact date for resuming operations is yet to be determined."
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The hotel has adopted a new business model following legal challenges encountered in transferring ownership of its land, which it had attempted to sell for a year. Having been closed since Chaitra 2076 BS due to financial difficulties, the hotel initially put the land up for sale as a means to clear its debts.
However, following the Department of Land Survey's restriction on land sales exceeding certain limits, the hotel has reportedly shifted its strategy towards operating on a lease basis. Sources indicate that negotiations are underway with both domestic and foreign investors. Although a potential deal with an Indian company has been mentioned, the company's name remains undisclosed.
Meanwhile, Executive Director Rana has stated that there are no plans to lease the hotel. "We have appointed a general manager and are working towards operating the hotel in a different manner than before," she clarified.
Despite these claims, the hiring of additional staff has been put on hold, pending the finalization of these plans.
