With an optimistic mindset, Reuben Kataria, General Manager, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru is gearing up to launch the hotel in July 2021. In an exclusive interview with BW HOTELIER, Kataria shared his plans for the unveiling of the hotel.

With Bengaluru under extended lockdown, the hotels are once again witnessing a halt in their businesses. To understand the situation better, BW HOTELIER interacted with Reuben Kataria, GM, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru.

Gearing up for a successful opening

The outbreak of the pandemic second wave has taken a toll over the entire country. As a consequence, the hospitality sector is also suffering. On being asked about his take on the current market scenario, Kataria commented, “The market will remain down till we manage to pick the people up. Our priority now is to reach out to associates with a helping hand and support them. There is a very large focus that has drifted towards the well-being of our employees and their families. These are tough times and I strongly believe, if all of us did our part in extending our support to the people in need, we will win this battle.”

At The Leela, they are focused on the wellbeing and safety of their guests, associates and the communities in which they operate.  Suraksha by The Leela is a program that ensures heightened safety and hygiene protocols to reassure the guests of their safety in their care. As they prepare to open their doors, they are committed to implementing this. The Leela has also committed towards supporting the vaccination drive for all their associates and their families, and is implementing a program that can provide their associates with counselling should they need any assistance as they navigate personal and professional challenges in these difficult times.

As hoteliers they are very resilient and hopeful. They know recovery will come and when it does, they want to be prepared and ready to own the upswing. They are using this time to rethink our strategies, plan their processes and gear up for a successful opening.

The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru

The launch for The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru is targeted for July 2021. “Nevertheless, considering the current scenario we will have to take each day as it comes. Our teams are however investing very largely on training and perfecting their skills during this time as we gear up for the launch.”

The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru is nestled in the lush 125-acre Bhartiya City inside the Special Economic Zone is a unique property. The hotel has 281 lavish rooms and suites, over 50,000 sq. ft. of convention space coupled with additional garden spaces and luxury residences. A very strategic focus is also on the culinary excellence being offered with our dining outlets which include the all-day dining: Quattro, the rooftop fine-dining Indian restaurant and lounge: Falak, the speciality restaurant: The Lotus Oriental and The Library Bar. This experience of being in a lifestyle enclave offering dining experiences, retail spaces, entertainment, office, and commercial spaces within the same complex is one-of-its kind in Bengaluru.

Launching a property: then vs now

COVID-19 pandemic has altered everyone's lifestyle. It impacted the launch of properties as well. From being conducted on-site, such events have now been shifted to the virtual space. Highlighting the differences in launching a property before and after the pandemic, Kataria stated, “Launching a property is a privilege for any General Manager. The journey brings with it a new challenge every day, but the exhilaration of launching keeps everyone on the ground going. While we understand the times are very different currently, it's an absolute delight to see the property come to life exactly as it was planned. We have brought together the best of resources, talent, design elements and experiences that will be memorable for our guests. Being a part of a SMART City- Bhartiya City, there is an intrinsic focus is on being sustainable and environment friendly.”

“We plan to invest heavily in social and digital mediums for everyone around the globe to experience the virtual delight of this unique hotel, until the situation around allows them to experience it personally. As for the launch, instead of one mega event, we are designing many smaller intimate gatherings, focusing on giving everyone a personalized experience with the touch of true Indian luxury and warm hospitality,” he elaborated.

Positioning the hotel in the Luxury space

Explaining his strategy to establish the hotel in the luxury space, he said, “Located 30 minutes from the airport with no other luxury properties in North Bangalore, situated inside a SMART City, we have a captive audience from different segments and profiles in our vicinity. The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru brings value to people in every way. From the quality of stay, the convention space we offer, the fine dining options we have, we aim to offer people a one stop destination with the state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.”