Priyanka Saxena Ray
Radisson Blu Palace Udaipur is known for its luxurious offerings and prime location. What are the key elements that contribute to its status as a premier destination in Udaipur’s hospitality landscape?
Udaipur is well positioned on the global tourism map, and our palace is one of the prominent destinations. Over the years, we have successfully established the reputation of an opulent and majestic property and we attribute this achievement to a combination of factors and strategic decisions that have worked in our favour. First, the palace’s prime location overlooking the alluring Fateh Sagar Lake has been integral in distinguishing us as a premier destination. Today, customers demand mystical and picturesque backdrops for their special occasions. Our wide array of expansive indoor and outdoor venues serves as the perfect location for hosting sundowner weddings, grand weddings, intimate Haldi and Sangeet functions, conferences, summits, etc. In addition to our largest pillarless ballrooms in the state, meeting rooms and lush lawns give our guests several options for event spaces to choose from. The hospitality industry is dynamic and ever-evolving and we strive to keep abreast with the latest innovations and trends. When it comes to weddings, every ceremony is a unique experience altogether, with intricate details, cultural traditions, authenticity, emotions, and even personalized elements. Hence, we offer exclusive tailored wedding packages to cater to the peculiar needs of customers. Moreover, our wedding concierge services ensure couples and host families are relieved from the exhaustion of wedding planning and can enjoy the festivities with their loved ones. In fact, our dedicated customer service team works closely with them and ensures that every ceremony crafted turns out to be a breathtaking, wholesome experience truly depicting their vision. In addition to weddings, we host couples, families, groups of friends, corporate offsites, and even MICE events. Our top-notch hospitality and state-of-the-art facilities ensure every guest has a comfortable and memorable stay. The wide range of services and recreational activities, as well as the option of customization of services and packages, further make it enticing for guests. Our in-house dedicated events team comprises exceptionally talented, seasoned professionals, and creative experts. They seamlessly manage the events and work closely with guests. Our track record has been exceptional as we have always surpassed their expectations. When it comes to facilities, we tend to go beyond the traditional options. From robust infrastructure with modern audio and visual technology to value-added services like fitness centres, therapeutic spas, team-building activities, recreational activities, culturally authentic experiences, we offer anything and everything possibly falling under the gamut of events. Our recently launched one-of-its-kind gaming zone provides a plethora of entertainment options for the guests. Â
Udaipur is a city rich in heritage and culture. How does Radisson Blu Palace Udaipur integrate local traditions and culture into the guest experience to create a memorable stay?
We take pride in our cultural diversity and traditions deeply rooted in history. Hence, we try our level best to incorporate elements that best portray our heritage in our guest experiences. Our palace radiates the perfect balance of royalty, elegance, and grandeur. Our culture is represented not only in the interiors and decor of the property but also our palatial facilities and unparalleled hospitality. The ideology of Atithi Devo Bhava is etched in our hearts and we follow it to the ‘T’. Our culturally enriched experiences begin with a royal welcome of our guests with a mala (garland), a tilak on their foreheads, and safas. For recreational activities, we include magic shows, puppet shows, folk performances by local artists, etc., to give our guests a true experience of Udaipur’s royalty and cultural diversity. When we host events, we try to incorporate cultural elements and details, drawing inspiration from our heritage and rich traditions. For instance, we hosted a wedding recently and the couple wanted to give their guests culturally authentic experiences. To ensure this, we set up low seated thaats and used the classic combination of maroon and gold for the decor to portray royalty and elegance. Additionally, experiences like live phulkas, kulhad chai, and chaach and choodi walas are incorporated into the events’ experiences, for which we request local females to serve meals the traditional way. In fact, on special demand, we prepare and even serve buffets in premium earthenware to enhance the culinary experience. We also collaborate with local artists for lively entertainment performances during the evenings to add cultural charm to the festivities.Â
With the growing demand for experiential travel, how does Radisson Blu Palace Udaipur cater to travellers seeking unique and personalized experiences?
