THE SHE BRIGADE

The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City breaks ground with its all-women-managed hotel.

- VINODINI RAO

Cars on the hotel driveway are being checked by women guards in uniforms. The front desk and lobby are buzzing with eager lady executives. The restaurant is bustling with smiling, pretty servers busy taking orders. It is women power all the way, and history is being created...

The Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 31 hotel brands, opened The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City in Hyderabad, with the distinctive identity of being an all-women managed hotel, the first of its kind within the city and the Marriott International portfolio across South Asia.

WOMAN ON TOP

And helming this historic milestone is none other than hospitality veteran and visionary Ranju Alex, Vice-President, South Asia, Marriott International. With pride and happiness writ large on her face, Alex is definitely the woman of the moment. She and her 'gang of girls' have been working day and night to achieve this breakthrough. And at the launch of their path-breaking hotel today, they just can't stop beaming...

"We are thrilled to expand the brand's footprint in Hyderabad with the opening of The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City," says Alex, adding. "This landmark opening heralds a paradigm shift for the hospitality industry, breaking from the conventional ways of operating. Paired with the Westin brand's signature programmes, adapted to the needs of the modern traveller, the hotel is set to deliver experiences designed to empower a better you." She very fondly remembers 29 years ago when she joined the industry, with barely any women in it. "I was told this is an industry not meant for women by my own family and community. Today, I think all of us stand tall, right? When we take steps like this, it's very, very heartening," she tells us.

A DREAM-COME-TRUE