Aloft as a brand is for the ‘always on’ next generation of travellers as they pride in the fact that they are always ahead of the game. Nestled in a competitive hub, Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park is experiencing a soft revamp to up its offerings. Sushma Khichar, Hotel Manager, Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park, shares details of her journey in the hospitality industry in BOTT Exclusive GM Series.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Please share with us a brief introduction about your background? Was it a conscious choice or an accidental entry?
I am a Rajasthani by birth, born in Jaipur the pink city. My father was a government officer and mother, a housewife. I am not from any school or college of hotel management. In fact, I am a science graduate and hold a Diploma in Tourism Studies. My entry into the hotels was by accident, although in my heart I always wanted to get into hotels.
What was your first Job?
My first job was at The Oberoi Mumbai where I started my career as a front desk associate.
How did you climb up the ladder? How many hotels have you worked with and in what capacities?
I have worked with different hotels and different brands in the last 15 years and got multiple promotions, almost one every year. I have worked for The Oberoi Mumbai, ITC Grand Maratha Mumbai, Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa, Marriott Bengaluru Hotel Whitefield and my current assignment at Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park.
Could you share with us details of some of the challenges you faced along the way?
It has been a pleasant and successful journey so far and the biggest challenge I can recall over the years is moving to new cities, new cultures and constantly adapting to it. Even though this has been a challenge, it has helped me grow in to the person I have become today.
How long have you been attached with the current Hotel (or chain)? How has your experience with the property been?
It has been almost 13 years now, with my current hotel chain – Marriott International. The journey with Marriott has been one among the most beautiful experiences of my life. I have been with my current hotel, Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park for the last 3.5 months and my work here has been as sassy as the brand itself.
What Special changes / touches have you added to the property? How have you ensured that your Hotel stays ahead of the competition?
Aloft as a brand is for the ‘always on’ next generation of travellers and we always have to be ahead of our game. Hence after 5 years of operations of the property, in last 2 months we have started a soft revamp of our products especially in the rooms and in public areas to give a feel of newness filled with lot of Aloft colours, textures and vibes in general. We are also working on revamping our banquet spaces to give our guests a savvy experience in line with the Aloft brand.
Do you have any new plans or policies or initiatives in the pipeline that you would be introducing in the near future?
We plan to make all our areas tech savvy and give our guests the Sassy, Savvy and Spacious experience, which is what our brand aims to provide.
How do you handle the increasing attrition rate facing the hospitality industry in India? Thankfully, Aloft is a brand which is full of life and close to the hearts of the younger generation who love to listen and groove to the latest music. As Aloft is a young, vibrant and fun brand to work for, we have managed to keep our attrition rate under control.
