Heartists, High-Tech and more: Exclusive Interview with Vaishakh Surendran, GM, Mercure Sriperumbudur

Admin

Published on February 6, 2024

Vaishakh Surendran, currently serving as the General Manager at Mercure Chennai Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, has accumulated a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. With over a year and five months in his current role, Vaishakh oversees the operational aspects of the hotel, ensuring a seamless and high-quality guest experience.

"Mercure, a product of Accor, has been actively involved in sustainable practices, notably in the elimination of single-use plastics throughout the hotel. With few exceptions, the hotel has successfully removed single-use plastics from various areas," Vaisakh said while talking about the initiatives taken by the establishment to enhance guest experiences. "Another distinctive feature is our commitment to electric vehicles (EV) for transportation services. Currently, we operate a fleet of 5 EVs, utilized for office transfers and airport transportation. This initiative sets us apart from other hotels in the vicinity, as we promote an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation. Despite the higher cost, we have phased out all diesel and petrol vehicles in our fleet, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability," he added.

"Additionally, our diverse food offerings make us unique. Unlike many hotels, we serve a wide variety of meats, including chicken, mutton, pork, beef, and prawn. While we may not be the ideal choice for pure vegetarians, we strive to cater to non-vegetarian guests by offering an extensive range of options. We recognize the importance of providing familiar food options to guests from different regions, considering their tastes and preferences," he explained about their catering specialities.   

Furthermore, the establishment prioritizes organic cooking and has established an organic garden to grow vegetables used in its cuisines. This commitment extends to buffet offerings, where the active promotion of the use of organic vegetables supports local farmers within a 10 km radius. The dedication to organic produce not only contributes to healthier options but also empowers local entrepreneurs and farmers. Additionally, the establishment advocates for the use of organic eggs, including duck and quail eggs, in the buffet breakfast. This approach aligns with their goal of supporting local suppliers and promoting sustainability in its operations.

The hotel actively engages with its team, referred to as "Heartists," a blend of heart and artist. Unlike typical hotels, the employees are equipped with phones and have access to Wi-Fi, enabling them to create content and access training apps during work hours. The hotel embraces technology to cater to the preferences of millennials and Gen Z. Recognizing the importance of mobile devices to the team, the hotel encourages responsible use.

Vasiakh said, "To foster a positive work environment, we organize events such as parties to appreciate our hardworking staff during festive seasons. Our team enjoys outings, movie trips, and even restaurant visits. We provide accommodation, pick-up, and drop-off services, particularly for those working on rotational shifts. About 50% of our employees benefit from transportation services."

Accor conducts an annual employee survey, and they are proud to report that their score surpassed the brand average by 8 points, showcasing employee satisfaction. Additionally, Accor offers competitive salaries, exceeding minimum wage standards. The starting salary is uniform across all positions, promoting equality and growth. Accor avoids on-the-job favoritism, either hiring through industrial training or direct selection.

He also explained that their industrial trainees receive competitive compensation, far exceeding what was offered during management training. Accor maintains limited designations, ensuring swift career growth for employees. From a Guest Service Intern (GSI), one can directly progress to a Duty Manager, significantly increasing their salary. Accor emphasizes continuous engagement and encourages all team members, irrespective of their roles, to interact with guests, ensuring a spotlight on their contributions.

"Our ultimate goal is guest satisfaction, knowing that happy guests lead to sustained business success. By fostering a guest-centric approach across all departments, from kitchen to housekeeping, we aim to consistently exceed expectations and leave a positive impact on our guests," Vaisakh said. 

Watch the complete interview at HospitalityNews Official YouTube Channel.


Redefining Luxury Through Authentic Hospitality

Redefining Luxury Through Authentic Hospitality

Anand Nair

Published on July 1, 2026

Luxury hospitality continues to evolve, and the most successful destinations are those that seamlessly blend innovation with authenticity. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we bring you an exclusive conversation with Anand Nair, General Manager of InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, who shares the vision, leadership, and guest-centric philosophy that have shaped one of the region's most distinguished luxury resorts.

Since taking over the leadership of the property, Anand Nair has guided the resort through a remarkable transformation, redefining luxury while preserving the cultural heritage and coastal charm of Mahabalipuram. In this engaging feature, he offers valuable insights into how thoughtful innovation, personalised hospitality, and meaningful guest experiences continue to elevate the resort's reputation.

The conversation explores the inspiration behind the property's comprehensive reimagination, highlighting how refreshed accommodations, redesigned public spaces, enhanced dining venues, and curated recreational experiences have created a destination that resonates with today's discerning travellers. Readers will also gain a deeper understanding of how every aspect of the guest journey has been carefully designed to deliver memorable moments through personalised service and exceptional hospitality.

Anand Nair further discusses the resort's diverse offerings, from grand celebrations at the Vaibhava Ballroom and picturesque Beach Lawns to its distinctive culinary destinations, each delivering unique experiences for guests. He also shares how the resort celebrates Mahabalipuram's rich cultural and coastal identity while complementing Chennai's growing stature as a leading business and leisure destination.

