Iconic award 2018 - Best luxury hotel
‘The Imperial Hotel’ has always been considered as a classic fountain head for luxury, in map of hospitality
The Imperial Hotel, Delhi recently won the Iconic 2018 award for the Best
luxury hotel. In Delhi, the hotel is more than a revered
legacy of the imperial times. It is a testimony to the golden chapters of India’s gleaming heritage of bespoke hospitality. And, Vijay Wanchoo, Senior Executive Vice President – who looks every bit a royal Britisher has carved his own graph in the line of luxury leanings.
Wanchoo, a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit is impeccable, erudite and deeply spiritual. For him, humanism is at the core of all service.
On winning the best luxury hotel award, he states, “I have walked on the pathway of luxury for almost four decades watching it come alive in many forms, in larger avenues and also inexplicably in finer things.”
“I believe luxury is something that continues to evolve and can be experienced in many ways either over the top or inspiring and understated. Luxury has different meanings for different perspectives, but for me it means a grand culture which is a step ahead, individualistic and which stays distinguished,” he adds.
Talking about Imperial, Delhi being a legacy for three decades, he says, “At the legendary Imperial we already have a strong legacy of guests for over three generations. Additionally due to our international market repute based on our historic product and impeccable services, we attract emerging markets who wish to have unique dining experiences the hotel is known for. Our award winning restaurants and bars act as an impetus to deliver measurable positive growth, tapping newer markets and attracting revenue generating sources, consistently.”
“With changing times, I certainly see global and domestic brands trying to chart their growth across India’s skyline, vying for supremacy in a suddenly crowded Indian hotel market. However, since our strategy has always rested on providing our guests a unique experience and a personalized service, it has never really affected us. It is all about creating a home away from home for our loyal guests. For instance, to bring home a true Indian experience at The Imperial, I introduced Namaskar to welcome guests. Further we have been celebrating all Indian festivals to keep the guests abreast with Indian culture, we pioneered The Imperial Culinary Club for promoting Imperial cuisine and even launched an experiential stay for the single lady traveler with the Eliza wing,” adds Wanchoo, explaining how the hotel balances domestic and global demands.
As Vice President Wanchoo has worked on growth potential. “For increasing our growth potential, we initiated specialized art tours for guests to explore rich history and fine art across the hotel and also the Afternoon tea at the Atrium was introduced for a traditional English High Tea experience,” adds Wanchoo. These are a few of the extremely popular programs for discerning guests at The Imperial. The list evolves each year for making The Imperial experience unforgettable.
“Our strongest support system remains Food & Beverage and as liquor tops the chart, I would give a substantial weightage to wine and beverages in the revenue pie. Our Bars – 1911 Bar and Patiala Peg enjoy one of the most fascinating, extensive and the biggest wine list in the city and are reckoned for their royal fables, signature drinks and elaborate snack menus,” he adds explaining the food and beverage services of the hotel.
Talking about brand building Wanchoo acknowledges, “A brand reckoned internationally, our key feeder markets are USA, UK, Germany, India and France and we are looking to reach out to new markets like Australia, Russia and the Scandinavian region. In order to enhance our business we focus on more specific road shows in our feeder markets to tap new clients and participate in specific appointment based travel marts like WTM, ILTM and other luxury travel marts to showcase our iconic hotel.”
The Imperial rests on a repertoire of always being considered as a classic fountainhead for luxury in map of hospitality.
“At the legendary Imperial we already have a strong legacy of guests for over three generations,” says Vijay Wanchoo, Senior Executive Vice President, The Imperial Hotel