A decade of hospitality elegance

IF ONE were to ask you on what’s the common thread between hoteliers Balan Paravantavida, Anthony Page, Vipin Khattar and Sharad Datta, what would your answer be? Well, for the uninitiated, all these gentlemen have been the General Managers of JW Marriott, Aerocity over the last one decade that the hotel has been in existence. Sharing some memorable moments from the history, present-day GM Sharad Datta says, “Our journey has been filled with remarkable achievements. Over the years, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of our guests and provide them with an unparalleled travel experience.

We continue to strive to reach even greater heights. ” After opening its doors in 2013 in New Delhi, the hotel achieved its first significant milestone by reaching 100 per cent occupancy in 2014. “In 2016, we hosted a prominent leader from Singapore, marking our first Head of State visit.

We expedited our efforts to reduce environmental footprint by launching a water bottling plant in 2019 and installing an EV charging station in 2022 for our eco-conscious guests,” adds Datta. In 2020, the hotel began offering home delivery with the Marriott Bonvoy on Wheels initiative. “We even expanded our culinary offerings with the launch of Adrift Kaya in 2022, a Japanese Izakaya with a Californian twist, a vision of Sandeep Gupta, Chairperson, Aria Hospitality and Consultancy, led by Michelin Star Chef David Myers.

We reached a pinnacle when we had the opportunity to host the G20 delegates, including the Head of State from South Africa,” he says. In 2023, the hotel experienced remarkable growth in occupancy percentage and Average Room Revenue (ARR). “As travel resumes its upward trajectory, we’ve been fortunate to witness a substantial influx of luxury group travellers.

This resurgence has been pronounced across segments, contributing significantly to our thriving performance. The year thus far has been pivotal, aligning with our commitment to elevate guest experiences, fostering sustainability and embracing technological advancements. This unique confluence has propelled us toward unprecedented success, setting new benchmarks and cementing our reputation as a luxurious haven for discerning travellers,” he says.

On adapting the changing trends to enhance guest experiences, Dutta says, “In current landscape, the paradigm shift toward holistic wellness is undeniable, with amenities like spas and mindfulness offerings gaining prominence. Bleisure travel is also on the rise, impacting events and conferences positively. Sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a core principle, with a heightened focus on carbon neutral and zero carbon events.

Additionally, virtual reality technology is revolutionising event planning, allowing organisers to virtually experience event spaces and configurations. ” Datta draws attention towards the sustainable practices at the property. “Our initiatives encompass a range of actions, from adopting cage-free eggs to promote animal welfare, launching a Clean Air Initiative to contribute to a healthier environment and setting up a water bottling plant and establishment of an EV charging station.

Our involvement in Serve 360 initiative underscores our responsibility to make a positive and lasting impact on the community. We aim not only to offer our guests an exceptional experience but to contribute meaningfully to society and environment,” he says. The GM shares they don’t leave any stone unturned in training and engaging employees to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for the guests.

“We work in coordination to ensure our guests’ needs are met promptly and efficiently. To achieve this, we hold regular daily and weekly meetings to set the strategy. In case of special events and occasions, we strategise and provide training to the employees well in advance to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

Our team works round-the-clock to assist with any requests, whether it’s arranging transportation or providing local recommendations. We ensure every employee is given a fair chance to showcase their talent and grow,” he says, adding their focus is on nurturing talent through initiatives like the Marriott Voyager programme. “As we move forward, sustainability, personalisation and brand culture will remain our guiding principles.

By seamlessly integrating these elements, we’re poised to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our esteemed guests, reinforcing our status as a premier luxury destination in Delhi, NCR,” Datta avers. “Looking ahead, we are focussing our energy on integrating technology into our day-to-day operations. This will help streamline our services and minimise our environmental footprint.

To further intensify our efforts to build a greener tomorrow,” he concludes. This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated ” with cover story titled ‘BW HOTELIER IHA 2023 SPECIAL’.