The Indian hospitality industry is undergoing a transformative era marked by innovation, growth and a renewed focus on guest-centricity. As travellers demand experiences that blend luxury with cultural immersion and sustainability, the sector is evolving to meet these expectations. Novotel Jodhpur, under the leadership of General Manager Abhirup Bandyopadhyay, is an example of how a modern hotel can redefine hospitality in India.
Situated in the historic city of Jodhpur, Novotel Jodhpur has positioned itself as a leader in combining tradition with modern hospitality practices. Located around 20 minutes from Jodhpur Airport, the hotel offers 93 guest rooms and suites. It stands out not only as a leader in luxury hospitality but also as the world’s first Sattvik-certified hotel, as it serves pure vegetarian and eggless cuisine. This unique distinction, coupled with visionary initiatives, is redefining hospitality in Rajasthan and beyond. The hotel’s 14,000 sq ft of event spaces are perfect for a wide range of corporate events, complemented by a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views of Mehrangarh Fort, a gym and a spa. The hotel’s architecture and interiors reflect the cultural richness of Rajasthan, while its services meet the expectations of discerning global travellers.
The Sattvik certified hotel
Sattvik certification is a hallmark of sustainability and authenticity in dining. At Novotel Jodhpur, this distinction underscores a commitment to offering culinary experiences rooted in wellness, tradition, and eco-consciousness. “Being the world’s first Sattvik-certified hotel is a matter of immense pride for us. It reflects our dedication to providing guests with wholesome, sustainable meals that are aligned with the principles of purity and balance,” says the GM.
The hotel’s Sattvik menu is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, emphasising plant-based dishes free from additives and preservatives. This focus ensures that guests enjoy meals that are not only nutritious but also deeply connected to Rajasthan’s culinary heritage. “From traditional thalis to contemporary dishes inspired by Sattvik principles, our menu caters to promote healthy, sustainable dining. Our dishes are made using locally sourced spices and ingredients, emphasising both nutrition and sustainability,” adds Bandyopadhyay.
Culinary innovations meets regional authenticity
Novotel Jodhpur’s Sattvik distinction extends beyond dietary choices; it shapes the hotel’s entire approach to food and beverage. “We aim to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation,” explains Bandyopadhyay. The hotel’s signature dishes and beverages, such as the ‘Jodhpur’ cocktail made from locally sourced ingredients, highlight this philosophy.
Guests can enjoy immersive culinary experiences in the hotel, including live cooking demonstrations and curated tasting menus, all designed to showcase the vibrant flavours of Rajasthan while adhering to Sattvik principles. “We’ve introduced innovative concepts like the ‘pull me up’ menu items and revamped our bar menu with the help of an expert consultant,” he adds.
MICE tourism is the future
Novotel Jodhpur also excels in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector by integrating major philosophy into event offerings. “We provide a one-of-a-kind MICE experience that begins with a traditional Rajasthani welcome, featuring drinks and a local lunch,” notes Bandyopadhyay.
The hotel’s versatile event spaces are equipped to host everything from corporate conferences to grand weddings. The GM says, “For weddings, we have moved beyond traditional packages, tailoring each event to the specific preferences of the couple. Businesses are increasingly looking for more than just a venue; they want exceptional service, including event planning, catering, and logistics.”
New standards with the rooftop lounge
As part of its commitment to innovation, the hotel is set to launch the city’s most unique rooftop lounge. Offering panoramic 360-degree views of Jodhpur, including the iconic Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, the lounge promises to redefine luxury in the city. “This rooftop lounge will be a first-of-its-kind feature in Jodhpur’s skyline,” shares Bandyopadhyay, adding, “It’s designed to provide guests with an unparalleled dining and leisure experience, where they can enjoy breath-taking views while savouring our signature Sattvik-inspired dishes and cocktails.”
Promoting cultural tourism
Beyond its culinary and MICE offerings, Novotel Jodhpur plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural tourism. The hotel collaborates with local artisans and organises activities like guided tours, camel safaris, and folk performances, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Rajasthan’s rich traditions. “Our goal is to offer guests more than just a stay. Novotel Jodhpur offers curated cultural experiences, from partnering with local festivals like RIFF and exploring the region’s heritage and arts,” he says. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the hotel’s operations, from its decor to its community partnerships.
Vision of innovation and authenticity
Hotels today are adapting to meet the growing demand for authenticity, sustainability and personalisation. Bandyopadhyay highlights the shifting dynamics as, “Traditional metrics like occupancy and ADR will remain important, dynamic pricing will grow in significance. Hotels will use real-time data to adjust rates based on demand, local events, and market conditions,” he says.
“Additionally, the shift towards local tourism will be a key growth driver, with hotels embracing regional art, history and customs to offer more meaningful connections with destinations,” notes Bandyopadhyay, as blending modern luxury with cultural immersion will result in Indian hospitality redefining global travel expectations.
Wellness tourism is emerging as a significant trend in India, “Wellness will expand beyond spas, incorporating holistic services like yoga, mindfulness and locally inspired rituals,” says the GM, adding, “Wellness tourism and remote work will introduce new metrics, focussing on longer stays and wellness offerings, creating new growth opportunities for hotels.
Novotel Jodhpur tomorrow
The hotel is set to redefine hospitality with fresh innovations aimed at enhancing guest experiences and promoting sustainability. As the General Manager explains, “Our Green Key certification reflects our commitment to sustainability, and we are working to expand our digital presence to reach a wider audience.”
A key part of this vision is the introduction of a 360-degree online platform. “It will allow guests to virtually explore hotel spaces, giving them an immersive preview and making it easier to select accommodations that fit their preferences. We are exploring virtual reality experiences that will let guests immerse themselves in various themes of the hotel, offering a unique and engaging way to experience our property before booking,” explains Bandyopadhyay.
The GM opines that these innovations will shape Novotel Jodhpur’s guest experience, offering personalised, sustainable and immersive stays in 2025 and with these ambitious plans, the hotel is poised to lead the way in creating future-ready hospitality with modern technology, sustainability, and authentic experiences.
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