Author: Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
In a fast-evolving dining landscape where concepts fade as quickly as they rise, Hitesh Keswani is playing a different game – one built on longevity, originality, and cultural resonance. Being the Managing Director of Aspect Hospitality, Keswani is orchestrating a calculated expansion that’s both ambitious in scale and rooted in storytelling. From fine-dining destinations like Akina, Radio Bar and Estella to the agile, delivery-first Nom Nom Express, Aspect is rapidly widening its footprint across India — with plans to take its brands global next. In conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Keswani unpacks the strategy, challenges, and storytelling at the heart of building lasting brands in India’s…
Asmita Mukherjee| Hyderabad Toscano, the celebrated Italian restaurant with a decade-long legacy, has significantly amplified Hyderabad’s culinary landscape with its outpost in Hitech City. This established name in authentic Italian fare aims to deliver a high-quality dining experience that brings a slice of the Tuscan countryside to the bustling urban environment, all under the Tuscan charm of culinary excellence. Chef Rohit Tokhi, Vice President – Chief Operating Officer, Toscano India emphasised the restaurant’s core philosophy. “Our ethos is to bring a piece of Italy on a plate, ensuring every guest has a memorable experience,” Tokhi stated. He highlighted Toscano’s commitment…
Achieving an impressive 85% occupancy rate in Hyderabad’s competitive hospitality market requires a well-rounded approach. Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad has mastered this with its strategic focus on long-stay guests, innovative service offerings, and unique property design. By blending tailored services with innovative amenities, the hotel ensures a holistic guest experience. In an insightful conversation with Asmita Mukherjee, Ashwin Vaidya, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad, sheds light on the property’s winning formula and commitment to excellence. How do you ensure that Marriott Executive Apartments, Hyderabad remains a top choice for long-stay guests in this competitive market? Our approach is three-fold, beginning…
Spalba has been reshaping venue marketing and event planning through cutting-edge technology, including virtual tours, AI-powered solutions, and zero-commission models. Asmita Mukherjee delves into the transformative journey of Spalba with Vishal Puri, Co-Founder of the tech-forward platform. How has Spalba’s virtual tour technology changed the way venues are marketed and booked, particularly in the hospitality industry? At Spalba, we’ve completely transformed how venues are marketed and discovered, especially within the hospitality sector. In the past, hotels relied on brochures, static images, and in-person site visits to showcase their spaces. That process was time-consuming, inefficient, and didn’t always give the full…
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept for the hospitality industry; it is actively reshaping the landscape. From streamlining bookings to redefining guest personalisation, AI is enhancing precision and efficiency in ways that were once unimaginable. Tools like CheQin.ai are at the forefront of this revolution, transforming traditional processes by enabling real-time adaptability and direct engagement. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with serial tech entrepreneur Venu G. Somineni, the visionary Founder of CheQin.ai (an EaseMyTrip venture), to discuss how the platform is redefining hospitality technology by blending cutting-edge AI with a groundbreaking fair business model, exploring its transformative potential and…
Located in the heart of a 250-acre biodiversity park, exemplifies the perfect blend of luxury and ecological harmony, serving as a shining testament to the principles of sustainable hospitality. Directed by Tejas Chavan, the resort seamlessly weaves eco-conscious principles with upscale offerings, carving a unique niche in India’s hospitality sector. “Unlike conventional resorts, which focus solely on opulence, our retreats are designed to reconnect guests with nature,” explains Chavan. “Grape County is a living example of this commitment, a 20-acre resort within a 250-acre biodiversity park, a sprawling green haven meticulously rewilded with over 52,000 native trees and teeming with…
In the heart of India’s bustling cities, where contemporary luxury hotels dominate the skyline, Manju Sharma, Managing Director of Jaypee Hotels & Resorts, has skillfully maintained the legacy of a hospitality brand that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. For decades, Sharma has been at the helm of five iconic properties—two in Delhi and one each in Greater Noida, Agra, and Mussoorie—steering them to prominence amidst fierce competition in the luxury hospitality segment. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Sharma to uncover her strategy for staying relevant in a market where modern and international brands have carved out their niche. “Hospitality is about…
Hyderabad recently savoured the coastal flavours of India at The Glass House, Jubilee Hills, during a two-day pop-up by Mumbai’s Kari Apla, helmed by Chef duo Mathew Varghese and Ebaani Tewari. The dynamic husband-wife chef duo, Mathew Varghese and Ebaani Tewari, both alumni of IHM Mumbai aka Dadar Catering College, transported Hyderabadi diners on a nostalgic journey through the vibrant flavour of India’s Deccan Coast. From May 24th to 25th, the exclusive two-day pop-up served up regional comfort food in the traditional style, on banana leaves. The very name Kari Apla itself is a culinary fusion – a playful blend…
Nestled in the lush expanse of Banjara Hills, The Leela Hyderabad stands as a beacon of regal opulence and luxury, blending palace-style grandeur with the rich Dakhni heritage. From gilded ceilings and intricate Turkish chandeliers to meaningful art narratives woven into its design, the hotel offers an immersive experience that reflects the cultural essence of the region. Complementing its architectural magnificence are seven distinctive food and beverage outlets, each promising a culinary adventure for discerning guests. At the helm of this iconic property is Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, the General Manager of The Leela Hyderabad a seasoned hospitality leader with over three…
Punjab Grill, a pan-Indian fine-dining brand, continues to wow food enthusiasts with its rich North Indian flavours. With locations spread across India and internationally in cities like Washington D.C., Bangkok, Abu Dhabi and Singapore, this culinary marvel promises an authentic yet innovative dining experience that pays homage to Punjab’s regal culinary heritage. Punjab Grill has achieved global recognition with some branches earning prestigious Michelin stars. Notably, the Washington D.C. location holds a Michelin star, while the Bangkok outlet, the brand’s first in Thailand, has been featured in the Michelin Guide. Owned by Lite Bite Foods, Punjab Grill is on an…
