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Published on December 8, 2023
In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News, Mr. Amit Kumar, General Manager at La Marvella, Bengaluru, shared his extensive experience in managing events and offered insights into his inspirations in the hospitality field. When asked about his experience in managing large-scale events at La Marvella, Mr. Kumar detailed:
"Let me shed light on La Marvella, starting with the story behind its name. 'La Marvella' is derived from the Spanish word 'maravilloso,' which translates to marvelous. This name isn't just a label; it embodies a rich history and significance. Every aspect of our hotel, including our banquet halls, carries unique names, each with a distinct meaning that complements the ambience. For instance, we have the 'Colosseum' banquet hall, a name reminiscent of an amphitheater. It offers a generous 3,800 sq. ft. of space and can comfortably accommodate up to 250 people in a theater-style arrangement, or up to 450 people in a floating crowd setup. Then there's 'Leroi,' a name of Spanish origin associated with opulence and grandeur. Leroi exudes a rich ambiance, making it a favorite among our patrons. This spacious hall covers an area of 4,200 sq. ft., suitable for various events, from anniversaries and corporate functions to award ceremonies, dealers' meetings, and cocktail dinners. Our 'Vista' banquet hall, which means picturesque, spans 2,200 sq. ft. The hall offers a scenic view, especially in the evenings, providing a visually pleasing backdrop for your events. 'Aurum,' another banquet hall, covers 1,600 sq. ft. It can comfortably accommodate 35 to 40 people in a cluster-style setup and 70 to 80 people in a theater-style arrangement. For a touch of outdoor charm, we have 'Sky Marvella.' This open area offers flexibility in decor and is perfect for events such as Haldi, Mehndi, and social gatherings. The evening atmosphere with its picturesque landscaping creates a beautiful backdrop. Our dedicated event manager collaborates with prospective clients to understand their unique requirements, curate personalized menus, and assist with event organization and decor, including theme selection. But our offerings go beyond events. La Marvella boasts 102 rooms, each exquisitely designed. These include executive, club, and suite categories. Among these, we have 20 premium suites and 9 club rooms. The spacious rooms range from 330 sq. ft. for our executive base category rooms to 500 sq. ft. for our club rooms and 650 sq. ft. for the executive suites. Our rooms feature plush 10-inch mattresses, top-quality imported linens with a thread count of 650, and upscale fixtures. You'll find acrylic bathtubs in our rooms, complete with chandeliers. The shower area is equipped with luxury bath fittings, including a showerhead and three additional nozzles. The wooden flooring in the rooms is made of acacia wood. Our guest rooms are not just rooms; they are smart guest rooms. Automation allows you to control window drapes, air conditioning, lights, and even unlock doors from your bed. High-speed internet connectivity is a priority, with dedicated routers for each room to ensure a seamless, high-speed experience during your stay. Additionally, our guest services include a rooftop swimming pool, a 3,500 sq. ft. spa with three therapy rooms and a couple's therapy room, and a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts. La Marvella's strategic location in Jayanagar, adjacent to the metro station, puts us in proximity to educational institutions like Surana College, IIM, Dayanand College, and prominent hospitals like Apollo and Fortis. We've been a South Bangalore landmark for 14 years, making us the preferred choice for VIP moments, accommodating out-of-town guests, hosting events, and providing a top-notch dining experience. La Marvella truly lives up to its name - the marvelous choice in South Bangalore."
Regarding his inspirations in the hospitality field, Mr. Kumar shared:
"I have been managing this hotel for the last 8 years, and the current inspirations come from the owner himself, Mr. Adhi Bhaskar. This hotel was his first, and he possesses a profound passion for the product, services, and guests. Recently, I read a book by David Abstein about generalist and specialist people. It highlighted that the Titanic, built by specialists, sank, while the ark, built by amateurs, didn't. This example inspires me, showing that success can come from diverse perspectives. Mr. Bhaskar, the owner, shares similar dedication, akin to Captain Nair of Leela Hotel, who personally oversaw every detail. During the challenging time of COVID-19, a real litmus test for our industry, Mr. Bhaskar demonstrated his foresight. While many in the industry were uncertain, he was clear that recovery would take time. Despite the industry's trend of shutting down or laying off staff, he retained our team, ensuring they received their salaries. This decision has kept our talented manpower intact, and we are grateful for his commitment during those difficult times. This support extended not only to our personnel but also to the comprehensive maintenance of the property. Many tasks that would have been impossible during regular operations were executed during the shutdown, leaving us well-prepared to serve our guests and the market as soon as conditions improved. Another invaluable mentor has been Mr. Mohammad Shoeb, my first front office manager. His consistent guidance emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, patience, and the pursuit of learning in this industry. Learning the art of keeping calm and continuously seeking new knowledge has been a lasting lesson from him. He shared wisdom that one must survive before they can fight, a piece of advice that underscores the need for perseverance during the ups and downs of one's career. Moreover, the wisdom of other esteemed colleagues like Mr. Pankaj Gupta, Mr. Tarun Kumar Maity, and Mr. Navin Kaul, who are veterans in the industry, has been instrumental. They generously shared their extensive experiences, offering guidance and insights on how to navigate different situations. Exploring various departments and investing substantial hours in understanding processes has been integral to my growth. Collectively, these experiences have molded me into the professional I am today."
This enlightening conversation with Mr. Amit Kumar offered a fascinating look into the intricate operations and the leadership ethos at La Marvella. For a more in-depth exploration of these insights, viewers can watch the complete interview on the Hospitality News YouTube channel.
