The roots of Priya Living are very personal. Its Founder, Arun Paul, grew up witnessing the emotional impact of migration. His parents left part of themselves in India so their child could have better opportunities abroad. That sacrifice set the stage for a lifelong mission, to create meaningful, connected communities for older adults.
Founded to rethink aging, Priya Living offers more than just housing. It creates vibrant, purpose-driven communities where residents can thrive, lead, and feel they belong.
Now, as Priya Living opens its first community in Hyderabad, the mission comes full circle. In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Faiyaz Ansari, General Manager, Priya Hyderabad, shares insights into this innovative concept and the vision behind the property.
Can you tell us about Priya Hyderabad and its main concept?
Priya Hyderabad is a truly unique experience. We’re not just a hotel; we’re building a residential community centred on human connection. Our goal is for guests to connect and find a sense of belonging. We offer a modern, boutique lifestyle for multi-generational guests, blending stylish Indian design with bright colours.
What kind of rooms and dining options do you offer?
We have 124 rooms. Our main dining outlet is Pearl, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The culinary focus at Pearl is on fresh, local, seasonal, and regional ingredients. We strive to make everything fresh, even growing our spices and making our own cheese. We serve exclusively a la carte; there are no buffets, ensuring everything is fresh when it reaches your table.
Our dining emphasises a la carte service to maintain freshness. We take meal pre-orders, and hot items are prepared to order, usually delivered to your table within 15 to 20 minutes. The aroma and quality of the food are our top priorities. Currently, our dining is mainly for residential guests and their families or friends to provide a dedicated and valued experience.
What other unique facilities does Priya Hyderabad offer?
We have several distinct spaces. Social Lab is designed for family gatherings or corporate events, featuring a communal table to encourage connection. We provide customised mocktails and food there. Then there’s Playhouse, a modern Indian gaming area for families and kids. We also have a herb garden, a flower garden, a gym, a library, and a mini-theatre. All these common spaces are free for in-house guests. On the second floor, we have The Nest, a lovely evening gathering place with music and personalised service. Additionally, we offer Sun Terrace and City Terrace for small gatherings, yoga, or meetings, with a great atmosphere.
Can you elaborate on the room categories and amenities?
Our rooms are indeed spacious, ranging from 348 to 820 square feet, across Deluxe and Premium categories. A key feature for us is the in-room air purifier with a monitor, allowing guests to see the air quality we provide. Our beds are crafted for ultimate comfort—not too hard, not too soft—ensuring one of the best sleeps in the hospitality sector.
Besides providing a luxurious stay, how does Priya Living contribute to the community?
We are committed to philanthropy and giving back to the community. We partner with NGOs like the American India Foundation (AIF), focusing on underprivileged schools, feeding children, and promoting women’s health, especially regarding early pregnancies. Our first kickoff with AIF is planned for November.
What type of guests do you typically receive, and what’s your approach to their stay?
We cater to all segments: older adults, families with kids, and business travellers. We offer both short and long stays, some extending up to a year. We aim to be a ‘home away from home’ for expats, NRIs, and retirees seeking a purposeful and engaging stay. We strive to create connections, providing various services and activities.
How do you personalise the experience for such a diverse, multi-generational guest profile?
We will soon have a Community Manager whose job will be to communicate with every guest segment and tailor their itineraries, whether it’s yoga, spiritual visits, or city tours. We’ve also partnered with places like Kanha Ashram and Manam Chocolate Karkhana for unique experiences.
What technology systems are integrated into Priya Hyderabad?
We’ve integrated the latest technology. Our point-of-sale system for food and drink is Toast, and we use Cloudbeds for property management, handling inventory, reservations, and revenue.
Are there plans for a loyalty program and expansion?
Yes, we are planning an exciting Priya Living loyalty program that will cover stays across India. Our ambitious goal is to open properties in every major city in India within the next five years.
With so many hotels emerging, what is the USP of Priya Living? Why should patrons choose you?
Our unique selling point is in the human connection and the sense of purpose we provide. We’re not just a hotel; we’re a modern boutique hospitality offering a distinctive experience. Every staff member has a versatile role, and we prioritise fresh, local, and regional cuisine. We stand out because we aim to create an atmosphere of belonging, with a curated menu and comfortable accommodations.
You mentioned the owner is from the US with Indian roots. Why did they choose India for this venture?
The founder, Arun Paul, whose parents are from India, found a purpose here. He and Co-Founder Anjan Mitra are passionate about building this unique community in India, motivated by the belief in human connection.
What are your additional revenue streams?
We provide in-house laundry services and transportation. The spa, once fully operational, will also serve as a significant revenue source, exclusively for residential guests.
What is your current approach to revenue metrics like RevPAR, ADR, and F&B performance?
At this early stage, we are not focused on specific RevPAR or ADR targets. Our priority is to build occupancy and market awareness. F&B contributions are not budgeted separately since we primarily focus on residential guests, often included in bed-and-breakfast packages. Our main goal is to offer flexibility and comfort, with no strict check-in/out times when rooms are available, and we even offer refills on dishes you enjoy.
How do you integrate sustainability into Priya Hyderabad?
We are strongly committed to sustainability. We are plastic-free, using wooden cutting boards in the kitchen. We provide healthy in-house RO water, practice rainwater harvesting, and engage in planting initiatives both inside and outside the community.
How does Priya Living prioritise its staff, and what benefits do they receive?
We believe our team members are our greatest asset. We treat them with respect and dignity. We feel that by empowering and valuing our team, they will naturally provide the best service to guests. We offer them good accommodations, customised meals, and, in the future, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). We also ensure service charge distribution to all our team members, regardless of whether guests choose to add it. We invest in their education, including English communication and financial literacy.
How do you view Hyderabad as a market for Priya Living’s unique concept?
Hyderabad has shown great potential. Corporates appreciate our concept since we offer amenities and a comfortable environment that let them balance work and family life. Guests consistently commend our cleanliness, hygiene, and polite, versatile staff. NRIs and medical tourists value the easy access to quality hospitals and the overall feeling of being at home that we provide. We believe our service, product, and culture will help us become a leader in India’s hospitality industry.
asmita.mukherjee@saffronsynergies.in
