Changing with the times

As a second generation hotelier, he had his path carved out but he still wanted to prove his mettle. And he did it with élan. Today, JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity is not only a reflection of all that Sandeep Gupta wanted to do in 2013 when the hotel was built but also a mirror image of his journey and evolution as a numero uno hotelier. 

Gupta, Executive Chairman of Aria Hotels & Consultancy, began his career in the hospitality industry 24 years ago when he started the construction of Hyatt Regency Kolkata in 1998. Once the hotel opened its doors to the guests almost half-a-decade later, Gupta decided to take the next step. With the desire to step into the luxury market, he began eyeing the premium Aerocity Complex and in 2008 acquired the land where now stands the majestic JW Marriott Aerocity. 

When he set out to build this flagship luxury hotel nearly a decade ago, Gupta had passion, enterprising spirit, knowledge of different cuisines and his father Sushil Gupta’s unwavering support behind him. He used it to take the first mover advantage, making the hotel the first five-star luxury property in the Aerocity hospitality district. Cut to today, the property that completed nine years on October 18 is a hub for leisure travellers, MICE attendees, spa lovers and food aficionados. 

Over the years, the offerings that the brands provided evolved drastically as also their working styles and culture. This was no different for JW Marriott. Complementing these proactive adaptations, however, was Gupta, who especially focussed on F&B offerings at his property, considering his vast knowledge of global cuisine, having travelled far and wide. He first delved into the area with his venture, K3, dubbed the Food Theatre of New Delhi. While many restaurants have live kitchens, K3 took it a notch higher, with three of them, demonstrating Gupta’s understanding of the trend of guests wanting to witness the magic in the kitchen themselves. 

Gupta’s focus shifted to the F&B segment recently again. Taking note of the growing preference for Pan-Asian cuisine, he decided to bring the iconic Adrift Kaya to the property by partnering with Michelin Star Chef David Myers. Though he started the journey to bring on-board Adrift Kaya a few years ago, the project’s development was delayed due to the pandemic. It was finally launched in May 2022. “This beautiful yet strategic union between both Adrift Kaya and JW Marriott New Delhi is well underway to become one of the most successful dining collaborations yet. This is what we strive to attain – a modern Japanese dining experience nestled inside one of New Delhi’s most luxurious properties,” says Gupta.

Apart from several restaurants and lounges that JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity has boasted of since its inception, its Quan Spa with multitude of Ayurvedic treatments and therapies allows guests to relax. And post-Covid19, the property brought in well-known fashion designer JJ Valaya to open The World of Valaya at the hotel in February 2021. The idea was to expand the offerings to the guests in an attempt to make it a complete luxury destination. 

JW Marriott Aerocity is a testament to Gupta’s growth as a hotelier as at every turn, he has adapted his property with the changing requirements of the customer while creating a benchmark for hospitality.