The transition from traveling being a break from mundane routines or simply business trips to enriched experiences has been significant. We notice people today prioritize experiences and are willing to shell out money for the same. Whether it is palatial services, luxurious accommodations, or exceptional hospitality, the bar is high for the industry players today to match the expectations of customers and cater to their demands effectively. Weddings have always been grand, luxurious affairs in India. However, even vacations, corporate offsites, MICE events, etc., are turning into wholesome experiences nowadays. Trends like workations, staycations, weekend getaways, luxurious vacations, recreational holidays, etc., are gaining prominence and are pivotal in shaping the hospitality industry’s landscape. Consequently, value-added services beyond the usual bed and breakfast option are imperative to stay ahead of the curve and surpass guests’ expectations. This is why experiential travel, personalization of services, and innovations are required to meet individual preferences. At Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur, customer-centricity is the key, and we prioritize tailoring services to ensure guests have fulfilling travel experiences and their demands are catered to.Â
Sustainability is a crucial aspect of modern hospitality. What initiatives has Radisson Blu Palace Udaipur implemented to ensure environmentally responsible operations while maintaining luxury standards?
Sustainability is an integral part of modern businesses today and the hospitality industry has been no exception. We have observed travellers increasingly supporting environmental conservation. Their commitment to protecting mother nature and giving back to the environment is leading to increased demand for eco-friendly travel experiences. To meet their demand and complement our sustainability vision, we have introduced several operational modifications and innovations. To start with, we implemented using renewable energy sources such as solar panels with the help of a plant near Bikaner. This step is not only cost-saving and energy-efficient but also minimizes carbon footprint. We also established efficiency systems and guest awareness programs to spread awareness about water conservation at the property. Moreover, we have established an in-house water plant at the property, where we clean, filter, and pack drinking water. This step goes a long way in reducing the usage of plastic bottles on the premises. Adding to this, we are actively involved in waste management and recycling efforts. We take pride in the fact that we have been able to successfully eliminate single-use plastic in any product or service we offer. Even when we have to, we use recyclable plastic. In an attempt to avoid food wastage, we have developed a composting plant at the property. Additionally, the sewage treatment plant helps clean the in-house water and reduces the burden on the environment. Our sustainable initiatives are not only limited to the operational processes. We offer personalised guest experiences focused on sustainability. Eco-friendly interiors and aesthetic pieces handcrafted by local artisans, like puppets, wall art, murals, etc., enhance the ambience of the rooms. Even the personalized notes from the GM’s desk welcoming our guests are handcrafted on paper made from eco-friendly materials. We have tried our best to incorporate eco-friendly practices in our architecture as well. The entire palace, especially the meeting rooms and public spaces have been designed in a manner that they are naturally well-illuminated. We have consciously set up sensor-based artificial lights and LED lighting to conserve energy. Every step we take towards sustainability helps us contribute to the preservation of Rajasthan’s heritage while driving the socio-economic development of the areas in proximity to the palace.Â
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, what are your future plans for Radisson Blu Palace Udaipur? Are there any upcoming developments or enhancements that guests can look forward to?
Today, Radisson Blu Palace Resort and Spa, Udaipur, is a renowned name in the hospitality industry, known for its prime location, picturesque views, palatial facilities, and unmatchable hospitality. It has become synonymous with events and weddings in particular and we take pride in having a strong reputation for being the sought-after wedding destination. With a clear focus on business development, our short-term goal is to capture greater market share in the state. We aim to expand the hotel chain pan-India while growing sustainably. Aligned with this vision, our first step is to launch Fairmont Palace in Udaipur. Additionally, property launches in Jaipur and Mumbai are in the pipeline. Our larger vision is to emerge as the go-to destination for all kinds of events, from weddings and MICE to corporate offsites, leisure travel, etc., in the times to come.Â
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