With over 15 years of leadership experience in India’s hospitality sector, Manuj Sawhney, General Manager of Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, has established the hotel as a hallmark of premium hospitality in the city’s dynamic market. Known for his expertise in driving operational excellence, fostering high-performing teams, and consistently exceeding guest expectations, Sawhney has set a new standard for success. Under his visionary leadership, the property has achieved exceptional milestones, surpassing expectations and setting new benchmarks in Bengaluru’s competitive hospitality landscape.
While speaking to Hospitality Biz, Sawhney, reflects on what he considers his most significant achievement. “One of my most significant achievements at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru has been driving remarkable growth from the very first month of operations,” he states, a hint of pride in his voice.
He emphasises that the hotel not only met its initial targets but exceeded them. Reflecting on his tenure, Sawhney shared, “One of my proudest achievements has been driving over 40% growth above our initial targets in our very first month of operations. This success is a testament to the strength of our team and the strategic groundwork we laid early on. Establishing robust operational processes and assembling a passionate team has been crucial to carving our niche in Hebbal.”
The hotel’s reputation for a guest-centric approach isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategy that has directly impacted key performance metrics. Sawhney elaborates on their deliberate positioning within the business-leisure segment. “Our strategy at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru has been focused on positioning the hotel firmly within the business-leisure segment that has significantly enhanced our market presence,” he explains. “This positioning, combined with a sharp focus on curating premium experiences, elevating service standards, and refining our offerings to appeal to discerning guests, enabled us to drive a substantial 43% additional revenue in rooms over and above the budgeted figures.”
He highlights their meticulous approach, by stating, “Maintaining a robust segmentation matrix, we prioritised high-value social segments such as weddings and leisure over lower-yielding segments.” He said, “This strategic move, ensured optimal revenue generation, contributing to a 45% total revenue growth above budget. Furthermore, building a strong market presence and fostering robust guest relationships, while offering flexible and tailor-made experiences, helped us achieve a 64% increase in F&B revenue compared to forecasted numbers.” These impressive results, Sawhney affirms, “reflect the impact of our guest-centric strategies on key performance metrics such as RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy.”
Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru caters to a mix of leisure, business, and ‘bleisure’ travellers. “We thoughtfully craft experiences tailored to distinct guest preferences,” Sawhney explained. “For leisure guests, we offer vibrant F&B options and curated events, ensuring every visit feels unique. Business travellers benefit from our exclusive Club Lounge and seamless connectivity, making their stays both productive and comfortable.”
When asked about the USP that set Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru apart from its competitors, Sawhney points to several key differentiators, such as their prime location on Bellary Road offers exceptional connectivity, being less than 30 minutes from the airport and strategically positioned near major business and leisure landmarks, which makes them a convenient choice for both business and leisure travellers. “Beyond location, the hotel’s identity as an upscale lifestyle hotel provides a vibrant ambience that sets us apart.” He adds, “From well-appointed rooms to thoughtfully curated spaces, every element is designed to deliver a refreshing and elevated experience. The seamless integration of art into our interiors further adds character and a sense of place.” However, what truly differentiates them, in Sawhney’s opinion, is their “service philosophy, optimised offerings tailored to the modern traveller, delivered with warmth and efficiency.”
Ancillary revenue, a growing focus in the hospitality industry, currently contributes around 4% to 5% of the hotel’s overall revenue. Sawhney reveals their continuous efforts in this area. “We are experimenting with various offerings — from curated minibar selections and spa experiences to exclusive Club Lounge access and value-added laundry packages.” The objective, he clarifies, is to identify and scale opportunities that not only drive incremental revenue but also meaningfully enhance the guest experience. He emphasises that “this is an evolving focus area for us, and we will continue to innovate and refine our ancillary services to better serve our guests’ needs while optimising profitability.”
“We’re creating a unique legacy here, one that blends strategic excellence with heartfelt hospitality,” Sawhney concluded.
