Greeting guests with their signature dish- a warm chocolate chip cookie and catering to their needs with CARE, TP Sreejith, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Agra speaks about what makes this property unique and the market potential in the city of the Taj Mahal By Kahini Chakraborty
Recognised for a service culture built around the idea of CARE, which stands for Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community, Double Tree by Hilton Agra stands elegantly in the heart of the bustling city of Agra offering views of the magnificent mausoleum – the Taj Mahal. Following a traditional practice of welcoming a guest with a warm chocolate chip cookie, their signature dish, the property features 104 guestrooms including three suites that offer views of the Taj Mahal. These range in size from 345 square feet to 705 square feet, and are equipped with modern amenities including the signature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree sleep experience bed, Wi-Fi, 42” HD television with premium channels, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, electronic safe and a three or four-fixture bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. Each one-bedroom suite additionally includes a separate living room with dining area and a powder room. The luxurious Presidential Suite is equipped with a pantry and a walk-in closet in addition to a bedroom and separate living room with dining area.
“We believe in our concept called as ‘Make it Right’, wherein we ensure 100 per cent guest satisfaction, and if at all there are some gaps in the service, the guest could tell us and we will ensure to make it right. Through our core philosophy which revolves around the concept of CARE, we ensure 100 per cent customer satisfaction, team member engagement, as well as strive to give back whatever we can towards community development,” emphasises TP Sreejith, general manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Agra.
The hotel offers four dining venues. North 27, the all-day global cuisine restaurant, serves an extensive buffet in addition to an a la carte menu of Indian, Western and Oriental cuisines. Kebab-E-Que, the speciality restaurant, offers Indian North-West Frontier cuisine. Plush Bar, the lounge bar, offers a wide selection of fine wines, contemporary cocktails and mocktails along with a range of innovative snacks; and The Food Store, the all-day café and deli, serves fresh bakeries and beverages for dine-in or takeaway. Recreational facilities at the hotel include an outdoor infinity pool with views of the Taj Mahal, a complimentary 24-hour fitness centre, Kids Activities Room, spa and a salon.
The hotel also features a range of flexible meeting and event spaces which are ideal for exclusive business events, social events and grand weddings. The 3,840-square foot Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 425 people and is connected to an open-air area. The 1,820-square foot Coronation Room is divisible into three and accommodates up to 200 people. Concourse is a multi-function hall for up to 75 people. The facilities additionally include two boardrooms and a 24-hour business centre. This is complemented by state-of-the-art audio visual facilities and inspired catering services. “The property has been built with a well thought plan in mind creating a perfect balance between offering wide open spaces and use of natural light during the day around the property. The elements of design and architecture like the artworks or stones and colour combinations around the property creates an elegant interiors space,” highlights Sreejith.
When asked about the importance that the property gives to their food and beverage segment, he mentions that food and beverage including banqueting is always a key segment for them. “It is an equal amount of commercial revenue generator. In this property we have a wide variety of cuisines to offer, for example, our North 27, the all-day global cuisine restaurant, serves an extensive buffet in addition to an a la carte menu of Indian, western and oriental cuisines. Kebab-E-Que, the speciality restaurant, offers Indian North-West Frontier cuisine.”
Destination Agra
Presently Agra is seeing a mix of travellers, both inbound and domestic, with an intention of visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites. “Agra has always been perceived as part of the Golden Triangle Circuit. But now the state government is looking at promoting tourism beyond the Taj Mahal. Heritage and culture offerings around Agra, Varanasi and Lucknow are being promoted, not just domestically, but also internationally. This year, the first Uttar Pradesh Travel Mart was held in Lucknow which saw huge participation among exhibitors and visitors. The city, renowned for its many Mughal-era buildings, has other popular attractions and shopping districts including the Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Ram Bagh and Kinari Bazaar. The opening up of Yamuna Expressway has given a good opportunity for weekend and leisure travellers from Delhi. Segments such as wedding, conferencing, meetings, conventions are growing,” he opines, adding that, “The hotel has different products to match up to the expectations of the discerning travellers. We are seeing a dynamic movement of travellers from inbound and domestic markets. There is also a growing interest in the wedding segment, both residential and non-residential.”
Learning curve
Considering himself as a process driven people’s man, Sreejith says, “I like to plan ahead and believe in delegation and letting people grow along with me. After all it is about getting things done at the right time in the right way. I am indebted to certain people in my life both professionally and personally who have taught me to do the right things in life. Everyday is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth.” The company lays huge emphasis on training every level of staff working for the properties on a periodic basis. Commenting on the attrition rates in the sector, Sreejith opines, “When we approach our team members, we approach them with a concept of having them engaged 100 per cent. Attrition might be for different reasons and at different occasions. Our motive is to have an engaged team member base who constantly have an opportunity to learn and grow. The hospitality industry is a fantastic industry to grow if you have the passion to provide a memorable experience for your customers.” The hotel also participates in Hilton HHonors, the only guest reward programme that allows members to earn points and miles for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at over 4,250 hotels in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio across the globe.