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Published on April 2, 2024
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the illustrious career of Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Vinesh Gupta brings over two decades of rich and diverse experience in the hospitality industry, currently serving as the General Manager of The Den in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Beginning his journey with Hyatt Regency Delhi in 1994, Vinesh steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing his expertise in financial analysis and project management. During his tenure at Hyatt Regency, he served as Asst. Front Office Manager and later undertook various positions, including Regency Club Manager. Expanding his horizons, Vinesh joined The Imperial New Delhi as Front Office Manager, further honing his skills in guest relations and operations management.
His career trajectory led him to Taj Hotels, where he contributed as Front Office Manager at Taj Lands End Mumbai and Accommodations Manager at Taj Bengal Kolkata, showcasing proficiency in budgeting and financial analysis. Continuing his journey, Vinesh assumed the role of Executive Assistant Manager - Rooms at Shangri-La New Delhi, demonstrating his capabilities in overseeing room operations and ensuring guest satisfaction.
Further enriching his expertise, Vinesh served as Executive Assistant Manager at The Leela Palaces & Resorts, spearheading initiatives to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. His career highlights include significant tenures with leading international hospitality brands such as Hilton, Wyndham Hotel Group, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, and Dan Hotels Israel.
1. What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in the hospitality industry, and how has that passion evolved over the years?
Studying Hospitality was more of an accident than a choice. I was bright & intelligent, but not studious; and the aspiration of alternate career landed me in hospitality. Initially, it was the excitement of doing something different – cooking, beverages, languages, etc. but later I developed a serious liking for this emotionally satisfying and a people centric business.
A successful hotelier must be passionate to the extent of just short of being eccentric. It is a demanding profession, where your passion drives the results. The early success drove me harder and my urge to better myself and improve, innovate & be impactful stretches my limits of passion
2. With your extensive experience across various renowned hotel chains, what key lessons have you learned that you believe differentiate exceptional hotel management from merely adequate management?
Humility and humanity in our leadership styles make us different. We are as good as our team, and I very strongly believe that the virtues mentioned above hold true for handling all stakeholders – be it guests, team members, owners, or corporate officers.
Leading by example and demonstrating it in front of your team will increase their will to perform and drive towards excellence both qualitatively and financially
3. As someone deeply involved in Food and Beverages, could you share a particular dining experience or innovation that you have spearheaded, which significantly enhanced guest satisfaction and loyalty?
There is always something happening at The Den. Surprising things, interesting things, enjoyable things – but you will always find something to stimulate you. Food & Beverage is all about touching the hearts of your guests.
One of the major challenges of any F&B operation is to give the first course to the guests in no time – and most of us falter here. At Layla, as soon as the guest enters, the waiter post greeting and seating , will bring the selection of Cold Mezze to visually pick and choose with hot Pita’s and then the Menu is given to the guest.
Being authentic, innovative, and original has always made us darling of our guests – be it Kanafe or a Filo Feta; Goat Milk Panacota or Shrimp Falafel; our small but crazy repertoire is our mantra to guest satisfaction
4. The Den prides itself on offering an environment where guests can seamlessly transition between eating, working, sleeping, and playing. How do you ensure that each aspect of this experience is meticulously curated to exceed guest expectations and create a memorable stay?
As a definition, Den is an informal, quiet, and comfortable room in a house where someone goes to read, work, play and relax; and we have taken it to our cores.
Eat Work Sleep Play is our DNA. At the heart of The Den is our authentic hospitality and a philosophy to do what you want do with comfort, panache and just a little edge. It is a place to sleep comfortably, work effectively, eat gloriously and play…well…we hope enjoyably.
Employee retention and morale are crucial for the success of any hotel. What initiatives have you introduced to promote staff engagement and career growth opportunities within the hotel?
We are as good as our teams is the basic premise at The Den. We are humane and humble. We practise the family values at workplace, and we believe in transparency.
The associates have a career path to be leaders and we have showcased the same where our team members have grown multiple levels and are in certain leadership roles.
We have our very own “The Den Academy” to nurture and develop the talent inhouse. All we ask for is the positive attitude, a will to work and need of the job.
5. In a competitive market like Bengaluru, attracting corporate clients is vital. What initiatives have you implemented to enhance The Den's appeal to business travellers and corporate events?
The Den is a Millennial Luxury hotel. We have our value systems and a very well-defined niche market. It is a very stylish and classy hotel and at The Den you expect everything to just work. And it does. Perfectly. But more than that, the guest experience you receive is completely seamless. Each one of our team members is trained to deliver our unique Den hospitality.
6. As a prominent establishment in the Whitefield business district, how does The Den actively contribute to the local community and foster meaningful relationships with residents and businesses in the area?
Local community, environment and sustainability are certain key pillars at The Den. From fund raisers to direct support; education to charity; training the underprivileged to embracing diversity, we have been able to create an amazing equilibrium that holds and respects human values.
7. In your opinion, what are the most crucial qualities a leader in the hospitality industry should possess, and how do you embody these qualities in your role as General Manager?
Lead by Example, Attention to Detail, Innovative leadership, and Entrepreneurial Approach are quintessential for success in hospitality.
Staff look to leaders for cues on how to behave and I model company values and behaviours that I want to see in the team. Leading by example include things like listening to the team, helping, delivering on promises, and being inclusive.
Remembering employee’s names, if they have children, pets, birthdays, and life events makes a huge difference in creating more personal connections and keeping teams engaged.
8. Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of the hospitality industry, and how do you plan to adapt and stay ahead of these changes in your leadership role?
Hospitality is a very dynamic and ever-changing world as we are dealing with Human Emotions at every stage. I would take a leap of faith with technology – especially AI and XI changing our very philosophy of hospitality. However, the differentiator will always be the Human touch. We need to be very agile and embrace the technology with the human touch, and that’s what I keep myself abreast with and implement it wherever possible.
