‘Our comprehensive offerings are tailored to meet diverse needs’

IT WAS in November 2023 that the doors of InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road were opened for guests after a monumental transformation. Situated in the Pink City, this opulent hotel truly exemplifies Jaipur’s vibrant and distinctive allure, redefining the luxury of India’s heritage. The transformation of the Jaipur hotel from Crowne Plaza to InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road reflects IHG Hotels & Resorts dedication to growing its luxury and lifestyle portfolio around the world.

The hotel is in close proximity from Jaipur Airport and the first luxury hotel for the guests driving from Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. With extensive renovations and improvements, the new InterContinental is poised to provide remarkable experiences and moments of celebration for both business and leisure travellers alike. At the helm is Nalin Mandiratta, a seasoned hospitality professional with over three decades of experience.

He, at present, holds the role of Regional General Manager, South West Asia and General Manager of InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road, overseeing 11 properties. His leadership has consistently delivered remarkable enhancements in customer experiences, employee engagement, revenue and cost management. Sharing his views on strategising the hotel’s competitive positioning in the dynamic Rajasthan market, Mandiratta, says, “In response to the escalating demand for upscale hospitality in Rajasthan, InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road has evolved to capture the flourishing leisure and MICE segments.

With its strategic location, our hotel became an attractive and convenient choice for both business and leisure travellers. With specialised focus on culinary excellence and innovative event spaces, we aim to distinguish ourselves in a competitive hospitality landscape. Our upgraded facilities are tailored to meet the discerning needs of both leisure and MICE travellers, promising an unparalleled experience.

From meticulously crafted spaces to gastronomic delights, we invite guests to immerse themselves in an ambience of perfection as we navigate and excel in this dynamic market. ” The strategic transformation from Crowne Plaza to InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road signifies a visionary shift in redefining luxury in Jaipur, shares Mandiratta. “The lobby’s versatile redesign creates a dynamic space, effortlessly adapting to guests’ needs throughout the day.

We have enhanced service standards and provided staff training to ensure adherence to the esteemed global benchmarks set by the InterContinental brand, ultimately aimed at delivering an exceptional and unforgettable stay for guests,” he says. A highlight of the refurbishment is the introduction of The Insider Expertise, a feature synonymous with InterContinental Hotels worldwide, indicating a commitment to providing specialised and personalised experiences through a dedicated concierge service. “The newly transformed guest rooms feature Thikri glass inlay work and top-tier amenities, blending contemporary aesthetics with timeless comfort.

Award-winning restaurants on-site exemplify our commitment to culinary excellence, while revamped event spaces seamlessly fuse modern luxury with cultural authenticity, ideal for conferences and weddings,” he informs. As InterContinental Hotel champions forward-thinking strategies, acknowledging the importance of innovation and uniqueness, it led Mandiratta and his team to introduce eco-conscious initiatives aimed at eradicating single-use plastic amenities, notably toiletries and soon, bottled water. “In place of individual packaging, the hotel now provides bulk amenities for toiletries, significantly reducing plastic waste.

Furthermore, we’ve installed energy efficient lighting in guest rooms and incorporated heat pumps, showcasing our dedication to sustainable practices that mitigate our environmental footprint,” says the GM. Additionally, InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road pioneers innovative initiatives to curate distinctive experiences for all ranges of travellers. ” Our Insider Expertise programme positions our colleagues as cultural connectors, providing personalised insights to facilitate an immersive local experience.

Underlining our commitment to extraordinary moments, the Incredible Occasions initiative offers state-of-the-art meeting spaces, the indulgent Tattva Spa, a fully equipped fitness centre and a variety of versatile meeting rooms. Whether for conferences, weddings or special events, our comprehensive offerings are tailored to meet diverse needs. The exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge provides privileged access, adding a touch of luxury with complimentary services and creating a serene oasis for relaxation.

These collective initiatives distinguish us, showcasing our unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional and customised services for travellers across the spectrum,” he avers. In 2024, opines Mandiratta, India’s hospitality industry is poised to maintain several key trends that gained momentum in the preceding year. “Sustainability remains a strong focus, with hotels continuing to adopt eco-friendly practices, eliminating single-use plastics and integrating energy-efficient systems to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible travel.

Personalised guest experiences continue to be paramount, with hotels tailoring services to meet individual preferences,” informs the GM. The integration of technology persists, offering contactless services and immersive experiences. Wellness offerings remain prevalent, catering to the health-conscious traveller with fitness facilities and holistic programs.

The trend of ‘bleisure’ travel drives hotels to provide versatile spaces for work and leisure. Culinary experiences evolve, emphasising local and sustainable cuisine. Mandiratta adds that stringent safety and hygiene protocols adopted during the pandemic persist to ensure guest confidence and these ongoing trends reflect the industry’s adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving requirements of travellers in 2024.

The property’s focus on wellness is evident through facilities like a fitness centre, an open-air pool, and a well-equipped spa, catering to health-conscious guests. For leisure travellers, the hotel curates engaging experiences such as block printing and provide multiple dining options. To accommodate business travellers, pillarless ballrooms and numerous conference rooms stand ready.

“Our staff, trained to global standards, assures top-notch experiences, prioritising quality, cleanliness and hygiene throughout the hotel,” he says. Over the last few months, InterContinental Jaipur has witnessed an exceptional growth in the wedding business. The hotel distinguishes itself through personalised services, collaborating closely with planners and guests to craft unforgettable celebrations.

The GM proudly shares that their venue boasts flexible meeting spaces equipped with cutting-edge features, providing an ideal backdrop for weddings and special events. The expansive 51,000 sq ft banquet spaces, open-air venues, and extensive lawns accommodate up to 2,000 guests concurrently, offering versatility for diverse ceremonies. The property’s modern tech-friendly amenities and expertly managed facilities make it an ideal choice for weddings, ensuring each occasion is truly unforgettable.

“The lush green outdoor spaces under the open skies and well-crafted pillarless indoor areas make the hotel an unparalleled location for extraordinary occasions. Our culinary excellence shines through as specialised chefs curate unique and delightful menus, promising a distinct dining experience,” says Mandiratta. This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated ” with cover story titled ‘BW HOTELIER THE BLEISURE SPECIAL’.