France’s renowned luxury hotel brand Royal Tulip, managed by the Louvre Hotels Group, has officially expanded into Kathmandu by partnering with Guna Group to manage the five-star hotel ‘The Massif’ in Gwarko, Lalitpur. The collaboration was formalized in a management agreement signed between Ajay Bakaya, Director of Louvre Hotels India, and Rajendra Shakya, Executive Chairman of The Massif Hotel. This marks Royal Tulip’s second hotel in Nepal, following their successful venture in Sauraha, Chitwan.
Guna Group Chairman Rajendra Shakya hailed the partnership as a significant milestone for Nepal’s hospitality sector. The hotel, constructed at a cost exceeding Rs 6.51 billion, spans 16 ropanis and is strategically located near Tribhuvan International Airport, just two kilometers from Patan Durbar Square.

The hotel’s phased launch will begin with the operation of conference and seminar halls, while rooms are expected to open within three months. The Massif features 302 rooms, including presidential, suite, luxury, and standard-level accommodations, all combining modern luxury with Nepalese cultural elements. The hotel is designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers, offering a swimming pool, fitness club, and banquet hall. Royal Tulip aims to position The Massif as a premier destination for conferences, wedding ceremonies, and high-end hospitality services.
Royal Tulip Director Ajay Bakaya emphasized the brand’s commitment to delivering world-class service, including specialized training for human resources to maintain high hospitality standards. “This hotel will be suitable for hospitality, particularly conferences and wedding ceremonies,” he remarked.

Diprash Shakya, Group Director of Guna Group, highlighted that The Massif aims to provide not only luxury but also a unique guest experience. This venture aligns with the group’s expanding investments in housing, shopping malls, airlines, and media industries. Hotel General Manager Balram Pathak expressed confidence in setting a new benchmark for global hospitality in Nepal. “We have prioritized the guest experience over the destination,” he said, underscoring the hotel’s focus on customer satisfaction.
With its luxurious facilities and prime location, The Massif is expected to redefine the luxury hospitality landscape in Nepal while strengthening the country’s appeal as a global tourism destination. Royal Tulip plans to fully operationalize the hotel within the next six months.