This Interview is Published Exclusively in hospitalitynews.in
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Published on May 1, 2025
Chef Vijay Pandey is not your typical chef. With roots in five-star hospitality and global culinary experiences, he now helms the kitchen innovation at Rebel Foods, India’s leading cloud kitchen network. As the Corporate Chef, he is the creative force behind multi-brand strategies that serve millions of customers every month.
“Each phase of my journey—luxury hotels, cruise liners, flight kitchens—taught me the value of precision, consistency, and authenticity,” shares Chef Vijay. These diverse experiences have equipped him to lead in the fast-paced world of food tech. At Rebel Foods, his mission is clear: deliver restaurant-quality meals at scale, without losing flavor or soul.
With a portfolio that spans everything from Indian classics to international flavors, Chef Vijay ensures every brand under Rebel Foods retains its unique identity. “Every dish goes through rigorous R&D, pilot tests, and customer feedback loops. That’s how we maintain authenticity while pushing culinary boundaries,” he explains.
His global exposure has played a key role in shaping today's menus. He’s excited by the rise of fusion cuisine and personalized dining. “Consumers now crave stories on their plate—Korean burgers with Indian spices, or Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients. We’re here to make that happen,” he says.
Behind the scenes, it's a blend of tech and taste. AI-powered tools help optimize recipes and predict trends, but the heart of innovation still lies with the chefs. “Technology brings scale and efficiency, but it’s the human touch that brings flavor and emotion,” he adds.
When it comes to delivery, every element is engineered—from packaging to plating—to ensure meals retain their restaurant appeal. “Recipe engineering and constant feedback are key,” he explains, adding that real-time data from over 350 kitchens help maintain quality at every touchpoint.
A strong advocate for wellness and mindful eating, Chef Vijay brings his passion for yoga into the culinary world. “We prioritize clean ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and balanced meals. Good food should nourish the body and the spirit,” he says.
From pioneering Lebanese menus at Manchester United Café Bar to building Faasos’ iconic burger wraps, Chef Vijay’s journey reflects creativity grounded in operational expertise. But perhaps his proudest achievement is shaping the future of food delivery in India—one bold flavor at a time.
Hungry for more insights from India’s top culinary leaders? Stay tuned to HospitalityNews by GuestVento for inspiring stories, industry innovations, and behind-the-kitchen moments that shape the future of food. Visit our website to read the full May edition, and direct message us for physical copies.
In an exclusive feature for HospitalityNews' May Edition, we had the privilege of engaging in a compelling conversation with Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), and one of the most respected voices in India's tourism industry. With decades of experience and a keen eye on global trends, Jyoti Mayal brings a wealth of knowledge to the table—touching upon everything from eco-tourism to digital transformation in travel.
Her insights are not only eye-opening but also signal the emerging priorities of Indian travellers and how the industry must evolve to meet them. From discussing how tourism boards are crafting immersive experiences tailored to Indian preferences, to highlighting India's rising status in medical tourism, every part of the conversation offered a deeper look into the rapidly changing world of travel.
She begins by sharing how Indian travellers have moved beyond the conventional. “Indian travelers today are more informed, curious, and experience-driven than ever before…” This evolving mindset, she says, is driving demand for personalization and pushing agencies to elevate their offerings.
Further in the discussion, she emphasizes the meaningful collaborations between international tourism boards and Indian travel professionals. She reveals how these partnerships are building cultural bridges and setting new standards in hospitality.
On India’s leadership in medical tourism, Mayal proudly notes the impact of the Heal in India initiative and how the THSC is playing a transformative role in creating a skilled and empathetic ecosystem.
From sustainability in wildlife tourism to seamless international travel experiences and AI-driven travel planning, her observations are a masterclass in future-focused thinking.
This enlightening conversation with Jyoti Mayal is a must-read for industry leaders, aspiring travel professionals, and anyone interested in where Indian tourism is headed.
Catch the complete interview in the May edition of Hospitality News, available on our website. You can also get a physical copy to keep this enriching feature in your collection. It was truly a great conversation—one that sheds light on the vision, strategy, and heart behind India’s travel transformation.
With a career spanning over 20 years in Sri Lanka’s vibrant travel and tourism industry, Suchitra Aluwihare stands at the forefront of redefining destination management. As the Chief Operating Officer of Hayleys Travels, one of Sri Lanka’s leading travel solutions providers, Mr. Aluwihare has played a vital role in shaping curated travel experiences that go beyond traditional tourism.
In this exclusive feature for HospitalityNews by GuestVento, Suchitra shares how Hayleys Travels combines technology, local expertise, and sustainability to craft journeys that are deeply personal and impactful. From immersive wildlife encounters to wellness-focused itineraries, the company’s unique offerings reflect a deep understanding of modern traveler preferences.
Under Mr. Aluwihare’s guidance, Hayleys has embraced responsible tourism as a core philosophy. From reforestation and marine conservation to partnering with local artisans and community-driven experiences, the goal is to ensure that every trip benefits both the traveler and the destination. His belief that “every journey should leave a positive footprint” drives much of the brand’s innovation.
The conversation also touches on Sri Lanka’s lesser-known destinations—from boat safaris in Gal Oya to dolphin watching in Kalpitiya—reminding readers that the island’s real magic often lies off the beaten path. Mr. Aluwihare’s passion for showcasing Sri Lanka’s hidden gems is matched only by his commitment to preserving them for future generations.
Want to know what sets Hayleys apart in a crowded market? Curious about how tech is shaping sustainable travel? Read the full interview with Suchitra Aluwihare in the latest May edition of HospitalityNews by GuestVento.
Head to our website to read the full e-magazine and DM us for physical copies!
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