‘Our F&B offerings focus on locally sourced ingredients’

It has just been a year plus that Jaideep Anand took charge of The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences as Vice President and General Manager. The veteran hotelier, with over four decades of experience, has been associated with The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts. In fact, Anand has been the man behind the turnaround of The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi and The Leela Ambience Gurugram, before he moved to The Leela corporate office as Vice President - Development and Pre-Opening. Not this alone, he has led the pre-opening tasks for The Leela Palace Jaipur, The Leela Gandhinagar and The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, managing the respective teams and ensuring these properties reflect The Leela brand across all touchpoints.

Leadership style
Anand shares his leadership style is characterised by a collaborative and visionary approach, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement at the property. “I believe in empowering my team members, encouraging open communication and promoting a sense of ownership and accountability in all our endeavours. This inclusive and supportive environment motivates the staff to deliver exceptional service, ensuring every guest experience is memorable,” shares Anand, adding that by prioritising professional development and recognising individual contributions, a motivated and dedicated workforce that aligns with the brand’s core values of hospitality and excellence, is created. “This leadership approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also cultivates a culture of unwavering commitment to The Leela’s legacy of luxury and impeccable services,” he says.

Luxury hospitality landscape
Over the past decade, the luxury hospitality landscape in India has evolved significantly, emphasising personalised service, exclusivity and unique experiences which are defined by bespoke amenities, high staff-to-guest ratios and meticulous attention to detail, creating an exceptional stay experience. “The Leela Ambience Gurugram has adeptly adapted to these emerging trends by incorporating high-end interiors, tailored services such as personalised itineraries, exclusive access to local attractions, and curated pop-ups with master chefs,” informs Anand.
Leveraging technology, the hotel enhances convenience with smart room features and seamless digital interactions. Embracing sustainability, the hotel integrates state-of-the-art technologies, eco-friendly practices and energy efficient initiatives, ensuring guests enjoy guilt-free and mindful Aujasya by The Leela indulgences. “Additionally, the hotel’s F&B offerings focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients, alongside immersive dining experiences that tell a story, reflecting the increasing consumer demand for health-conscious and environmentally friendly options,” Anand says.

MICE and wedding destination 
To position The Leela Ambience Gurugram as a premier destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and weddings, the hotel employs several strategic approaches. “With its strategic location, 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from the corporate hub, is situated in the lifestyle complex adjacent to Ambience Mall and Ambience Golf Course. As the hospitality industry evolves, we are poised to capitalise on emerging trends and opportunities to stay ahead of the curve. Our comprehensive offerings include state-of-the-art conference facilities, versatile event spaces, and cutting-edge technology that cater to the diverse needs of corporate clients,” he informs. 
The hotel’s dedicated events team ensures seamless planning and execution, providing personalised services that align with the specific requirements of each event. “For weddings, we offer luxurious venues, bespoke wedding planning services and customised culinary experiences to create unforgettable Weddings by The Leela celebrations,” he says. Additionally, the focus is on sustainability, with eco-friendly practices and energy efficient solutions, appeals to modern clients seeking responsible luxury. “The Leela Ambience Gurugram’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by our Atithi Devo Bhava philosophy, ensuring every guest feels honoured and cared for, making us the preferred choice for both MICE and wedding events,” opines Anand.

Significance of F&B segment to business
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, informs Anand, is an ultimate dining destination nestled in Gurugram, offering an array of distinctive dining experiences encompassing every element — cuisine par excellence, bespoke design and exceptional service. “All dining venues amidst the hotel mirror the opulence and precision it is celebrated for. From savouring global and international flavours at Spectra that has seven interactive kitchens, sipping on an expertly crafted cocktail at Rubicon Bar & Cigar Lounge, an Indian speciality restaurant Diya, an authentic Italian fine dining restaurant overlooking pearl and ruby view of the city to a luxury patisserie Le Reve, the hotel focusses on creativity and attention to detail. These elements celebrate both local and international varied palate, creating memorable guest experiences,” says the veteran hotelier.
To ensure these stand out in a competitive market, the focus is on using high-quality ingredients, creating innovative dishes and providing exceptional service. “Our culinary team is dedicated to crafting menus that not only reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region but incorporate authentic techniques to delight our guests. Maintaining the legacy of this esteemed hotel involves a relentless commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of guest expectations,” he explains.

This, Anand adds, is achieved through continuous training and development of the colleagues to ensure that they embody The Leela dharmas and values of impeccable service and hospitality or as we say, Atithi Devo Bhava. “Additionally, investing in new concepts aligned with the requirements of our modern-day customers is crucial. We are also bringing in specialists and investing in interiors, equipment and operating supplies to continue to innovate and lead the luxury market,” he concludes.