Another compelling aspect of the discussion focuses on the future of hospitality, where authenticity, sustainability, wellness, and innovation are becoming increasingly important. Anand Nair also reflects on his personal philosophy of hospitality, explaining why making every guest feel genuinely valued remains the foundation of exceptional service.

This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, industry leaders, and travel enthusiasts an opportunity to discover the vision behind a resort that continues to redefine luxury through meaningful experiences and heartfelt service.

It was a truly insightful conversation with Anand Nair, whose perspectives highlight the evolving future of luxury hospitality and guest experiences. To read the complete interview and explore every valuable insight shared during this engaging discussion, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.


Leadership, Luxury & Lasting Experiences at Hyatt Regency Thrissur

Leadership, Luxury & Lasting Experiences at Hyatt Regency Thrissur

Vinod Kumar

Published on July 1, 2026

Every successful hotel has a story, and behind every remarkable guest experience is a leader who understands that hospitality is built on people, passion, and purpose. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we had the privilege of featuring Vinod Kumar, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Thrissur, in an insightful conversation that explores the principles driving one of Kerala's leading luxury hospitality destinations.

With years of experience across diverse hotel markets, Vinod Kumar shares how resilience, trust, and empowering teams have shaped his leadership philosophy. Throughout the conversation, he offers valuable perspectives on what it takes to create memorable guest experiences in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.

The interview goes beyond leadership to uncover how Hyatt Regency Thrissur continues to distinguish itself through personalized service, authentic Kerala experiences, culinary excellence, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding guest expectations. Readers will also discover his views on the growing opportunities for premium hotels in tier-2 cities, the rising demand for destination weddings, and why cultural destinations like Thrissur are becoming increasingly attractive to both leisure and business travellers.

One of the most engaging parts of the discussion revolves around balancing technology with genuine human connection. Vinod Kumar explains how innovation should complement, not replace the warmth and personalized interactions that define exceptional hospitality. He also addresses the industry's evolving challenges, including changing guest expectations, talent retention, sustainability, operational efficiency, and the importance of continuous innovation.

The conversation further highlights what makes Hyatt Regency Thrissur a preferred venue for grand destination weddings, showcasing its expansive event spaces, personalized celebrations, curated culinary experiences, and dedicated planning expertise that transform every occasion into an unforgettable celebration.

This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, industry leaders, aspiring hoteliers, and travel enthusiasts an opportunity to gain meaningful insights from a seasoned leader who continues to shape guest experiences with vision and excellence.

It was truly a pleasure speaking with Vinod Kumar and learning about the strategies, values, and experiences that continue to strengthen Hyatt Regency Thrissur's position in the hospitality industry. To read the complete interview and explore every insight shared during this engaging conversation, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.


Building India's Next Chapter in Asset-Led Hospitality: The BHVL Way

Building India's Next Chapter in Asset-Led Hospitality: The BHVL Way

Rayan Aranha

Published on July 1, 2026

As India's hospitality sector enters a new phase of growth, success is increasingly being driven by visionary leadership, strategic investments, and a long-term approach to asset creation. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we feature an exclusive conversation with Rayan Aranha, Vice President of Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited (BHVL), who shares valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of India's branded hospitality landscape and the company's vision for sustainable growth.

With an impressive career spanning renowned hospitality brands and extensive expertise in operations, financial planning, and hotel asset management, Rayan Aranha offers readers a comprehensive perspective on how the industry is transforming beyond traditional hotel operations. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on his leadership journey, highlighting how the transition from managing hotels to building a scalable hospitality platform has shaped his strategic outlook.

The interview explores the importance of organisational culture in creating consistent guest experiences while empowering teams across diverse hotel portfolios. Rayan also explains how BHVL differentiates itself through a disciplined owner-led approach, strong partnerships with leading global hospitality brands, and a clear focus on long-term asset value rather than short-term expansion.

Readers will also discover his views on the growing role of technology in enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and enabling more personalised hospitality. Equally compelling is his discussion on the financial metrics that drive decision-making, including revenue optimisation, profitability, operational discipline, and sustainable performance across the company's expanding portfolio.

The conversation further examines the increasing convergence between real estate and hospitality, revealing how integrated developments are creating new opportunities for the sector. Rayan also shares BHVL's roadmap for future expansion, outlining the company's plans to strengthen its presence across South India while exploring emerging Tier-II markets through a disciplined mix of greenfield and brownfield developments.

This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, investors, hotel owners, and business leaders an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the strategic thinking behind one of India's leading hospitality asset owners and developers.

It was a truly enriching conversation with Rayan Aranha, whose perspectives provide a deeper understanding of the evolving hospitality landscape and the future of asset-led growth in India. To read the complete interview and explore every insight shared during this engaging discussion, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.