Author: Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
As India’s hospitality sector recovers after the pandemic, Clarion Hotels, the upscale brand of Choice Hotels International, is establishing a strong presence in the mid-to-upscale market. In a conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Chiradeep Bhattacharjee, Group General Manager of Multiverse and KSR Hotels, Franchise Owners and operator of Clarion Hotel Hyderabad by Choice Hotel discussed the brand’s plans for growth, its operational approach, and how its Hyderabad property set an early success example. How has Clarion’s journey evolved in India? Clarion operates as an upscale, full-service brand under Choice Hotels International, positioned similarly to Marriott in brand metrics. We focus on…
There are brunches, and then there’s the Firewater Neo Sunday Brunch, a lively, sunlit event where the city’s Financial District briefly trades spreadsheets for sangrias and deadlines for dessert spoons. Perched above the weekly hustle, Firewater Neo Bar & Kitchen makes an impression from the moment one walk in. With its sleek lines, soft lighting, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great reminder that it’s Sunday, and you’re here to enjoy yourself. To be honest, the real highlight of this brunch isn’t necessarily the buffet; it’s the bar. The bottomless package (INR 2,300++) offers a two-hour selection of cocktails, mocktails, and…
Global cleaning technology leader Kärcher is increasing its focus on India’s hospitality sector, providing top-notch hygiene solutions to hotels, resorts, and facility management partners nationwide. As the hospitality industry seeks greater efficiency, sustainability, and guest-centred operations, Kärcher India aims to be a major player in this change; it offers cleaning systems that blend technology with a focus on both luxury and scale. Varun Handa the Strategic Lead – BSC & Hospitality of Kärcher India has been driving the brand’s expansion with a strong emphasis on accessibility and innovation. Under his leadership, Kärcher has grown to 14 branches and several service hubs, extending…
In the fiercely competitive HoReCa sector, where consistency, quality, and reliability define success, ingredient choices can make or break a culinary experience. Leysha, a premium rice brand from the SSEIL Group of Companies, is leveraging four decades of global export expertise to become a trusted partner for hotels, restaurants, and catering professionals across India. Led by Aman Gupta, Managing Director of SSEIL Group, Leysha is redefining what chefs expect from staple ingredients, ensuring every grain delivers uniformity, aroma, and cooking performance at scale. The brand’s focus on traceability, premium quality, and tailored B2B solutions is helping professionals create memorable dining…
As the global hospitality industry evolves amid changing guest expectations and persistent talent shortages, Sommet Education Business Solutions—the consulting vertical of Sommet Education, the world’s largest provider of hospitality, luxury, and gastronomic education—is helping businesses bridge the critical skills gap with customised learning and development programs. In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Natasha Mehta, Head of Business Solutions—Asia, Sommet Education, discusses how the group’s institutions, such as, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Invictus Education, and the Indian School of Hospitality are shaping a new generation of global hospitality professionals. How is Sommet Education Business Solutions changing hospitality…
India’s hospitality sector is adjusting to the latest Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, which aim to simplify taxation and make mid-range hotel stays more affordable. While guests are seeing lower bills, hoteliers warn that the new system has added new cost pressures, especially for mid-market and regional properties that are crucial to India’s domestic tourism. Starting September 22, 2025, hotel rooms priced up to INR 7,500 per night will be taxed at 5% GST. Rooms above that price will incur 18% GST with full Input Tax Credit (ITC). This policy, introduced at the 56th GST Council meeting, seeks to…
As sustainability takes centre stage in the global hospitality industry, hotels and restaurants in India are under increasing pressure to cut down on single-use plastics while maintaining operational efficiency. WAE, a leading water and sustainability technology company, is driving this shift with its Glass Bottling Plant (GBP) solutions, designed to replace PET bottles with eco-friendly, cost-effective alternatives. In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Deepak Panwar, CEO of WAE F&B, explains how GBPs are helping HoReCa brands achieve significant long-term savings, improve operational workflows, and align with international sustainability benchmarks. How are Glass Bottling Plants helping HoReCa brands reduce long-term costs…
India’s hospitality sector is undergoing significant growth and change due to rapid urbanisation, increased domestic travel, and changing consumer expectations. As the country aims to make tourism a USD 3 trillion contributor to the economy by 2047, hotels and restaurants face unique opportunities and challenges. Saeed Shervani, Managing Director of Shervani Hotels, speaks with Asmita Mukherjee about maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity, the impact of policy and regulation, and the leadership qualities needed to thrive in a fast-changing environment. How has Shervani Hotels managed to stay relevant while keeping its legacy of personalised service? At Shervani Hotels, staying…
As India focuses on tourism and hospitality to drive economic growth, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has become an essential voice in shaping the industry’s future. It represents more than 60,000 hotels and 500,000 restaurants across the country. The organisation has played a crucial role in discussions about policy, including taxation, sustainability, labour welfare, and infrastructure. With the government aiming for Vision 2047, anticipating that tourism will become a multi-trillion-dollar part of GDP—FHRAI’s leadership is working to connect industry needs with national objectives. In an interview with Asmita Mukherjee, K. Syama Raju, President, FHRAI, talks…
Telugu film star Naga Chaitanya is used to commanding attention on screen. With Scuzi, his second culinary venture after Shoyu, he shows he can do the same offscreen. Located in Hyderabad’s busy Jubilee Hills, this delivery-first cloud kitchen is changing comfort food. It turns familiar favorites into gourmet experiences that are perfect for Instagram. Scuzi’s menu tells a story of travel and taste, blending global influences gathered by its founders- Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Varun Tripuraneni, Arjun, and Saniya Jaiswal. Building on the success of Shoyu, Chaitanya wanted to create a brand that combines convenience and culinary skill. Scuzi is not just…
