Located in a serene lane of Koregaon Park, Marriott Suites Pune is the first in India, and the sixth in the world. Subhash Sinha, GM, Marriott Suites Pune talks about the many unique features of the property that attract both long stay expatriate guests and short stay weekend visitors from neighbouring cities. By Sudipta Dev
The upscale neighbourhood of Koregaon Park in Pune recently acquired a signature of luxury with India’s very first Marriott Suites. Formerly an Oakwood property, the world’s sixth Marriott Suites is in a quite, green residential area, which is perfect for its significant number of long staying guests, many among whom are expatriates.
This is the sixth Marriott Suites in the world. The other destinations include Dubai and Chicago. The property has 199 expansive suites with living room, separate bed rooms; all are equipped with kitchenettes, high-end entertainment options, washer/ dryer, and other facilities. The suites range from one to three bedrooms, which are perfect for large families. “Our property attracts both long stay and short stay guests. It is a unique concept and different from Marriott Executive Apartments, which is for long staying guests, and has just one restaurant for in-house guests only,” says Subhash Sinha, GM, Marriott Suites Pune, adding that the property is a proper hotel with two F&B outlets, a lounge, etc.
The property has many unique features with activity options for guests, including a tennis court, a squash court, a games room, a high-end gym, and other facilities of a five star property. “All this adds to the need of the customer. The ratio of long stay and regular guests is almost 50:50. Many of them are Americans, Italians and Germans. They comprise from upper management to mid management. Some of them are with families too,” informs Sinha. The resident board lists the various activities for guests. Every weekend there are cycle tours, heritage walks, village tours (farm visits). The property has also collaborated with Bullet bike clubs. “It is about getting to know the guests and focus on fitness and well being,” asserts Sinha.
The hotel also attracts a lot of weekend crowd, mostly people from neighbouring cities travelling to Pune. “Our occupancy is equally good on a weekend as well as weekday, informs Sinha, adding with pride that the property is known for its quality of food. This is not surprising being a well known former chef, having worked as the executive chef of JW Marriott Pune, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Hingewadi as executive chef, and before that with JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu as executive sous chef. Sinha was recognised with Award for Culinary Excellence (ACE) in 2012 and Global Chef of the Year in 2013, Marriott brand. He believes the passion as a chef he carries in his new position too. “I still feel I am in the learning curve and I enjoy it. That curve should not stop for an individual. My goal prompted me that I should open a big hotel with multiple F&B outlets and take it to the pinnacle of success, which I did at JW Marriott Pune. I achieved whatever I wanted to as a chef and then decided to move to a new position,” he explains.
F&B focus
In terms of F&B, Senses restaurant serves breakfast/ lunch/ dinner and midnight buffets (on weekends). The 24-hour restaurant has an identity of its own in the area, with its unique theme – the elements of water, fire lit at night, live kitchens which titillates the senses.
“The quality of food draws its loyal clientele. It is popular for birthdays, special day celebrations and anniversaries, etc,” points out Sinha, adding that it also draws corporate clients. Bistro is an Italian-Mediterranean bistro. Apart from the neighbourhood, people staying at nearby hotels also frequent it. “This part of Pune is well populated with expats staying in standalone properties. Bistro has also got a deli, with a lot of merchandise. You can also order whatever you want; all the things are available in the kitchen. Some of the expats struggle to get particular ingredients, which they can get here,” mentions Sinha. There are plans to further enhance and upgrade the facilities at this outlet, and position it as a deli in daytime and bistro at night.
Then there is Oak Lounge, a popular lounge which transforms into a nightclub. “It is very popular and best in terms of revenue generation,” says Sinha, affirming that all the three F&B outlets have their own brand identities in the market. There is a double digit growth in F&B. There are also plans for more chefs coming in at both restaurants and unique festivals at the lounge.
Marriott standards
The owner of the property is Panchshil Realty. Future plans include upgradation and refurbishment of the rooms. Being a brownfield property that has been converted, it has all Marriott standards. “Marriott is into standardised products and amenities. From bedding standards to linen to bathroom amenities, all are as per Marriott standards,” states Sinha. A much bigger spa is coming up by December this year.
On being asked if the transition was a challenge, he informs that the hotel was not closed for the transition. “We had our task force coming from different Marriott hotels. The old team was retrained and refocused; the idea was not to get a fresh batch of people. It took us about three months, though training is a continuous process,” he states, adding that he is blessed with a great team. “They have the enthusiasm and hunger to learn, that is what is needed. We are all learning and growing,” he affirms.
The property has been a high ranker on Tripadvisor for sometime. “We get great reviews from guests, they love being here. On our part, it is humble service more than anything else. This is appreciated by everyone,” states Sinha.
The average occupancy is 82 to 83 per cent. Talking about the promotional and marketing strategy, Sinha reminds that Marriott has 33 hotels across India, “We have an effective marketing communications team. I don’t think visibility is a problem. All our hotels promote each other. Our sales is also like that, e.g. our Bengaluru sales guy can sell this hotel. That is why Marriott is such a successful hotel company.”