In Conversation with Anish Kuttan

Anish Kuttan is the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Thrissur. He brings 18 years of combined hospitality experience and has progressively advanced through various leadership roles in acclaimed hotels. In his previous role he worked as the Director of Operations at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty where he demonstrated effective leadership and efficient management in all aspects of operations of both the hotel and Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre. Anish Kuttan also has considerable experience in working with international hospitality brands like Kempinski, Flora Hospitality, Four Seasons and Emaar Hospitality. He is an adventure and sports enthusiast and loves being outdoors during his leisure time.

Hyatt Regency Thrissur

What makes Hyatt Regency Thrissur stand out from other properties you’ve worked in?

Hyatt Regency Thrissur is one of the first 5-star hotels in Thrissur- the cultural capital of Kerala. ​That sets it apart from other luxury hotels in the city. With minimalist style and modern amenities, the hotel boasts of having the highest suite inventory in the city, with views of either the landscape or the city skyline. This premium hotel with contemporary lobby design and accommodations is designed for productivity and peace of mind.

Adjacent to the lobby, Nougat lounge offers a completely new experience – open, communal spaces to connect or unwind, together or alone. Hyatt Regency Thrissur provides guests and meeting and event planners with an energizing place for any and every occasion. The location of this premium hotel is appealing as it is ideally located in proximity scenic locations like Athirapally waterfalls and cultural and historical places like Kerala Kalamandalam and Bible Tower to the cultural centres and other destination experiences.

Presidential Suite

Who is your typical customer?

Ranging from ambitious guests to loyalists, the hotel has carved a niche for itself.  The destination attractions, restaurant and seamless socials have attracted families while business travelers love the personalized experiences for meetings With 6 meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the art technology, the hotel has become a prime location for hosting MICE.

If you could plan a one-day itinerary for guests looking to explore Thrissur, where would you send them?

The cultural capital of Kerala, the Poorams or temple festivals in Thrissur draw thousands of people every single year as these carnivals encapsulate every single part of Kerala’s rich heritage. Hyatt Regency Thrissur provides guests with seamless access to the region’s most popular attractions. Guests can visit the Bible Tower, the tallest church tower in Asia along with Athirapally Falls–an extraordinary waterfall on the Chalakudy River. A cultural trip to Kerala Kalamandalam, the most prestigious school for Kathakali and other classical art forms of Kerala promises to be a memorable experience.

Regency Cafe

Building the right team is crucial for a property’s success. What are the key skills you look for when hiring new employees?

Hyatt’s purpose of care plays a pivotal role in determining the right candidate. It helps us to identify the aspirant with right attitude. It is also vital to find creative solutions and identify opportunities. Hence, if someone has the right mindset, we can cultivate the rest of the skills required for the job.

What is the USP of your hotel?

This is the only branded luxury hotel in Thrissur district. The exclusive 124-sq.mt presidential suite redefines luxury with a bedroom, one living room, kitchenette, modern amenities and scenic view. With 27,469 sq.ft of indoor and outdoor space, Hyatt Regency Thrissur is ideal for weddings, socials and conferences.

The all-day dining restaurant Regency Café offers casual dining experience with friends and family over scrumptious Western, Asian, Indian and Kerala fare. The restaurant’s aesthetic and vibrant ambience makes it the perfect venue for family celebrations, business lunches and intimate gatherings. Additionally, for guests looking for a sweet treat, visit Nougat, a vibrant lounge that offers favourite hot and cold beverages paired with locally-inspired quick bites, snacks, pastries and decadent cakes. The hotel also offers a rejuvenating selection of services at Santata Spa with signature traditional and international treatments.

Luxurious-Presidential-Suite-Living-Room

What is the one dish that guests have to try when at your hotel?

Chemmeen Thengapal Pizhinjathu – a traditional Kerala dish of prawns in a coconut milk gravy.

  2020 was a challenging year for the hospitality industry. In your opinion, how will travel trends change in the 2nd half of 2021?

The incredible demand that has been built up over the last year and a half will open up new opportunities once travel restrictions are lifted. People are keen to travel for experiences and we aim to create destination-centric tours to promote the same. I am optimistic and excited about the new travel itineraries that will emerge next year and beyond.

outdoor pool

Was a career in hospitality something you always dreamt of?  What is your advice to aspiring hoteliers?

To be honest, hospitality was something I had never thought of as a career option, I wanted to be a mechanical engineer as I loved fixing broken items while growing up. Well for aspiring hoteliers, it’s all about caring people.  If you love interacting and have a bit of creativity then you can make a career in hospitality. It gives you the option of being a specialist or a generalist. And with the growing travel and tourism industry around the world there are so many options to look forward to.

Which cities are your favourites for: 1) food 2) history 3) fashion?

• Dubai – With a combination of Iranian, Lebanese and Arabic food, the food in Dubai will only leave you craving for more.
• Kochi – The Queen of Arabian Sea owes its colourful present to its equally interesting history
• Mumbai – It is surely a fashion hub

Anish Kuttan

You have worked in several cities, which is your favourite city for work and play?

Dubai is my favorite city as there is always something new happening and so much to learn from the diverse culture and people who come there from all over the globe. It’s like a slice of all the nations there.

When are you happiest?

I am happiest when I am with my family.

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