The full details of this engaging discussion are also available in the December issue of Hospitality News, accessible through our website.
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Published on September 1, 2025
In today’s world of hospitality, where loyalty programs are often defined by free nights, discounts, and upgrades, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has chosen a different path, one that blends guest rewards with social good. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Vivek Shukla, CEO of the Group, offered rare insights into how luxury and purpose can converge to create a new standard for the industry.
With more than 35 years in luxury hospitality and two decades shaping The LaLiT’s vision, Shukla is widely known for his people-first approach and strategic foresight. His leadership during the pandemic, marked by initiatives that supported frontline workers and vulnerable communities, underscored his conviction that hospitality is about much more than service, it is about responsibility.
This ethos is at the heart of the Group’s new loyalty program. Unlike traditional models, this initiative empowers guests to transform everyday indulgences into acts of giving. Partnering with Points for Good, The LaLiT allows loyalty members to channel their points towards diverse causes ranging from child education and sustainability to LGBTQIA+ empowerment. Shukla describes it as a shift “from transactional exchanges to purposeful, meaningful connections”.
The innovation lies in embedding impact seamlessly into daily guest interactions. Shukla believes that over time, members will begin to associate loyalty not only with luxury but also with generosity and social change. “When routine stays or meals become part of something greater, it fosters a culture of care and giving back”, he says.
Perhaps most compelling is the vision behind it: small contributions from thousands of guests, collectively sparking a wave of impact across India. By aligning hospitality with social responsibility, The LaLiT is rewriting the future of loyalty, one that is not just about repeat business but about emotional connection and shared purpose.
Our conversation with Vivek Shukla was both inspiring and thought-provoking, challenging the industry to see loyalty in a whole new light. For the complete interview and exclusive insights, dive into the Hospitalitynews Magazine September Edition- available now on our website and in print. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative dialogue shaping the future of hospitality.
In an era where unpredictability has become the only constant in travel and hospitality, few voices carry the weight of experience, foresight, and innovation like Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder and Managing Director of Sciative Solutions. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Dr. Jalora shared sharp insights on how technology, behavioral economics, and AI-driven pricing are rewriting the rules of hotel revenue management.
With over 23 years of global expertise, stints at Starbucks, Overstock.com, and PROS Revenue Management, and a patent in pricing software, Dr. Jalora is not only a leader but a pioneer. His ability to bridge the precision of academia with the dynamism of the hospitality market makes his perspectives especially compelling.
When asked about this year’s unexpected monsoon surge in travel demand, Dr. Jalora explained how AI-powered systems like ZettaRMS can detect weather shifts, booking pace, and competitor rates in real time allowing hotels not just to react, but to stay ahead of market waves. The difference, he notes, lies in “explainability,” enabling revenue managers to understand why pricing shifts occur while preserving guest trust.
What followed was a fascinating look into the speed of pricing decisions. With ZettaRMS updating rates every 15 minutes, Dr. Jalora emphasized how short-lived surges can now be monetized with precision, often lifting ADRs by 4–5% in ways static pricing could never achieve. His revelations about post-pandemic booking patterns in India last-minute clusters, OTA user behaviors, and the surprising profitability of “shoulder nights” offered a rare, data-driven lens into the evolving market.
From tackling OTA leakage with parity checks to preparing hotels for the unpredictable, Dr. Jalora stressed one recurring theme: context-specific pricing is the future. The hotels that adapt in real time will not only safeguard revenues but thrive in an increasingly volatile market.
It was a truly insightful conversation with Dr. Jalora, one that promises to reshape how we think about pricing in hospitality.
Want More? You can explore the full in-depth interview and exclusive coverage in the September edition of Hospitalitynews magazine, available both on our website and as a beautifully curated print magazine. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the future of hospitality, one conversation at a time.
At the heart of ITC Grand Chola, one of Chennai’s most iconic star hotels, a frozen dream has been delighting the city. Yura, the artisanal gelato and sorbet destination, has quickly become a favourite among dessert lovers for its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and culinary artistry. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager of ITC Grand Chola, shared insights into Yura’s journey, its inspirations, and the philosophy behind its one-of-a-kind creations.
Shaariq describes Yura as more than just gelato. For him, it is the realisation of “a beautiful dream”, a place where childhood memories and sensory indulgence meet. This philosophy is at the heart of Yura’s handcrafted flavours, whether it’s the ethereal balance of Miso Caramel, the gold-touched elegance of Idukki Vanilla, or the playful indulgence of Filter Kaapi and Rose & Paan. Each flavour tells a story, designed to surprise and comfort at the same time.
What makes Yura stand apart is its ability to balance bold creativity with the warmth of familiarity. In a country where traditional sweets are deeply loved, Yura offers reinterpretations that spark nostalgia in a new form. Whether it’s Aam Papad Gelato or French Raspberry Sorbet, the intent remains the same, to bring people closer to cherished memories, now served in scoops of artisanal perfection.
Shaariq also spoke about the painstaking process of creating new flavours, from the very first spark of inspiration to the final tasting session. Each step is guided by the idea that every scoop should stir emotions and leave behind an unforgettable experience. Sustainability too lies at the core, with Yura relying on mindful sourcing and renewable energy, ensuring that indulgence remains both luxurious and responsible.
Our conversation with Shaariq revealed that Yura is more than a frozen treat, it’s an experience of comfort, wonder, and artistry. Every scoop tells a story, waiting to be discovered.
It was truly a delightful conversation with him, and to read the complete interview, you can check out the September edition of Hospitalitynews Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy today.
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