‘We are witnessing an increase in local client base’

In one of the most perfect examples of a confluence between cultural heritage and modern-day sophistication, on the gardens of a 137-year-old historical palace stands Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu. Originally known as Lal Durbar or Red Palace which was built by the then Prime Minister Bir Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana, it was converted into a five-star hotel which opened its doors for the guests on September 27, 1977, comprising 120 rooms. Today, the historic hotel has 247 keys including 100 deluxe rooms, 106 heritage deluxe rooms, 22 club rooms, five junior suites, 12 business suites and two luxurious Presidential suites, catering to discerning corporate and leisure traveller as well as MICE groups.

Strategically located in heart of the city, guests can enjoy the best of Kathmandu Valley within walking distance and relax in the spacious guestrooms adorned with traditional Nepalese architecture yet complete with modern amenities. While the Spice Room offers the best of Indian gastronomical delights, The Chimney is considered one of the firsts fine-dining restaurants in Kathmandu. Guests can relax at the Lounge77 over light snacks and beverages or stroll in the well-maintained lush green gardens. The Lal Durbar Convention Center, housed within the Lal Durbar Palace, is the largest one in any five-star or five-star deluxe hotels in Nepal and has 10-plus beautifully decorated venues to host up to 1,000 people during events.

Presidential Suite Newari King

“We have always strived to keep the identity of Hotel Yak & Yeti as a purely ‘Nepalese’ brand and a landmark of Durbar Marg. The hotel is where our pet geese roam freely in the companionship of some curios chipmunks and migratory birds and discerning guests can enjoy ‘fish-watching’ in our pond! Hotel Yak & Yeti can only exist here and hence, there can be only one Hotel Yak & Yeti,” says Monika Scheiblauer, General Manager, Hotel Yak & Yeti.

Living Room, Presidential Suite Newari King

PRESENT-DAY HOSPITALITY MARKET IN KATHMANDU

After a hiatus of 18 months under various lockdowns and ‘prohibitions’, the hospitality sector in Kathmandu is witnessing a silver lining based on some crucial decisions that are bound to bring about positive changes. “In addition to the removal of partial prohibition to travel and conduct business from September 1, 2021, the Government has approved visa-on-arrival (for approved countries) if they can provide proof of completion of the vaccination dosages and a PCR negative report from a swab collected within 72 hours of boarding the flight. Kathmandu is now witnessing the ripple effects of these positive decisions with the rise in small-to-medium size local events as well as enquiries for larger events – both local and international – for the upcoming months,” says Scheiblauer.

Lal Durbar

PANDEMIC EXPERIENCE 

The Hotel Yak & Yeti GM puts in that the period of the pandemic was a completely new experience and one she will not forget soon! “During the first lockdown, we faced many challenges as everything in Kathmandu was completely shut down. Staying in an empty hotel for few months was a unique experience. After the lockdown was over, the first thing we did was to formulate and implement the new health and safety standards,” reminisces Scheiblauer, adding she found the hotel’s associates becoming more connected with the hotel and assisting each other in the difficult time. “During this slow period, I could give more engagement opportunities to industry freshers and young talent who would have otherwise not got involved so soon in hotel operations. Overall, we had to adapt to the changing operating environment and restart our operations from ground zero,” she puts in.

The Chimney Restaurant

CHANGE IN PLANS

With strict to moderate restrictions and regulations imposed by the Government of Nepal to curb the spread of the pandemic in the past 18 months, Kathmandu witnessed a loss of up to 100 per cent in inbound international travellers. “So did our rooms business. During periods of moderate restrictions, where international travel was still restricted, we shifted our focus to local guests and patrons. Although the volume was not very high, our staycation and daycation packages did drive much-needed accommodation business,” says the property GM, adding they also catered to guests requiring hotel quarantine as mandated by the Government of Nepal. “However, this is gradually changing with more favourable regulations being added for inbound travellers. As for our catering, events and outlets business, the source is entirely local market as of now,” she discloses.

Dynasty Hall

KEEPING PACE WITH THE TIMES 

Scheiblauer says the hospitality industry is always changing and they have to continuously strive to strike the right balance between preserving heritage and legacy and at the same time, keep up with the positive innovations in the industry. “There are different needs of the new generation of guests and we take these as an opportunity to serve them better and position ourselves as their preferred hospitality choice in Kathmandu. We are now witnessing an increase in local client base as a result of our shift in strategy to focus on what they need from a five-star hotel,” she says.

Regency Hall

INDIANS AT THE PROPERTY

Pre-pandemic, 19 per cent of the total guests at the hotel arrived from India, shares Scheiblauer. “Our hotel is a known brand in most key source markets in India and we have strong professional tie-ups with major travel and tour operators, EMCs, DMCs and BTAs. We attend major Indian travel trade fairs to consolidate our position and source new business and have a dedicated sales resource in Delhi-NCR who maintains business relations with our partners and clients in India for our hotel,” she concludes.

Spice Room Restaurant