Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Elevates Culinary Excellence with Renowned Pastry Chef Michele Stasi

By Author

Published on December 28, 2023

Renowned pastry chef Michele Stasi has joined Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi as the Executive Pastry Chef, marking a significant addition to the culinary team at the luxurious 5-star resort. With a remarkable culinary journey and extensive experience within the Hyatt brand, Michele Stasi is recognized as a master of his craft.

Having played key roles at Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas Kuwait and Park Hyatt Hotel Dubai, Michele brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. His tenure as Executive Pastry Chef in Kuwait involved overseeing diverse culinary outlets, including Turkish, Japanese, Mediterranean, Arabic, and French restaurants. His commitment to quality standards, menu innovation, and standard recipe development significantly contributed to the success of the resort’s food and beverage operations.

Previously, Michele served as the Executive Pastry Chef at Park Hyatt Hotel Dubai, where he managed daily pastry and bakery production for a complex of 12 restaurants, the lobby lounge, cake boutique, in-room dining, and banquets, catering to up to 1200 guests. His culinary prowess was acknowledged with recognition as one of the best-growing chefs in Dubai, making a notable impact on the city's vibrant culinary scene.

With Michele Stasi now leading as Executive Pastry Chef, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi looks forward to the introduction of innovative pastry creations and an elevated dining experience for its valued guests. Michele's impressive Hyatt brand pedigree and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence make him a valuable asset to the culinary team. The resort extends a warm welcome to Michele Stasi, anticipating his passion for pastry and dedication to the highest culinary standards will contribute to creating unforgettable moments for guests.

OYO Faces Rising Turmoil: Layoffs, Legal Troubles, and Hotelier Backlash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

The troubles for OYO, one of India’s most prominent unicorn startups, continue to escalate. According to an Economic Times report, the company plans to lay off 2,000 employees by the end of January as part of its cost-cutting measures, which also include automation of processes. While OYO touts itself as one of the “best places to work,” the planned layoffs come amidst mounting internal and external challenges.

An OYO spokesperson stated, “OYO continuously tracks performances of individuals, and depending on the results and the individual’s interests, we may replace some candidates after giving them the opportunity to go through a performance improvement programme.” However, layoffs are just one part of the growing crisis the company faces.

Backlash from Hotel Owners

OYO’s problems extend beyond its workforce. The startup is under fire from hotel owners across various markets for unpaid dues and unfavorable contract terms. In India, the dissatisfaction has even led to legal action. Recently, a Bengaluru hotelier filed a cheating case against OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal and six others, alleging non-payment of INR 7 lakh per month since May 2019.

Globally, similar issues persist. In the United States, hotel owners have raised concerns about OYO’s partner management system, citing its inefficiency and failure to meet payment commitments. In Japan, Yahoo terminated its partnership with OYO due to increasing complaints from hotel owners. Even in China, where OYO claims to be one of the largest hotel chains, property owners report receiving lower payments than initially promised.

Regulatory Scrutiny

Adding to its woes, OYO is also under investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The probe focuses on a commercial agreement between OYO and MakeMyTrip, examining whether the partnership creates an unfair dominant position in the market.

Global Troubles Continue

The startup’s ambitious expansion into the US market has not been smooth, with several hotel owners expressing dissatisfaction with OYO’s operations. The issues of unpaid dues and operational inefficiencies seem to mirror the problems reported in other markets.

Despite these challenges, OYO continues to assert its commitment to growth and operational excellence. However, the growing dissent from hotel owners, legal battles, and regulatory scrutiny highlight a critical need for the company to address its operational inefficiencies and rebuild trust with its partners.

With these mounting issues, the road ahead for OYO appears increasingly complex. Will the unicorn be able to navigate these turbulent waters, or is its ambitious expansion strategy taking a toll on its foundational stability?

Mahakumbh 2025 Welcomes First Upscale Hotel: Regenta Evolife Dome City

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) is all set to elevate the hospitality experience during Mahakumbh 2025 with the launch of Regenta Evolife Dome City, a one-of-a-kind upscale pop-up resort in Prayagraj. Strategically situated near the main bathing point and activity areas of the Mahakumbh Mela, this luxury offering will cater to international and domestic travelers looking for premium accommodations during the world’s largest religious gathering.

