Akesh Bhatnagar
/ prabhjot bediOriginal Interview was posted March 05, 2008.
Mr. Bhatnagar was then GM- Hospitality, RMZ Corp.
Q What are the three attributes that make a successful hotelier?
Empathy for your Employee & Guest.
Having a burning desire to understand the changing needs of your target market/clientèle.
Ability to retain your gems, both Employees & Guests.
Q What is better when you starting your career or early in your career, a better salary or a better company?
A better Company.
Q What are your favorite questions in an interview & why?
Basically, what ticks the person on or off; more precisely if his passion/interests have a connection with what his job profile entails.
Q How important are Grooming & Communication skills in this industry?
Both are of Paramount Importance.
Q What can an applicant do on his/her resume to attract your attention?
Apart from a one-way communicating resume, also have a mention of Awards & testimonials to prove your worth.
More General Manager Interviews
In the coming months, you can expect us to continue leveraging technology and automation to enhance guest experiences at DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi. We are working on integrating advanced data analytics to personalize guest interactions further and enhance operational efficiency.
We recycle food waste into compost, use glass instead of plastic for water, and harness solar energy with 1,443 panels generating 2,000 KWH daily. Our reforestation efforts aim to convert open scrub into dense forest cover, while community programs empower local women in sustainable farming. Embracing an earth-to-table approach, we also grow organic produce.
For those aspiring to become hotel General Managers, my foremost advice is to never lose sight of the path you've traveled to reach this position. The journey from the ground level, starting at an entry position, holds immense significance. It's crucial not to forget your humble beginnings, as this keeps you rooted and grounded amidst growth.
Hotels unlike other Industries require service to come from within or Heart as I would like to say. Either you have it in you or you don’t.
My advice to someone aspiring to be a Hotel General Manager is to cultivate a diverse skill set, continuously seek learning opportunities, develop strong leadership abilities, prioritize guest satisfaction, and always lead by example with integrity and passion for the industry.
We are continuously evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of our guests, leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the guest experience. Our focus on sustainability and community engagement is also a key part of our future vision.
The hospitality industry scenario in India is moving quickly. My advice is to stay flexible and keep learning. Change is good, whether it is in tech or in what our guests need. The heart of hospitality, making guests feel at home, will always be the same. Keep improving your people skills and your passion for service. The future looks promising, and I’m excited to see how newcomers will shape it.
It is important not to give in to failures. We all have our good and bad days. A great guest comment can make your day.