During my visit to the Jaipur Literary Festival and stay at Le Meridien, I had an opportunity to interact with Sanjay Gupta, the General Manager of Le Meridien, Jaipur. Since my stay at the property was excellent, I was curious to understand thoughts of the General Manager. So, below is what I gathered as an information from him.

Interaction with Sanjay Gupta, GM, Le Meridien Jaipur

How do you differentiate Le Meridien Jaipur with that of competitors?

Le Meridien Jaipur is a resort having 126 rooms. So it’s a great property for destination wedding unlike other big inventory hotels. It happens like the entire hotel belongs to one guest. We get many inbound guests from UK, France and US. We hold many MICE conferences. Corporate hotels market segments are different .

We do food and beverage which is theme based. Our tea and coffee break is just not simple tea or coffee break. It revolves around a theme for example for chocolate theme, cookies would be chocolate cookies, drinks would also be based on chocolates.

In any kind of theme setting, food is very well thought about. For example, for a Rajasthani setting, cuisine is paid special attention to. In Lucknawi cuisine for Sangeet ceremony, again focus is paid on setting, ambiance and food remains in forefront.

2. What is the long term vision?

Referral business world is for us. Customers come with certain expectations so the bar is already raised. We are number 2 property in Asia Pacific in all Le Meridien hotels.
Our vision is to become no one and be there. For guests, it’s not a simple check in but a place to relax and unwind. Services are customised for the guest depending on the type of stay. We have our tools to keep everyone updated in status and queries of guests and their requirements. We give personalised attention to guests by knowing their tastes and serving them accordingly. He said when Jimmmy Shergil visited, the staff got the hint about Jimmy’s wish to eat Dosa Sambhar. So when he came at the breakfast table, Jimmy was surprised to see Dosa Sambhar for his breakfast.

3. What is the feedback of your loyal travellers?

This is a place to unwind and relax. Sanjay Gupta said having 25 acres of land gives a big space. Banquet spaces are far away from hotel. So, it’s like a proper separation. Its a two day get away which is away from hussle bustle of the city. Our guests feel personally attended with customized service. Chefs roam around in the restaurant to interact with guests and ensures the food makes them happy.

4. How do you keep your employees happy or differently from rest of the hotels?

Principle of all hotels is to work hard and party harder. We ensure to celebrate festivals together as a team. There are team competitions amongst different departments be it decoration, food, rangoli competitions etc . We do Durga Pooja together, Navaratre lunch and more. We take out time for an off site. There is a concept of lunch with GM where achievers and excellent work awardees who have gone over and beyond in their jobs have lunch with GM .

About Sanjay Gupta

A veteran with over 20 years of experience in Hospitality, Sanjay brings a wealth of experience in hotel operations, especially in Food & Beverage. His key strength lies in creating highly engaged and ‘thinking’ leadership teams with an approach of creativity and innovation.

Sanjay has previously worked across leading Hospitality chains and markets, including The Oberoi Group, Hilton, Hyatt as well as The Royal Orchid Group.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management in Kolkata, Sanjay has also completed the Management Development program, Economic Tools for Better Business Planning at the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. His substantial work in the hospitality sector is reflected in the numerous awards his properties have been presented with.

Sanjay was awarded General Manager of the year 2013 by Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Now part of Marriott International) for his significant contribution to the property he works for.

Sanjay Gupta, General Manager, Le Meridien – Jaipur

Nidhi KM

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