A Unique Hospitality Milestone

Scheduled to open on 15th January 2025, Regenta Evolife Dome City will feature a variety of accommodations, including luxurious tents and architecturally stunning domes. These unique domes not only offer a serene retreat but also provide guests with immersive stargazing opportunities. Complementing this are wellness activities such as yoga and meditation, a private beach for intimate ceremonies, and curated culinary experiences.

Exclusive Services for Memorable Stays

Guests at Regenta Evolife Dome City can enjoy a host of exclusive offerings, including complimentary airport transfers, meals tailored to preferences, and boat rides. The resort aims to blend spiritual enrichment with recreational luxury, making it a preferred destination for those attending Mahakumbh 2025.

Reimagining Spiritual Hospitality

Arjun Baljee, President of ROHL, shared his vision, stating, “2024 was the year we began redefining our hospitality brands, and 2025 is when we execute those plans. Mahakumbh 2025 provides the perfect stage to showcase Regenta Evolife Dome City, combining quality accommodations and unparalleled service in a spiritual epicenter.”

Meeting a Growing Demand for Luxury Accommodations

Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to attract an unprecedented 400 to 450 million visitors. Despite its spiritual significance, Prayagraj has long faced a shortage of high-quality accommodations for international tourists. Regenta Evolife Dome City aims to address this gap, offering world-class hospitality during this iconic event.

Collaboration and Innovation

Highlighting the collaborative effort, Mr. Alok Chauhan, the project’s developer, said, “We are thrilled to partner with ROHL to create this one-of-a-kind upscale property. With our excellence in dome architecture and Regenta’s signature hospitality, we aim to make every visitor’s stay unforgettable.”

Discover Prayagraj

Prayagraj, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers, holds immense spiritual significance. As one of the four cities to host the Kumbh Mela, the city attracts millions of pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and tourists. Its rich heritage, ancient temples, and historical monuments make Prayagraj a must-visit destination during the Mahakumbh.

About Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels

With over 110 hotels across India, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. is one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains. The Regenta brand extends its offerings to discerning travelers through categories like Regenta Resort, Regenta Inn, and more, combining convenience, affordability, and luxury.

Urban Square Mall Welcomes Udaipur's First McDonald's with Alfresco Dining

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

Urban Square Mall, Udaipur's ultimate shopping and leisure destination, has added yet another highlight to its offerings with the grand opening of the city’s first McDonald’s. Spanning an impressive 3,000 sq. ft., this McDonald's outlet features a delightful alfresco dining space, a McCafé, and self-check-in and checkout counters, making it a standout addition to the city’s dining scene.

The grand inauguration was attended by Shri Brijesh Kumar Ji Soni and Shri Umesh Ji Ojha, both serving as Additional SPs of Udaipur, who graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

This new McDonald’s promises to elevate Urban Square Mall’s food and beverage offerings while enhancing the overall dining experience. In addition to the renowned fast-food chain, the mall hosts popular brands such as Burger Singh, Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, and Chatkaz, offering a delightful mix of global and regional cuisines.

Commenting on the opening, Uddhav Poddar, CMD of Bhumika Group, said, “We are thrilled to add McDonald’s to our diverse offerings. This addition continues to position Urban Square Mall as the ultimate one-stop destination for both shoppers and travellers. With an aim to continue offering an unmatched mix of shopping, leisure, and dining options, we look forward to more such partnerships in the near future.”

Echoing this sentiment, Siddharth Katyal, CEO of Bhumika Group, stated, “The opening of McDonald’s at Urban Square Mall is a landmark moment for us. This addition reinforces our commitment to providing visitors with an unparalleled mix of premium brands, cutting-edge amenities, and memorable experiences. We are proud to set a new benchmark for shopping and dining in the city and look forward to welcoming more iconic brands in the future.”

Urban Square Mall is already home to a host of prestigious brands, including PVR Inox, Lemon Tree Hotels, Jusjumpin, Baggit, Vishal Mega Mart, Manbhawan Thali, and the Wooden Street store, ensuring a comprehensive and delightful experience for visitors.

With the opening of McDonald’s, Urban Square Mall continues to solidify its position as Udaipur’s premier hub for shopping, dining, and leisure, offering residents and tourists a world-class experience.

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