Elevating Hospitality Standards: Insights from Vikas Sood of The Leela Gandhinagar

Elevating Hospitality Standards: Insights from Vikas Sood of The Leela Gandhinagar

Nishang Narayan

Published on November 4, 2024

In an exclusive interview, Vikas Sood, the General Manager of The Leela Gandhinagar and the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, shared valuable insights into the hospitality landscape. With nearly two decades of experience with renowned brands like Taj, Hyatt, Accor, and Marriott, Sood's expertise has been instrumental in establishing The Leela Gandhinagar as a premier destination for luxury and MICE events.

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When we inquired about his approach to ensuring high hotel customer service and guest satisfaction, he emphasized, “Our vision at The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre has always been to offer an unmatched blend of luxury, world-class hospitality, and state-of-the-art facilities. By combining the elegance and opulence of The Leela with the scale and versatility of Mahatma Mandir, we’ve created a unique destination that caters to both discerning luxury travelers and large-scale MICE events. A key part of our success has been our unwavering commitment to service excellence, ensuring that every guest experience is distinguished by warmth, personalization, and attention to detail."

We also asked Sood how he stays updated on industry trends and implements innovative practices in the hotel. He remarked, “The hospitality industry has changed a lot in the past few years. Technology is playing the key role of an enabler and it will continue to have an increasingly important role in the industry in the coming years. At The Leela Gandhinagar, we closely monitor industry shifts and customer preferences, allowing us to anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. We have implemented cutting-edge technology, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our guests. Our focus on sustainability, unique cultural experiences, and strategic collaborations has helped us maintain our position as a leader.”

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The conversation with Sood highlighted his commitment to excellence and innovation within the hospitality sector. For those interested in delving deeper into his insights, you can check out the complete interview in the November issue of Hospitality News, available on our website.


Balancing Excellence and Experience: An Interview with Ruban Das

Balancing Excellence and Experience: An Interview with Ruban Das

Nishang Narayan

Published on December 3, 2024

Ruban Das, the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Chennai, has spent over two decades navigating the dynamic world of hospitality. In a special feature for Hospitality News, Ruban opens up about his inspiring career, from his beginnings as a corporate management trainee to leading one of Chennai's most prestigious hotels. His journey, filled with pivotal moments, award-winning leadership, and innovative strategies, is one that resonates with aspiring professionals and industry stalwarts alike.

In this exclusive interview, Ruban shares his experiences, highlighting the rewarding moments of his tenure at Hyatt Regency Chennai. From fostering a motivated team to receiving heartfelt guest feedback, he reflects on the true essence of hospitality. When asked about balancing operational excellence with creating memorable guest experiences, Ruban explains the importance of empowering his team, integrating technology, and personalizing guest interactions.

Ruban also reveals some innovative practices implemented at Hyatt Regency Chennai, such as a “Surprise & Delight” program and sustainable initiatives like an in-house water bottling plant and waste reduction efforts. These measures not only enhance guest satisfaction but also underscore the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

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The conversation takes an exciting turn as Ruban discusses how Hyatt Regency Chennai embraces local culture and cuisine, from authentic dining experiences at Spice Haat to collaborating with local artisans and celebrating traditional Indian festivals. This focus on cultural immersion offers guests a deeper connection to Chennai’s heritage.

Looking to the future, Ruban outlines ambitious goals for the hotel, including leveraging emerging technologies, enhancing personalized guest experiences, and strengthening ties with the local community. His vision for Hyatt Regency Chennai as a hub that harmonizes local culture with global luxury is both inspiring and forward-thinking.

In conclusion, Ruban’s insights reveal a leader deeply committed to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and employees. It was a privilege to delve into his thoughts and strategies in this engaging conversation.

For the full interview and exclusive insights, grab a copy of the Hospitality News December Magazine or visit our website today!


