Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels and Resorts, says the pandemic has forced the hotel industry to boost creativity and innovation to remain competitive

One of the fastest growing mid-segment hotel chains in India and Nepal, Lords Hotels & Resorts has become an eminent name within a decade of its inception. With the mission to deliver top-class experiences to turn mundane stays into exemplary ‘wow’ experiences, all the while being open to a variety of cultures to influence and enhance their service delivery, the Group comprises 41 hotels across 13 states and two countries. 

Recently, Lords Hotels & Resorts opened their second property in Jammu and also one in Jamnagar. Plans are underway to welcome guests at new properties in Belagavi (Karnataka), Rajkot-Shapar (Gujarat) and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) in October. “We will be expanding our portfolio in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and have lined up openings in Amreli (Gujarat), Karjat and Panchgani (Maharashtra), Basar (Telangana) and also three hotels in Gangtok. We are poised to reach more than 60 hotels by 2022 in India as well as overseas destinations,” shares Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels and Resorts.

ENTRY INTO HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

A civil engineer by profession, he expanded his family business in construction, executing projects for L&T, ONGC, ESSAR, Food Corporation of India, Indian Railways and many more. Later, he moved to the USA in 2003 and it was there that he acquired hotels, motels and resorts of reputed brands like Howard Johnson and Comfort Inn among others. “In order to replicate my experience and passion in India too, I ventured into the hospitality business and initially owned hotels in Mumbai and then in Surat. In due course of time, Lords Hotels and Resorts was formed. Since then, there has been no looking back,” he says, adding that the Group’s penchant for perfection lies in the fact that “we’ve always been a preferred choice of the travellers, whether for business or leisure. We constantly strive for nothing but excellence, which is also our motto. The confluence of traditional values and modern hospitality makes us extraordinary,” puts in Bansal. 

PANDEMIC INITIATIVES

During the peak of the pandemic, Lords Hotels and Resorts provided free meals for health professionals and other needy people. The Group also offered accommodation to doctors, nurses and other medical first responders who were helping the country fight against Covid-19. To support the Government’s vaccination drive, the Group launched a vaccination and vacation programme where it offered discounted deals to encourage tourist to get vaccinated before their vacation. 

TECHNOLOGY AT LORDS

The Lords Hotels & Resorts’ COO feels that technology has played a vital role in our lives, especially in the wake of Covid-19. “Intelligent use of technology is helping us in generating more revenue for our hotels. We have moved towards digitalising by automating guest check-in and check-out experience. Mobile payments and QR code have been introduced and we are upgrading our hotels to introduce Artificial Intelligence-based solutions in various areas like voice activated elevators and lightings,” he shares. 

PLANS AHEAD

Talking about the future plans, Bansal says that the pandemic has forced the hotel industry to boost creativity and innovation to remain competitive. “Health and safety for all, including guests and hotel staff will be at the forefront, followed by digitalisation and diversification. New revenue opportunities are now shaping up for the hotel industry and will continue to do so. It is for certain that the demand will grow in the coming years. Our adaptation to this new scenario will be the key,” feels Bansal.

This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'F&B SPECIAL ISSUE VOL 7, ISSUE 5'