In Conversation with Ramandeep Marwah

An enterprising hotelier with over 19 years of experience, Ramandeep Marwah-General Manager, JW Marriott Chandigarh has worked with leading hospitality groups like Marriott; Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces; The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to name a few. Prior to joining JW Marriott Chandigarh, Ramandeep was working as the General Manager of JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa, Marriott India’s first JW Marriott resort in the country. Ramandeep’s journey with Marriott started in 2012 with JW Marriott Aerocity, New Delhi following which he was associated with the JW Marriott brand across properties at Mumbai, Macau, Pune and Mussoorie.

Ramandeep Marwah

A highly skilled hotelier, Ramandeep has been bestowed with many an accolades in recognition of his exemplary skills, work ethic and delivery. He has been commended by Marriott, the world’s largest hospitality giant with awards such as EDGE Front of the House Award, 2014 – Global (for delivering excellent guest experiences) and Rooms Operations of the Year Award, 2014 – APAC. Aptly calibrating his technical and operational knowledge of the hotel, Ramandeep is also known in his professional and personal circles for his great interpersonal skills and an ability to connect with people.

Brewhouse

What makes JW Marriott Chandigarh stand out from other properties you’ve worked in?

JW Marriott Chandigarh has already set new benchmark for luxury in hospitality sector of the city with its unobtrusive hospitality and outstanding luxury services. The hotel offers unique dining options and luxurious amenities, and thereby is the most preferred and favored luxury destination for guests and leisure travelers.  Featuring the most spacious accommodation and state-of-the-art banqueting facilities, the hotel is also an ideal choice to host elegant weddings, social events, meeting and conferences. The restaurant menus have been carefully crafted by our chefs and include many of the local favorites. We have multiple dining options for our guests and each outlet has its own USP. In all our restaurants, the attention is on fresh ingredients, flavorful food, crafted to perfection by our expert chefs. The chefs along with our well trained orchestrate an authentic experience and strive towards offering a true JW treatment to all the guests.

Lobby

Who is your typical customer? 

The beauty about this hotel is that it transitions from a business hotel during weekdays to a leisure hotel over weekends seamlessly. Therefore, the associates are accustomed to thoughtfully curating seamless experiences for both business and leisure guests equally well. Apart from that, the hotel also caters to a lot of weddings and wedding related events. This is an altogether different segment having very personalized needs and requirements.

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

Set in the foothills of the Shivalik range, Chandigarh is not unheard of. Extremely well planned and perfectly executed by Le Corbusier, the city was envisioned so by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. The conundrum and calm come together at the ‘City Beautiful’. The city is both active and laid back at the same time. While a part of the city is filled with natural reserves, its nightlife and ‘gedi route’ are no less. If you thought the only thing to see in Chandigarh is the Rock Garden, you couldn’t be more wrong. If you have 24 hours in Chandigarh, you should begin with soaking the culture of the city. The city’s historical, artistic and nature trail is something that is extremely prominent throughout. Chandigarh’s National Gallery of Portraits houses a legacy of portraits, busts, sculptures, images, prints of rare documents, photos and paintings based on India’s independence struggle. After the museum, I suggest you visit the Le Corbusier Centre to admire displays and exhibits the life and works of Le Corbusier, the architect who conceptualized the city six decades ago. The space where the Centre stands currently was used by the Swiss-French architect as his office back in the day. The clean air in Chandigarh can be credited to various plantation drives, the cleanliness and the waste management. One such example is the long standing Rock Garden by Nek Chand. Made completely out of industrial and household waste and discarded items the garden has been there for more than six decades now and is a must visit at least once. One should also not miss the man made waterfall too. In case you have already been to the Rock Garden, you can also head to the Pinjore Gardens, which is a short drive away. An example of Mughal and Jat Sikh architecture joining hands, the garden is a 17th century marvel.

Facade

Post lunch I suggest taking a little rest for the evening lined up ahead. Before heading out for the evening I suggest you do not miss the evening tea/coffee at the Stu-C (Student Centre) at the Panjab University campus. The centre is equally flocked by all and is a great place to absorb the student culture and some delectable snacks. You could also try the good old Indian Coffee House too. Chandigarh being a nature lover’s dream city is very cycle friendly and easily accessible too. In case you love to cycle and wish to explore the city like a local, borrow a cycle and head to various check dams located within the vicinity of the city. These dams include Siswan and Jainti Devi amongst the others. In case you do not wish to head to these dams the good old gedi route is always perfect for a drive. Just some good music and the drive comes alive. You could also head to the Nepli Forest Reserve to soak in the best of Chandigarh’s natural reserve. However, if do not wish to drive/ride at all, enjoy a soothing or gripping (depending on what is playing) performance at the Tagore theatre. While you’ve had a long day exploring the city, there is no better spot than ending your day with a stroll or by simply sitting at the Sukhna Lake. While it’ll be flocked by the local-ites by the evening, find yourself a quiet spot in the hustle bustle of the evening and unwind. Post that we suggest you grab a scrumptious dinner at JW Marriott Chandigarh before calling it a day.

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

It is a multi-dimensional job demanding a combination of knowledge, skills and aptitude and therefore, I believe in hiring people with strong work ethics and sharp analytical skills. This enables me to drive performance and to create an environment for quality performance.

Saffron

What is the USP of your hotel? 

• Location: JW Marriott Chandigarh is centrally located within close proximity to the airport and the railway station, in addition to the Business District – Sector 17 and the Information Technology Park. Chandigarh, being a gateway city, provides easy access to key tourist destinations of North India.
• Rooms:   164 guestrooms, luxury design and a modern open room concept in a size of 45 meter square.
• Luxury of space:  3000 sq ft of indoor & outdoor meeting space. Spacious Grand Ballroom -20 ft high ceiling and opulent chandeliers
• Luxury Dining Experiences: Multiple fine dining restaurants in plush settings offering a great culinary experience which is authentic yet truly global.

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

Beeramisu from 35 Brewhouse, Amritsari Kulcha at the Cafe@JW, Nalli Nihari at Saffron and Jaggery & Fennel Cake at Chandigarh Baking Co.

Cafe@JW

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

I think travelers will concentrate on immersive experiences and shall explore destinations that offer luxurious accommodation in tranquil, crowd-free settings. The concept of a bubble holiday with family members or friends will be here to stay. Simply speaking, you spend your holiday in an exclusive accommodation, with people you know.

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

Honestly, I wanted to be a movie Director and this is as close as I could get. Never Stop Learning.

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

• Food – Amritsar
• History – Madrid, Spain
• Fashion – The Champs-Élysées, Paris, France

Brewhouse

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

Mumbai

When are you happiest? 

After finishing my daily workout session.