Exclusive Interview | Neeraj Balani, Chief Operating Officer, Ascot Hospitality
/ Editor Hospemag“Describe an ideal hospitality professional.
A selfless individual who is sensitive to guest needs and can anticipate them for timely deliveries.”
We interviewed Neeraj in 2018, when he was the General Manager, Radisson Marina. Read that interview here >
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Success in the hospitality industry is an outcome of the unwavering commitment, tireless effort, unparalleled service, exceptional standards and a selfless approach demonstrated by a team of highly committed individuals for our esteemed guests.
Launching something new is both an exciting opportunity and a responsibility. Share with us a deep dive into your process for these new launches.
Our customer centric approach has been the key focal point of our actions and we have recently launched a Savoy Executive club Membership program which encapsulates the key offerings of the hotel aligning with our guest requirements which further motivates them to use our facilities like the all-suite rooms, restaurant, banqueting, conferencing, health club and gym.
What does the future look like? For the industry, you, your project / initiative.
The future of hospitality is on an exciting path and shall have automation, personalized transformative experiences, environments social governance taking center stage. Our group is on the expansion trajectory being mindful of the same and shall be capitalizing the opportunities being future ready.
What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?
Our outlook on that front is fairly straight as we look for the right attitude and are ready to invest in the learnings of the team members who are enthusiastic and willing to navigate through challenges.
What is your favourite interview question & why?
I usually look forward to individuals who are ambitious and passionate where their skill set/zeal to perform can benefit the organization. The question is what is it one thing you are looking from the role applied for.
Describe an ideal hospitality professional.
A selfless individual who is sensitive to guest needs and can anticipate them for timely deliveries.
Our vision is to position Sheraton Grand Palace Indore as Central India’s most trusted luxury destination a benchmark for service excellence, innovation, and sustainability
True culinary mastery lies not in specializing in one cuisine, but in embracing every kitchen as a place of learning—where passion, adaptability, and respect for ingredients transform food into meaningful experiences, and where leadership is measured by how deeply you inspire growth, trust, and creativity in your team. - Chef Aditya
Hospitality is fundamentally about people. Success requires passion, empathy, and adaptability.
“Humility and consistency are the unsung ingredients that make a chef last in this industry.” - Chef Shriram Rajendran
To stay in the game focus on being Simple and Realistic -Amar Nath Pandey
Celebrate every win – no matter how small. Whether it’s a team member getting a 5-star review or a successful upsell, acknowledge it publicly. This creates a positive culture of appreciation and continuous learning.
The session I’d design wouldn’t just teach recipes—it would instill values, build strong foundations, and shape future chefs who are thoughtful, skilled, and proud of their craft.
Looking at the hospitality sector, I believe two significant areas need to advance: first, a stronger industry dedication to sustainable practices that extend beyond superficial efforts and truly reduce our environmental impact. This isn't solely about attracting environmentally conscious travelers; it's about our duty to safeguard the places we operate for generations to come.
As events become more immersive and personalized, catering plays a vital role in setting the tone, telling a story, and creating lasting impressions.
We’re seeing catering evolve into a form of event design in itself, where presentation, flavor, service, and ambiance are fully integrated.
I truly enjoy mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals. Whenever I travel to our hotels, I make it a point to engage with the on-ground teams, sharing practical insights and lessons drawn from real-world project challenges and solutions.
It’s not just about the food moreover, it’s about creating an experience that feels authentic and personal. Adventure teaches you to stay calm under pressure and take calculated risks, which helps me make better decisions at BHPL.
In essence, an ideal hospitality professional is someone who combines skill, dedication, and a genuine sense of care.
Sustainability is not a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. At The Orchid, we align our sales narratives with the hotel’s eco-conscious philosophy.
At dhi Hospitality, we help hotels translate data into practical, forward-thinking strategies, combining analytics with real-world expertise to drive sustainable growth and stronger market positioning.
By combining nature, innovation, and sustainability, your venture can offer luxurious stays that highlight the best of India while contributing to local economies and protecting the environment.
Consumers demand personalized dining experiences, customization based on taste preferences, dietary habits, and convenience. Chefs must continuously adapt, fine-tune their skills, and create handcrafted, memorable gourmet flavors. The ability to balance innovation with consistency is key.
In the early days, I was just passionate—I wasn’t yet experienced. I trusted the wrong advisors, hired the wrong teams, spent money where I shouldn’t have, and ignored my gut. The result? A heavy financial hit and a lot of emotional turmoil. But those were also the most powerful years of learning.
Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about having the right people in your corner.
Hospitality today is undergoing a significant transformation from product-centric to emotionally resonant experiences. Guests no longer seek mere accommodation; they desire belonging, identity, and emotional connection.Striking the right balance between tradition and innovation is key. Tradition offers familiarity, cultural richness, and authenticity, while innovation introduces creativity, modern techniques, and excitement. Curate experiences that honor the cultural and culinary heritage of each destination.
Say cheers to NATURAL & NO to CHEMICALS!
Tell your story. Photography isn’t just about rooms and lobbies—it’s about mood, atmosphere, and the experience you want guests to imagine.A successful marketing campaign not only drives bookings but also enhances brand perception, fosters guest loyalty, and ensures sustained visibility in a highly competitive industry.
The biggest challenge all the hospitality brands face today is how to stand out and be unique in this crowded market and also ensuring that digital marketing actually brings in conversions for them.
It’s always challenging for IHM to prepare the students as per the expectation of industry. In my opinion, IHM should focus on right attitude for the service, discipline, positive personality development, and improved communication. The knowledge of the relevant subjects, mastering of skills and balanced managerial input to take right decisions at right time.True success is when guests leave with memorable experiences, employees feel valued and I continuously push my own boundaries to innovate and grow.