A blend of tradition and modernity

The first Marriott International property in East India, JW Marriott Kolkata, opened its doors to guests in November 2016. This architectural marvel was designed by H Architects Singapore, reflecting a blend of contemporary style and local cultural elements. I recently had the privilege of experiencing the opulence and hospitality of the property, that it is renowned for. Located 16 km from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, the hotel stands as a beacon of luxury and sophistication, boasting 281 rooms, including deluxe rooms, executive suites, and a presidential suite. The design prioritises comfort and luxury, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest. 

Throughout the hotel, curated pieces of art and decor reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional Bengali motifs, local artworks, and handcrafted elements add a unique local flavour to the hotel’s contemporary design, while the glass-clad facade with clean lines and geometric shapes enhances its sophisticated architectural style.

ACCELERATING PERFORMANCE
At the helm of the property is Sunil Kumar who has just completed his first year as General Manager. JW Marriott Kolkata primarily targets guests from West Bengal, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jharkhand, and Bihar. According to Kumar, “Our strategic approach through our website (marriott.com) ensures a wider awareness spread about JW Marriott Kolkata amongst our segmented audience set globally.” The hotel leverages digital marketing, partnerships with hospitals for medical tourism, and ensures rate parity on all booking portals. This approach has been instrumental in attracting a diverse group of guests, including inbound international travellers, medical tourists, domestic business travellers, and leisure guests.

JW Marriott Kolkata has shown strong financial performance under Kumar’s leadership. The hotel excels in key metrics such as Average Daily Rate (ADR), Gross Operating Profit (GOP), and Revenue Per Available Room (REVPAR). “Our strength lies in providing elite experiences to all our guests, which helps us in commanding premium pricing in the market,” he explains. This competitive edge has ensured that the hotel remains a preferred choice for travellers seeking exceptional luxury services.

Recently, JW Marriott Kolkata was recognised as the city’s best-performing luxury hotel. This accolade is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to outstanding service, luxurious accommodations, and memorable guest experiences. In our conversation, Kumar attributes this success to the hotel’s focus on personalised guest experiences and culinary excellence. “Significant changes have been implemented to elevate dining experiences across all restaurants,” he notes. Collaborations with luxury brands and local cultural institutions have also enhanced the hotel’s prestige and appeal.

CULINARY JOURNEY
The Food & Beverage (F&B) offerings at JW Marriott Kolkata are a highlight, focusing on exceeding guest expectations. The vision for F&B is to create a culinary journey celebrating local flavours while offering diverse dining experiences. “We prioritise culinary offerings through sourcing premium ingredients and collaborating with skilled chefs,” Kumar notes. The upcoming launch of 259 The bar will introduce an innovative concept blending gastronomy, mixology, and entertainment, aligning with the commitment to providing memorable experiences. 
The dining experiences are diverse and exquisite. JW Kitchen offers global cuisines with both buffet and à la carte options and is renowned for one of the largest brunch spreads in the city. Vintage Asia, helmed by Chef Wong Chin Sheong, specialises in authentic Asian cuisine, offering a rich variety of dishes from across the continent. 2fifty9 The Bar provides an elegant setting for casual meetings or unwinding with a drink, while Gold offers a vibrant nightlife experience with premium beverages and snacks. The JW Bakery serves freshly baked goods, cakes, and pastries, perfect for a quick bite or takeaway.

FOR ELEVATED RELAXATION
The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, offering stunning views of the Kolkata skyline. The sleek edge design seamlessly blends into the horizon, and the surrounding deck is furnished with luxurious loungers and cabanas. A stylish poolside bar enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. The Spa by JW offers a range of treatments and therapies designed to relax and rejuvenate guests. 

MICE AND WEDDINGS
The Grand Ballroom, one of the largest in the city, is equipped with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and elegant decor, making it suitable for large events and weddings. The ballroom, along with other meeting rooms, is equipped with advanced audio-visual technology and can be customised with flexible layouts. Pre-function areas are designed with comfortable seating and stylish decor, facilitating socialising and networking. JW Marriott Kolkata is a premier choice for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and social events, known for personalised service, customised menus, and exceptional cuisine. The unique mix of indoor and outdoor venues sets the hotel apart. “Looking ahead, we will continue to refine the finer details of event planning, elevate our culinary offerings, and integrate more luxury elements into our event executions,” he shares.

INNOVATION AND CHANGES
Innovation is a cornerstone of Kumar’s leadership. The hotel has fostered local collaborations and revitalised culinary offerings at Vintage Asia. The focus on sustainability is evident through initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental footprint. Employee development is prioritised through comprehensive induction programmes and internal promotions. The introduction of the city’s largest brunch and refreshed uniform design enhances the hotel’s modern aesthetic. Music programming, sundowner events and the MBOW truck add unique elements to the hotel’s services. “These initiatives underscore our dedication to providing unparalleled luxury experiences,” Kumar emphasises.

TALENT & RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Retaining and developing a skilled workforce is crucial for maintaining high standards. The hotel has implemented comprehensive strategies to reduce attrition and promote employee growth. A one-week induction programme introduces new employees to the brand, culture, and operational standards. Continuing our chat, Kumar says, “We have scheduled rap sessions every 30 days for the initial three months to track how settled new employees are and monitor their learning progress”. The hotel prioritises promoting from within, with over 50 internal talents elevated in 2024 alone, demonstrating a commitment to employee growth and career advancement.

Maintaining a strong relationship between brand leadership and the asset owner is vital for growth. As GM, Kumar facilitates regular communication and strategic planning sessions to align goals. Transparent performance updates and innovative proposals ensure mutual understanding and shared objectives. “My role is to drive growth, elevate culture, focus on innovation and value creation,” Kumar explains, fostering a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, the key objectives are focussed on innovation and community engagement. In the next year, the hotel aims to open a new rooftop restaurant offering breath-taking views and a unique dining experience. Over the next two years, the banquet offerings will be elevated, ensuring unparalleled event experiences. International pop-ups and bar takeovers are planned to bring global flavours and trends to guests. Over the next three years, the goal is to build a vibrant community through curated events and partnerships, reinforcing JW Marriott Kolkata’s position as the premier destination for luxury and innovation. “These initiatives will keep us at the forefront of the hospitality industry,” Kumar concludes. 

JW Marriott Kolkata, under the leadership of Sunil Kumar, stands as a testament to luxury, innovation, and excellence in the hospitality industry. The hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, coupled with strategic market targeting and continuous innovation, ensures its position as Kolkata’s premier luxury hotel.

Bhuvanesh Khanna

BW Reporters Bhuvanesh Khanna is the CEO, BW Communities