In Conversation with Varun Mohan

Varun Mohan, General Manager-Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore known for being a result driven leader, is resilient to the changing dynamics of the business surroundings. With over 13 years of experience, Varun’s leadership style and approach has not only been about positions held but can be best described as a platform for others to develop and grow on all fronts. A graduate from WGSHA – Manipal University, Varun started his career as corporate leadership trainee at Grand Hyatt Mumbai and was posted as Duty Manager in 2010. Tech-savvy, people oriented, an active listener and strong affiliation to transparency and working ethics, are the most common traits, that Varun would be described by his business associates.

Previous to his appointment as the General Manager, Hyatt Centric MG Road in 2018 he worked with different Hyatt hotels like Park Hyatt Chennai, Hyatt Regency Chennai and his previous stint was with Grand Hyatt Mumbai as Rooms Division Manager. With an experience in Luxury, Business, MICE and Lifestyle hotel brands and also successfully launching the first Hyatt Centric brand in India Varun’s pertinent experience in varied hotels helped him to specialize in implementing subsequent service delivery styles which is aligned to the brand promise.

Varun Mohan

What makes Hyatt Centric Bangalore stand out from other properties you’ve worked in?
The Hyatt Centric brand is thoughtfully designed to enable exploration, discovery and targets millennial-minded travelers who want to be in the middle of all the action. Located in the heart of the city, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is the launch pad that inspires and encourages exploration of Bangalore’s serene parks, inspiring Victorian-era architecture and a vibrant dining scene with ease. The hotel boasts a contemporary feel with eclectic touches that capture the city’s cosmopolitan vibe.

Hyatt-Centric-MG-Road-Bangalore-Suite-Outdoor

Who is your typical customer?  
Savvy Explorers- socially connected guests seeking shareable moments to inspire others. They are the influencers, the travel experts within their circles who everyone looks to for travel advice and tips.

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

An early morning excursion to the Nandi hills followed by a curated breakfast nestled in a vineyard along the foothills of the Nandi Valley. This unique experience of exploring nature and engaging all your senses is an absolute must while visiting the city. The personalized vineyard tour also includes an experience to learn from the sommelier and wine tasting paired with culinary crafts.  Return to the hotel for a specially crafted lunch menu of local delicacies by our chefs at The Bengaluru Brasserie. And subsequently step out of the hotel to explore Bangalore like true locals. Discovering prominent shopping hubs like Brigade road, Commercial Street and Cubbon Park. The guests can call it a day by relaxing near the poolside sipping some signature cocktails at ease or discover Bangalore’s incredible nightlife at the restaurants and bars near our hotel.

Hyatt-Centric-MG-Road-Bangalore

Building the right team is crucial for a property’s success. What are the key skills you look for when hiring new employees? 
Recruiting candidates who flow right in, with the right talent. With effective candidate evaluation we always look for free-spirited individuals who can adapt to the work culture. An individual who is motivated and have a pro-active, can-do attitude to accomplish new things. A world of possibilities waits for those who are committed to continuous improvement, to learn, to grow and develop while becoming the preferred provider and an asset to the property’s success.

 What is the USP of your hotel?
With upbeat decor and a relaxed setting, our hotel scores because of it’s prime location, a panoramic picturesque outdoor pool with palm trees around and The Bengaluru Brasserie an all-occasion poolside restaurant with it’s classy décor, breezy interiors and alluring pool view serving modern global cuisine. Our guestrooms designed with eclectic touches that capture the local vibe including suites with a private garden, modern state of art spaces ideal for meetings and events and our team of true locals.

Hyatt-Centric-MG-Road-Bangalore-Poolside

What is the one dish that guests have to try when at your hotel? 
Guests can set sail on a culinary adventure across the globe at The Bengaluru Brasserie. Starting from Koli Barthad- a Coorg style fried chicken starter made using Kachmpulli vinegar, and pair it with our locally inspired cocktail- the Centric Santra or Chill Maadi. Our guests can also enjoy chefs special Milanese Risotto, prepared using carnaroli (popularly referred as the caviar of the rice) and lamb from the house of Mulwarra.

Hyatt-Centric-MG-Road-Bangalore-Lobby-The-Corner

Was a career in hospitality something you always dreamt of?  What is your advice to aspiring hoteliers?
Yes, it was one of the career choices, showed high up on my career counseling graph during school days.
My advice to aspiring hoteliers is to be passionate and committed. Be patient and cultivate your skills. And if you have passion for your work, there are long term gains. Learn, unlearn and relearn every day.

Which cities are your favourites for: 1) food 2) history 3) fashion? 
Food- Delhi, from the countless food spots in the city to the most unique restaurants in the world, it has it all.
History- History is about stories and the folklore. One of the few cities that intrigue my interest is Agra. Every nook and corner of this city has something more to contribute. Every lane has a story to tell.
Fashion- It has to be Mumbai. Starting from budget street style shopping to vintage boutiques, designer stores, Mumbai has the most fashion-forward citizens in the world.

The-Bengaluru-Brasserie-Hyatt-Centric

You have worked in several cities, which is your favourite city for work and play? 
I feel like a Mumbaikar- in terms of pace of work and the dedication to professionalism
Safer in Chennai. The biggest cultural, economic, educational and traditional center of South India-Chennai will always stand out for its hospitality and being in a coastal city offers some amazing places to spend your evenings/ weekends at.
Bangalorean from heart. The calmness in tranquil Bangalore is something that I absolutely adore. Adding to that of course, I love the weather, but I love the food more in Bangalore.

 When are you happiest?  
I am the happiest when I am travelling, exploring and capturing moments from new places with my wife. Good graphics and post travel pictures is something for which I love investing some time.
I am also happiest to be in this industry which essentially deals in meeting new people. Hospitality industry is vibrant, lively and always interesting. It is the key to discover new culture, new people and even new countries. And that is something which brings me absolute joy.