Guest-Centric Leadership: Uday Bhaskar's Strategy for Success

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Published on March 4, 2024

In this edition of Hotelier's Talk, join us as we delve into the world of hospitality leadership with Uday Bhaskar, the esteemed General Manager at Pride Hotels Group in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Get ready to gain insights into Uday's three-decade-long journey in the hospitality industry, his strategies for elevating guest experiences, and his innovative approaches to hotel operations. 

Uday Bhaskar is a seasoned hospitality professional with over three decades of experience. Currently serving as the General Manager at Pride Hotels Group in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, he excels in strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and guest-centric service delivery.

Prior roles include Front Office Manager at Radisson Hyderabad HITEC City and Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, where he demonstrated expertise in team leadership and operations management. At Hash Six Hotels in Coimbatore, he focused on rooms division management and training coordination.

With stints at Le Royal Meridien Chennai and Sheraton Park Hotel and Towers Chennai, Uday showcased skills in revenue management and business analysis. His journey began at WelcomHotel Grand Bay in Visakhapatnam, where he developed a strong foundation in guest service management.

Throughout his career, Uday has prioritized continuous learning and adaptation to industry trends, contributing significantly to the success of each organization he has served.

What are your key responsibilities as the General Manager of The Pride Hotel Chennai, and how do you prioritize them?

The responsibilities, per se, are very varied. I would say, as a GM, and in today's age and condition, the first thing that I would look at is colleague well-being and colleague upliftment. I think if I take care of my colleagues, the colleagues will take care of my guests. And of course, that brings our second priority, and that is guest satisfaction and guest well-being. Of course, when I say guest satisfaction, it is guest smiles, which are what get captured for us both in the form of online comments, interactions that we have with guests, and of course, that is what leads to the third one, and that is revenue management, which is where our salaries do come from. When we are talking about revenues, we look at revenue maximization; we also look at how do we upsell ourselves into various other avenues available in the hotel. We also have the priority of ensuring that the management and the stakeholders are happy with us, both in terms of reputation in the city and in India and abroad, and also as far as the monetary gains are concerned. Carbon footprints are something which are our responsibility towards the environment. We look at the environment in a big way as far as the Pride Hotel Group is concerned. We are associated with a lot of organizations that are doing good for society. We want to give back to society as the Pride Group of Hotels. Also, one of our key responsible areas is incorporation of technological advancements that have happened in the country and abroad, which brings us to what we monitor very closely, and they are our KRIs and KPIs.

Can you share your experience in managing operations of your hotel?

Operations are very varied. It's challenging and rewarding, obviously. The first thing that comes to mind is colleague improvement. There are a lot of training programs in place to ensure that colleagues are trained and become better to perform in their roles and upskill themselves into the next role. Guest satisfaction obviously becomes an important aspect for each one of us, hoteliers. Revenue maximization is the third part of my operations that I would definitely like to look at. Incorporation of technologies that have come into existence both in India and abroad is an integral part of our operations that we would like to bring into our gamut of operations. Food and beverage operations are something which is very intrinsic for us. Operations, like I said, has always been challenging, but more important is the health and safety aspect, more so with COVID that has come into play. There is a lot that has been done towards safety and security enhancement, including hygiene enhancement for both the colleagues and for the guests. Marketing is another area that takes a lot of time. Though we call it operations, Pride Group of Hotels has introduced something called brown bag sessions where colleagues from the hotel go across to the offices, and we take time to interact with each one of them. People who are from HR, in their organization interact with our HR manager. Our sales coordinators, we take them across to the companies where the interaction happens. There is a lot that happens on the interaction front between the hotel colleagues and colleagues who are at the workplace of the guests. Overall, it involves strong leadership. It takes you to look at the attention to detail and ability to juggle between the various facets of the hotel industry. And it is really wonderful. Each day gives you a lot of satisfaction as you close it.

What steps would you take to enhance the guest experience at The Pride Hotel Chennai?

I think the first thing that we need to do is to keep our ears to the ground, to listen to what the guest wants rather than just trying to give what we want to give to the guest. Many times, all that the guest needs is comfortable accommodation, a clean bathroom, a good night's rest, an excellent breakfast in the morning, and off they go to work. They are not looking at the frills that we tend to offer to the guests, so keeping our ears to the ground is very important. Guest experience can always be good if we are delivering what the guest wants. The only way we will come to know of it is through continuous interaction with the guest through feedback, surveys that come across online and offline. And talking to our colleagues. I think instead of the hotel management talking to the guest, the colleagues who talk to the guest while cleaning the room or serving the food in the room or across on the table in the restaurants, they have a lot of insights. The more we talk to our colleagues, the more we learn about our guests. Value adds, yes. We could always give local attractions, local sightseeing options, but as far as enhancing guest experience in the hotel is concerned, keeping our ears to the ground and talking to guests I think takes the cake.

