Centred in Western Ghats and known for its warm hospitality and exceptional service, as Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar celebrates its third anniversary, the property invites guests to indulge in authentic regional cuisine, wellness programs, and curated experiences that reflect the charm of Mahabaleshwar. Since its opening, the property has become a top choice for leisure travellers, blending luxury with the the beautiful natural beauty of the region. Behind this success is General Manager Rahul Janve, with nearly two decades of hospitality experience, he oversees all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring that guests enjoy an exceptional experience from the moment they arrive.
A journey of growth and innovation
Reflecting on the past three years, GM Janve highlights several key achievements: “We've reached remarkable milestones in operations, guest engagement, and financial growth. Our ability to swiftly adapt to evolving guest preferences has been a cornerstone of our success.” As per him, The hotel has seen a great increase in the number of guests from cities like Pune, Mumbai, and even as far as Delhi and Gujarat, positioning itself as a premier destination in Mahabaleshwar.
One of the hallmarks of Janve’s leadership is his focus on guest experience. His belief in creating meaningful and personalised interactions has been central to the property’s success. As Janve explains, “Personalisation remains central to our guest engagement strategy, and we take pride in creating meaningful, bespoke experiences.” He added further, “From intimate candlelit dinners and nature trails to curated picnic setups in our lush lawns, we offer unforgettable moments that align with the festive spirit, ensuring every guest leaves with cherished memories.” This focus on crafting unforgettable experiences is most evident in the hotel’s offerings during festive seasons.
Delights with a local twist
With the festive season fast approaching, Marriott Mahabaleshwar has curated exclusive packages that promise to make this period even more special for guests. Janve emphasises, “we’re offering all-inclusive packages that provide a seamless blend of luxury and relaxation. These packages include exclusive discounts on spa treatments and curated food & beverage experiences, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of Mahabaleshwar while enjoying the exemplary service that our team provides, and a range of immersive activities.”
From exclusive Diwali staycation packages to unique Christmas and New Year’s experiences, the hotel combines luxury with the natural charm of Mahabaleshwar, ensuring every guest leaves with cherished memories.
Janve’s vision extends to the culinary offerings at Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar. He then introduced the new dining experience, Indiano, at the sunset deck. “This new dining experience will celebrate the art of fusion cuisine, blending the bold flavours of India with the elegance of Italian cooking,” he says. The hotel’s restaurants, under the leadership of Executive Chef Vinay Singh, provide guests with a mixture of great delights. Sous Chef Sushant, known for his local creations, has introduced dishes that showcase the flavours of the region, such as Kala Mutton and Potli Puran Poli, earning great reviews from guests. The use of the in-house ‘Kala Masala’—a traditional spice blend—further elevates these dishes, making them an unmissable part of the dining experience.
Talking about the signature dish, the GM stated, “A hallmark of our regional offerings is Kala Masala, a signature spice blend distinctive to Maharashtrian cuisine. Prepared in-house using locally sourced ingredients, it brings depth and richness to many of our dishes.”
Adding to the pinch is the all-day dining venue, The Berry Library, pays homage to Mahabaleshwar’s famous local produce, particularly its berries. Whether it’s a casual tea at Cloud Café or a sunset dinner at Quarter Deck, the hotel’s F&B experiences are designed to immerse guests in the beautiful essence of Mahabaleshwar.
Celebrating three years of excellence
As the hotel celebrates is all set for its third anniversary later this month, Janve is reflective yet forward-thinking. The past three years have been marked by growth, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. “we are committed to bolstering our occupancy rates by actively exploring new markets to effectively engage our target audience,” he states, pointing to the introduction of private pool villas in 2022 and the consistent focus on maintaining high occupancy rates and premium guest experiences.
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This celebration is not just a commemoration of time but of the accomplishments under Janve’s leadership. The hotel has managed to maintain a steady average daily rate (ADR) of Rs 15,800 to 16,000, with a 65 percent occupancy rate with 88 elegantly designed rooms, even during traditionally slow periods like the monsoon season. These figures speak to Janve’s ability to navigate the complexities of the hospitality industry while ensuring the hotel remains a preferred destination for leisure travellers.
To attract high-profile corporate events and conferences, the hotel has its diverse accommodations of 49 rooms and versatile ballroom, the Karvy Hall and Venna lawn, spanning 18,000 square feet. “We understand the importance of tailored experiences for our corporate clients, and our team is dedicated to curating customised itineraries that resonate with their specific needs,” Janve says. “We offer car-based amenities specifically designed for clients in the automation industry. Furthermore, our amenity baskets are thoughtfully curated using locally sourced ingredients, allowing guests to savour the authentic flavours of the region,” he further added.
The road ahead
As the property celebrates its third anniversary, it shows no signs of slowing down. GM, Janve has his sights set on continued growth, with a focus on enhancing guest experiences and expanding the property’s reach into new markets, including Gujarat
Looking to the future, Janve’s plans for Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar are rooted in sustainability and continued guest engagement. “Sustainability will take the centre stage in shaping the future of hospitality,” he notes, emphasising the importance of eco-friendly practices such as the integration of solar power and establishing a bottling plant to reduce the property’s carbon footprint.
Additionally, the General Manger is focussed on expanding the hotel’s reach into new markets, particularly by targeting the growing wedding market and high-end leisure travel. His goal is to ensure that Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar remains at the forefront of hospitality, not only through luxurious offerings but by embracing technology, sustainability, and local culture. The GM even plans to expand these initiatives and invest in the professional development of its team, “A well-trained, motivated staff is pivotal to driving the hotel's continued success and maintaining our reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry,” he added.
Trends shaping the Future
The future of the hotel industry in India will be driven by several transformative trends. Janve believes that sustainability, technology, and experiential travel will shape the future of the hotel industry in India. “Properties that embrace green initiatives—such as renewable energy, waste reduction, and locally sourced products—will resonate more with environmentally conscious travellers”.
Simultaneously, the rise of technology will revolutionise guest experiences, “ From seamless online bookings and contactless check-ins to personalised services driven by data analytics, leveraging technology will enhance convenience and satisfaction,” he added
Additionally, the growing demand for experiential travel will push hotels to offer unique, culturally immersive experiences, “Properties that curate such experiences will foster deeper connections with their guests,” he explained. Together, these trends such as sustainability, technology integration, wellness promotion, and experiential offerings—will shape the future of the hospitality industry in India.
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These strategic efforts ensure that the property remains a benchmark of excellence in the region for years to come. With its commitment to sustainability, personalised guest engagement, and culinary innovation, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar continues to lead the way in providing unforgettable luxury experiences in one of India's most picturesque destinations.
The success of Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar and the vision of its General Manager, Rahul Janve, as they celebrate their third anniversary—a celebration not just of time but of accomplishments, growth, and unforgettable guest experiences.
