In Conversation with Mohammed Parvez, CEO, Essentia Hotels & Resorts

Mohammed Parvez is CEO of Essentia Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality brand behind Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur. In this conversation with Hospemag, he talks about building a brand around Indian warmth and contemporary service, what he looks for when hiring, and how technology should free hotel teams to spend more time with guests.

Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

My journey in hospitality began with a passion for creating experiences that go beyond a stay. Over the years, I saw an opportunity to build a brand that combines genuine Indian warmth with contemporary hospitality. That vision led to Essentia Hotels & Resorts — a brand built around the belief that it’s the little things that make a stay truly memorable. For us, it’s about thoughtful service, distinctive spaces, and experiences that guests remember long after they leave. It has been a journey of learning, challenges and constant evolution, and we’re only getting started.

What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

I believe success in hospitality comes down to three things: understanding people, staying consistent, and constantly evolving. Guests remember how you made them feel, so genuine care and attention to detail are essential. At Essentia, we also believe in staying ahead of changing expectations while never losing the human touch. Ultimately, it’s about creating experiences people want to return to — and a team that takes pride in delivering them.

What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

For me, attitude comes before experience. I look for people who are genuine, curious, accountable, and passionate about creating great guest experiences. Skills can be developed, but the right attitude and willingness to learn make all the difference. If someone wants to work with us at Essentia, my advice is simple: be authentic, stay curious, and bring your best every day. If you have the passion to learn, grow, and make a difference, there is always a place for you in our journey.

What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?

An internship is the best time to learn, observe, and gain practical experience. Don’t limit yourself to your designation or department—take the opportunity to understand every aspect of the hotel and, most importantly, the guest. Be curious, ask questions, respect every role, and never hesitate to take on something new. In hospitality, your attitude, discipline, and willingness to learn will take you much further than formal education alone.

What is the single factor that got you your promotion?

If I had to name one factor, it would be taking ownership. I’ve always believed in treating every responsibility as an opportunity to create value, rather than simply completing a task. Being dependable, staying curious, and consistently delivering beyond expectations built trust over time. I believe promotions are ultimately a result of the value you create and the responsibility you are ready to take on.

What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

I see hospitality becoming increasingly experience-led, personalised, sustainable and technology-enabled. Guests today are looking for more than just a comfortable room—they want meaningful experiences, local connections, wellness, and a sense of place. Sustainability is also becoming an integral part of the guest experience with travellers increasingly valuing responsible practices, conscious consumption, and hotels that are mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities. At the same time, technology and AI are helping us understand guests better and deliver more personalised service. But I believe the human touch will remain at the heart of hospitality. The brands that can balance technology and sustainability with genuine warmth and service will stand out.

What tech would you like to see in operations? What operational problems need tech solutions?

I would like to see technology make hotel operations simpler, smarter, and more connected. There is a huge opportunity to integrate AI and automation for areas like demand forecasting, inventory management, energy efficiency, housekeeping, and predictive maintenance. The biggest opportunity, however, is reducing the administrative work that takes teams away from guests. Technology should empower our people, not replace the human touch—giving them more time to focus on what hospitality is really about: taking care of people.

What is the one tech/app/software feature you would like to see? This could be for guests, operations, etc.

I would focus on technology that supports people rather than replaces them—tools that reduce repetitive work, improve coordination, and give teams better information to make decisions. The best technology in hospitality, in my opinion, should enable our people to focus more on meaningful guest interactions, without losing the human connection that defines hospitality.

Two things you would like to change in the industry

First, I would like the industry to invest more in its people—their training, growth, and well-being. Second, I would like to see smarter use of technology to simplify operations and empower teams, without losing the human touch.

What is your favourite question for a candidate interview and why?

My favourite question is: “Tell me about a time you went beyond what was expected of you.” It helps me understand a person’s attitude, ownership, and willingness to go the extra mile—qualities that define excellence in hospitality.

Image: courtesy of Essentia Hotels & Resorts