As India’s first W hotel readies for a launch, here is how the team created the ‘Whatever Whenever’ experience that the brand is known for.
TJ Joulak is used to the excitement and pressure of opening W Hotels globally. During his 15-year career, he has been part of four W launches – in Doha, Istanbul, Bali and Taipei. It explains why he was handpicked to oversee the launch of W Goa, the debut of Starwood’s eighth brand in India in November.
From his past experience, especially in Bali, Joulak knew the importance of working with residents when it comes to opening a new resort. Hence, the first thing he did as general manager of W Goa was to work with the locals. “When the property was under construction, for four years, there was dust, noise, vehicles and people. My priority, therefore, was to keep the denizens happy,” Joulak explained.
He next went to work identifying and inducting resident manpower, which not only won him local support, but also got him staffers who knew the region and could accomplish work faster. Besides, he saved on costs involved in recruiting staff from out of the state and paying for their bed and boarding. “Initially, the project began with 180 people and we will have 368 people when we open the hotel,” Joulak added.
Located against the backdrop of the Chapora fort, W Goa has 109 keys, which include five fort-facing villas, seven sea-facing villas, 92 rooms and one suite. It also has a helipad for guests who would like to fly down for a quick getaway. A standalone ballroom is being constructed across the hotel, which will open in April. W Goa will also unveil 42 wooden shacks, two meeting rooms and eight rooms next October, taking the total number of keys to 160.
BUILDING AN EXPERIENCE
この記事は Hotelier India の November 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Hotelier India の November 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
The Big Fat Indian Wedding
With a slew of initiatives, hotels are ensuring that the wedding day is special for the couple as well as for the hotel's bottom line.
An Organization Of Rainmakers!!!
Rainmakers are revered for their ability to generate income (rain) for an organization by cracking deals, attracting clients/guests and holding on to them; often, for a lifetime... Revenue generation (rainmaking) is the job of everyone on the team.
Hospitality: A Rewarding Career Awaits
Delving into the roles and responsibilities that professionals in the field of hospitality can undertake in carving a rewarding career.
"India is my first baby!"
Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, gets candid.
The Essence of Landscape Architecture
Innovative landscaping can enhance the luxury hospitality experience by enriching guest interaction with the natural world.
Teaching the Art of Tea
The first global tea artist from India, teaching the art of making and drinking fine tea, Susmita Das Gupta talks about her mission to make Indian specialty tea reach a global audience.
Feeding Profits
Food and beverage is driving revenues in hospitality in novel ways as hotels innovate with new-age experiences.
Acing the Revenue Game
Hotels are looking at new avenues to generate revenues that go beyond rooms and food.
The Power of Predictive Maintenance
A strategic approach to enable Indian hotels to become leaders in sustainable hospitality.
Shaping a Sustainable FUTURE
To mark the occasion of World Environment Day this month, we find out how the hospitality industry is paving the way for a greener, healthier tomorrow...