The Grand Hyatt Mumbai
is the global hotel chain’s flagship property in South Asia and over the last few years it has been able to position itself as a “multi-dimensional lifestyle property.“Grand Hyatt Mumbai is the global hotel chain’s flagship property in South Asia and over the last few years it has been able to position itself as a “multi-dimensional lifestyle property.”

The multiple lifestyle features of this property are all under one roof includes dining, entertaining, shopping or relaxing, make it a complete destination in itself.

Breaking Travel News caught up with Mr Ilan Weill the General Manager at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai in order to discuss

BTN: How did it become the flagship property?

Weill: This is the Hyatt’s largest and most sophisticated operation in India. This is why. The Grand Hyatt Mumbai is also a source of pride to its employees who are behind the success of the hotel.

The Grand Hyatt Mumbai established itself in the market place as a benchmark in the hospitality industry and is known for its unparalleled service, product, design, equipment and people.

The property offers growth and development opportunities to those who seek a career with the company, the hotel plays a major role in the commitment of the company to develop tomorrow’s new generation of hoteliers.

BTN: The hotel has one of the finest collections of commissioned art in a public space in India; in what ways is it special?

Weill: The hotel has taken a pioneering step in bringing together Mumbai’s known artists and upcoming talent with crafts people from around the country. The art is conceived as homage to the mythic and contemporary presence of Shiva, who embodies the interplay of the opposites: tranquility & agitation; love & wrath and creation & destruction.

The art also reflects the mythological and everyday life of the metropolis through a contemporary prism, reinterpreting the sacred and the profane, resonating with the timeless and the ephemeral.

A part of the Grand Hyatt brand initiative is to serve culturally rich destinations and promote the best of local culture and art. This has been very well appreciated by the international clientele and is also a boost and motivation to the local artists giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent.

BTN: What are the biggest challenges facing the hotel at the present time?

Weill: The lack of infrastructure in the city and services is a concern shared across the industry, we are glad that steps are being taken to improve the facilities and services at the airport and around the city.

In a booming market with much competition, another challenge is our ability to identify and attract dynamic and skilled staff for the different areas in the hotel. With future growth in the area, this will be a key priority for the hotel.

BTN: What new opportunities and markets do you see opening up in 2007-2008?

Weill: Retail is the sunrise industry in India and will create a huge market. The infrastructure development plan, Open Sky Policy and economic growth will also create a tremendous increase in the demand.

With more foreign investments made in the city, there is a huge potential for foreign delegation and business generated by multinational companies with new business interest in the country.

BTN: What new developments and new packages have you got in the pipeline going forwards?

Weill: In addition to the Gold Passport program and several food and beverage and SPA promotions, the package in the pipeline in September-November 2007 is Hyatt Means Business, which can be availed on line. It includes a grand room accommodation, breakfast, unlimited internet access, laundry services, 1000 Gold passport points and also an option for an up-charge to a club room.

BTN: How well are the residences doing? What are the occupancy rates? What type of long-term guests are checking in? Who does it appeal to?

Weill: With the increase in business activity and arrival of many new multinationals companies into the city, there is a growing increase for service apartments used for mid and long term stay of individuals who either reside in the city or in the process of relocating to it.

Grand Hyatt Residences is considered to be Mumbai’s stylish sanctuary in the centre of the city with the most spacious and contemporary design.

The Residences offer exclusive facilities and services which include a dedicated Concierge, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, a private lobby with a dedicated access to the underground car park, tennis court, basketball, beach volleyball, jogging track, swimming pool, convenient access to the hotel’s restaurants, Club Oasis - fitness centre and spa, Business Centre, Grand Hyatt Plaza, etc.

Grand Hyatt Residences has been well accepted by the market and has a very high occupancy throughout the year, generated by either individual travellers or families living with us on a long term basis.

BTN: You opened your China House restaurant a few months ago, what has this brought to the hotel? How has this style of cuisine been received by guests?

Weill: Bringing an unexpected dimension to the experience of traditional Chinese cuisine, this contemporary new restaurant embodies Hyatt’s reputation for innovative operations.

China House brings a new dimension to the cuisine options in the city, it is a unique and warm space that offers multiple entertainment options through its exterior and interiors spaces, combining excellent Sichuan style cooking, only using products from China and a lively and dynamic lounge and bar that adds a new dimension to the complex.

Guests distinguish China House from other Chinese restaurants for its traditional home feel from the time you step into the garden area to the home style food. The China House lounge is a perfect setting for intimate lounging and conversation whether over lunch or dinner, pre-dinner drinks or late night cocktails.

BTN: What kind of market are you operating in? Is it very competitive now in the five-star category?

Weill: Our market mix includes the Corporate FIT, groups and leisure. With the growth in the Indian economy, India is become a prime destination for investment and business by most of the Fortune 500 companies. This serves as a large opportunity for the Grand Hyatt Mumbai.

With the high demand in the luxury hotel category, there is obviously a big emphasis on revenue management; this is practiced by hotels across the city.

In such a dynamic market place, our key priority remains offering an excellent and unforgettable experience to our guests and clients, whether in our restaurants, bars, spa, guestrooms or apartments. This needs to be done through consistent and professional service delivery.

Grand Hyatt Mumbai

Off Western Express Highway, Santacruz (East),

Mumbai, India 400 055

Tel: +91 22 6676 1234
  Fax: +91 22 6676 1235

Email: [email protected]
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