Shoby T. Paul Discusses How Halo Airways Is Leading in Luxury Air Travel

Shoby T. Paul Discusses How Halo Airways Is Leading in Luxury Air Travel

Nishang Narayan

Published on December 3, 2024

In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News, Shoby T. Paul, CEO of Halo Airways, opens up about his journey, his vision for private aviation in India, and how his company is setting new benchmarks in luxury travel. Based in Kochi, Halo Airways has flourished under his leadership, becoming a prominent player in the private aviation sector. With an elite clientele that includes corporate leaders, Bollywood celebrities, and political figures, the company is synonymous with safety, luxury, and excellence.

As Cochin International Airport prepares to unveil its new business jet terminal, Shoby views this as a pivotal moment for Kerala’s aviation landscape. He delves into how the terminal will revolutionize private travel, complementing the seamless, personalized experiences that Halo Airways is celebrated for.

When asked about the pandemic’s impact, Shoby reflected on the challenges and opportunities it brought. Halo Airways adapted quickly, shifting focus to private jets to meet the soaring demand for safe and exclusive travel. This adaptability, he says, has become a cornerstone of their success.

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A hallmark of Halo Airways is its ability to create tailored travel experiences. Whether it’s ensuring client confidentiality, offering custom inflight meals, or expediting security clearance, every detail is designed to reflect the individuality of their high-profile clientele. Shoby emphasizes that delivering an exceptional experience goes beyond luxury—it’s about anticipating needs and making each journey truly memorable.

Shoby also discusses the exciting future of private aviation, from the potential of electric aircraft to digital innovations that enhance booking and personalization. He shares his passion for connecting people and his commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration within his team.

Concluding with anecdotes about handling challenges with foresight and precision, Shoby highlights the meticulous planning that ensures every flight is flawless.

It was a fascinating conversation that offered a rare glimpse into the visionary mind behind Halo Airways. To read the complete interview and explore more about Shoby T. Paul’s inspiring journey, check out the Hospitality News December Magazine on our website or DM us to get the physical copies. 


Deep Preet Bindra Unveils Insights on The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace's Vision and Future Plans

Deep Preet Bindra Unveils Insights on The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace's Vision and Future Plans

Nishang Narayan

Published on December 3, 2024

In an exclusive interview with HospitalityNews, Deep Preet Bindra, General Manager of The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, opens up about his journey, the evolving landscape of business and leisure travel, and his strategic vision for the property.

Bindra’s rich career spans over two decades, with significant experience at some of the most prestigious properties in India. His leadership has made a mark at renowned establishments such as The Oberoi, JW Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriott, and now, as the General Manager of The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, he continues to influence the direction of the hospitality sector in Hyderabad.

In our conversation, Bindra offers a detailed look into his vision for the hotel, positioning it as the go-to destination for both business and leisure travelers. By blending Westin’s global standards with the vibrancy of Hyderabad’s cultural heritage, he aims to create an unparalleled guest experience. From personalized in-room amenities to curated culinary experiences that highlight Hyderabad’s flavors, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to elevate the stay of every guest.

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As the city experiences rapid transformations in travel trends, Bindra observes the growing shift towards bleisure travel, where business travelers seamlessly combine work and leisure. To cater to this demand, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace has developed tailored packages that incorporate city tours, wellness retreats, and local culinary experiences.

Culinary innovations are another key area of focus. The hotel’s award-winning restaurants, including the internationally-inspired Seasonal Tastes, authentic Prego, and the Mediterranean delights at Casbah, continue to redefine dining in Hyderabad. Bindra discusses the team’s commitment to creating memorable culinary experiences by merging local and global flavors with sustainable practices.

Sustainability is at the heart of the hotel’s operations, with initiatives ranging from composting organic waste to offering electric vehicle transportation options. These green efforts are part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that luxury doesn’t come at the cost of the planet.

Looking ahead, Bindra hints at several exciting developments, including advanced automation for guest services and personalized offerings that will redefine luxury hospitality at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace.

This insightful conversation with Deep Preet Bindra sheds light on the forward-thinking strategies that are set to shape the future of hospitality at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. Be sure to check out the full interview and discover more exciting plans in the December edition of HospitalityNews, available both digitally on our website and in print.