Can you highlight a recent trend or technological advancement you believe is crucial for the hospitality industry?

With the introduction of a lot of technology, the first thing hoteliers have come to learn post-COVID-19 is to be contactless, without losing on personalization, of course. So, contactless technology is what we should focus on as far as hotels are concerned. Many hotels and hotel chains are adopting it today; for example, mobile phones and mobile check-ins are in vogue. Mobiles have turned into keys, where you don't have to actually take a physical key to the rooms, whether it's in the form of RFID, swipe card, or manual keys. All the check-in formalities are being completed by the guest online even before they arrive. At the Pride Group of Hotels, we have introduced something called self-check-in. So, the guest can fill up all the required details online and send them. They don't have to sign on the registration card at all because there is a digital registration card that they already sign. We take all the information from that into our POS system. The moment they arrive, they just have to announce themselves, and the key is ready for them and handed over. There are many areas where we have introduced a seamless flow of information from one to the other. I think contactless technology, without compromising on personalization or cost, is the trend for hoteliers in the coming times.

How do you foster a positive work culture and promote professional growth among your team members?

Again, a very important aspect as far as today's work culture is concerned. I think the first thing we need to look at is transparency. You need to be as transparent as possible with each one of your colleagues to help them understand what is happening as far as the hotel, the chain, and the industry are concerned. That makes one feel more comfortable in the workplace. Open communication is also very important and can take various forms. "Walk the talk" is another crucial aspect where we are on the shop floor and delivering what we talk about. For example, we go across to places like the laundry, kitchens, wedding venues, and housekeeping to interact with our colleagues there. Through this, we come to know about the actual requirements of our employees or colleagues who work alongside us.

Training and development are crucial and foster a positive work environment. In our hotel, we have initiated something called book reading and review. This ensures that individuals read a particular book and present their understanding to a group of colleagues, followed by a discussion. Management review sessions have also been introduced where individuals stand in front of their colleagues and speak. Communication skills are very important in the hotel industry, and these activities help in enhancing them.

There are also numerous team-building activities that foster a happy working environment. At our hotel, we conduct town halls which include quizzes and the distribution of small gifts. We celebrate all festivals, and recently we celebrated the Pongal festival by the poolside for all the staff, and they had a great time. We also organize fun and game activities known as "Fun Fridays," dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment.

Work-life balance is crucial, and today's colleagues are demanding it. We need to listen to them as maintaining a work-life balance is essential for productivity at work.

If you could introduce one unconventional service or amenity at The Pride Hotel Chennai, what would it be and why?

One activity that we could offer as a differentiated experience at this hotel is the Digital Detox package. We could introduce a program where guests stay away from laptops, TVs, or cellphones for a short duration, perhaps half an hour or 45 minutes. Our hotel's location is advantageous, with nearby attractions such as the Eco Park, a 5-minute drive away, and Nehru Park, just a 4-minute walk from the hotel. We encourage our colleagues to accompany guests to these places, making it easier for guests to explore. This provides an opportunity for conversation, fostering a human touch and meaningful interactions.

The Digital Detox package is something we would like to introduce to enhance the guest experience. Additionally, Chennai is a culturally rich city in Tamil Nadu, known for its artisans and traditional arts. We are already bringing artisans to the Pride Hotel Chennai, where they can interact with guests for about half an hour in the evening, ideally between 7:30 and 8 p.m. We inform our guests about these artisans and offer them the chance to engage with artists, singers, and classical dancers who can perform for about half an hour or 45 minutes. This allows guests to immerse themselves in the cultural diversity of Tamil Nadu and Chennai.

In a diverse and dynamic city like Chennai, how do you tailor the hotel's offerings and services to meet the needs of a broad range of guests?

The first thing we need to determine is the purpose of the guest's visit. Are they here for leisure, work, a break from routine, event-related travel, or just passing through? Understanding the guest's needs is crucial. We tailor packages accordingly and engage with guests during check-in or throughout their stay.

For example, we've had long-stay guests unsure of what to do on weekends. We've organized activities like walks in the nearby park or cooking sessions in our kitchen to cater to their needs. Recently, when guests were unaware of a flower show in Chennai, we took the initiative to inform them and arranged transportation, even though they were willing to cover the costs.

We strive to meet guests' needs proactively. For instance, some guests may need to leave as early as 4 a.m. without knowing where to have breakfast. In such cases, we prepare packed breakfasts for them—a simple yet appreciated gesture of personalized service.

This Interview is Published Exclusively in HospitalityNews..in. Catch the complete conversation at https://youtu.be/hRiDw7A5MTA 


Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla

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.


Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Dr Anshu Jalora

Published on September 1, 2025

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.


Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Shaariq Akhtar

Published on September 1, 2025

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.