Bengaluru’s blend of heritage, modernity sets the stage for blossoming hospitality

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, boasting 360 meticulously designed rooms, has become a focal point for corporate executives engaged in conferences, owing to its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, making it the largest corporate and convention centre in the country. In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Sanjay Gupta, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bengaluru, sheds light on the hotel's unwavering commitment to providing a diverse and exceptional experience for a broad spectrum of guests, including those attending Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Gupta emphasizes that the commitment extends beyond business visitors, with the hotel actively catering to leisure travellers, families seeking a staycation, and serving as a sought-after venue for weddings and social gatherings.

What are the kinds of visitors that come to your hotel?

Our hotel attracts a wide spectrum of guests, catering to various needs and preferences. Among our visitors are corporate executives participating in conferences, drawn to our state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location. This makes us the largest corporate and convention centre in the country, setting the stage for impactful business events.

On the leisure front, we welcome travellers exploring the vibrant city of Bengaluru. Our central location serves as a convenient hub for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and attractions. Whether it's for business or pleasure, our commitment to providing top-notch services ensures a memorable stay for every guest.

In addition to hosting professional gatherings, we've become a sought-after venue for wedding events and social gatherings. Our expansive and well-equipped spaces offer the perfect canvas for creating unforgettable moments, be it a grand celebration or an intimate gathering.

Recognizing the importance of family experiences, our hotel is also a preferred choice for families seeking a comfortable staycation. Our facilities cater to the diverse needs of families, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable time for both adults and children.

What special initiatives do you take to cater to them?

We offer tailored experiences for diverse clientele through special initiatives. Business travellers enjoy comprehensive packages with access to advanced conference facilities, ensuring seamless corporate events. Our dedicated team manages logistics and technology for a successful experience. For leisure guests, we provide curated experiences showcasing the best of Bengaluru, including guided tours and cultural events. Dining, spa services, and our expat chef offer diverse and memorable activities. Our commitment extends to social events, particularly weddings, with a dedicated team ensuring culturally rich and personalized celebrations. Emphasizing sustainability, we actively engage in eco-friendly initiatives, contributing to a greener future for conscientious stays.

What is the number of rooms in the hotel, and what is the percentage of occupancy in the hotel on average?

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center boasts of 360 meticulously designed rooms, offering diverse accommodation options. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in consistently impressive average occupancy rates, maintaining a remarkable range of 65 to 70 per cent. This underscores both the popularity of our establishment and the exceptional service we provide.

Our ongoing priority is to maintain and surpass these commendable occupancy rates by prioritizing guest satisfaction. We ensure every aspect, from amenities to service, aligns seamlessly with diverse clientele expectations. The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program plays a pivotal role in our success, contributing to guest retention and positive referrals. This exclusive program offers personalized experiences, enticing discounts, and access to the global network of Marriott hotels, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Leveraging the advantages of the Marriott Bonvoy program, we create a distinctive and rewarding environment for guests, amplifying their stay's value. This serves as a compelling incentive for their return, solidifying our position as the preferred choice for accommodation in Bengaluru. Our steadfast dedication to excellence, combined with the exclusive benefits of Marriott Bonvoy, ensures each guest relishes a memorable and gratifying experience at the hotel.

Do you have special packages for conferences and exhibitions?

Certainly, we take pride in providing specialized packages tailored specifically for conferences and exhibitions. Our conference packages go beyond mere space reservations, incorporating a suite of technological amenities to meet the sophisticated demands of modern business gatherings. From advanced audiovisual equipment to high-speed internet connectivity, we offer a comprehensive technological infrastructure to support the seamless flow of presentations and discussions.

In addition to the technological facets, our packages may include personalized services such as on-site support staff, dedicated event coordinators, and concierge services to ensure that every detail is meticulously handled. Whether it's configuring meeting spaces to accommodate specific layouts or arranging catering services that align with dietary preferences, our goal is to create an environment where organizers can focus on the content and success of their event while we take care of the logistics.

How is Bangalore conducive to the hotel industry?

Situated in Bengaluru, the "Silicon Valley of India," our hotel capitalizes on the city's vibrant business ecosystem. With top tech companies and start ups, Bengaluru is a key hub for corporate events. Our state-of-the-art facilities seamlessly integrate with the city's business landscape, catering to various business and tech-related events.

Beyond business, Bengaluru's cultural richness attracts leisure travellers. The city offers a blend of traditional and contemporary experiences, making it an ideal destination for a diverse travel experience. This cultural diversity contributes to the hotel industry's buoyancy.

Bengaluru's excellent connectivity, including an international airport and efficient public transit, enhances its appeal. This accessibility is crucial for hosting events and accommodating diverse traveller profiles. Our hotel actively engages with the city's pulse through participation in local events, contributing to the cultural landscape and fostering community engagement. We strive to offer a hospitality experience that resonates with Bengaluru's dynamic spirit.

How is the location of the hotel beneficial to leisure and business visitors?

Situated in the heart of Whitefield, a prominent IT and business hub, our hotel offers a strategic location ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Proximity to major tech parks and corporate centers ensures easy access for business professionals, saving time and enhancing efficiency. Amidst the bustling business district, our hotel provides a peaceful retreat, offering guests a tranquil oasis to unwind. Beyond catering to business needs, our location is advantageous for leisure visitors, with access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Our active collaboration with local businesses reflects our commitment to contributing to the economic growth of the region. In essence, our hotel in Whitefield provides unparalleled convenience for business and a gateway to diverse leisure experiences, ensuring a memorable stay in Bengaluru.

What are the kinds of restaurants in the hotel? Are they only for hotel guests?

Our hotel offers a diverse array of dining options, welcoming both in-house guests and walk-in patrons. Our culinary landscape blends global flavours with local delicacies, catering to a wide range of tastes. From casual dining to fine dining, our restaurants provide varied atmospheres. Our expat chef adds an international flair, ensuring unique and refined experiences. We prioritize freshness with seasonal menus, creating dynamic culinary offerings. Open to everyone, our restaurants invite individuals for casual meet-ups, special celebrations, or exploration of new flavours. Our dedication is to provide a culinary journey that transcends boundaries, embracing Bengaluru's vibrant community.

What are the major activities that the hotel conducts during the year?

Our hotel hosts a dynamic calendar of events throughout the year to provide diverse experiences for our guests. From vibrant cultural festivals showcasing Bengaluru's heritage to live music events featuring local and international artists, we offer unforgettable moments. Seasonal celebrations, family-friendly activities, and collaborations with local artists and chefs contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the city. These activities create a sense of community and engagement, making each guest's stay, a memorable and enriching journey.

How is the hotel growing year on year?

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center attributes its consistent year-on-year growth to a steadfast commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovation. Key drivers include continual investments in upgrades and staff training, a proactive data analytics approach for market insights, embracing technology for enhanced guest experiences, and a strong focus on sustainability. The hotel remains dedicated to delivering unparalleled experiences, positioning itself as the preferred choice in Bengaluru's hospitality landscape.

Are any expansion plans in the pipeline?

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center is actively exploring expansion opportunities to meet and exceed the growing demand in the hospitality sector. Our strategic plans align with emerging trends, aiming to set new benchmarks for excellence. While specific details are under wraps, our commitment to high standards and guest satisfaction remains unwavering. The expansion focuses on creating exceptional experiences in line with our core values. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey, promising fresh offerings and enhanced capabilities to reinforce our position as a trailblazer in Bengaluru's hospitality landscape.