The hospitality industry fosters cultural exchange, supports local communities, and drives innovation by focusing on exceptional customer experiences. Hospitality leaders are crucial as they drive innovation, set high service standards, and shape customer experiences, ensuring both business success and exceptional guest satisfaction. Their leadership fosters team cohesion, operational efficiency, and strategic growth in a competitive industry. The Hotel Hillock is a luxurious hotel in Ahmedabad that masterfully integrates classical European architecture with contemporary design. As a five-star haven in a city celebrated for its rich heritage, it offers historic elegance, impeccable service, exquisite suites, and acclaimed culinary expertise. Sneha Agarwal the Director of the Hillock Ahmedabad, is a tenacious woman leader who works tirelessly striving toward success.

In a candid interview, she discussed the industry's trends and the future of hospitality in India.

Can you share key experiences from your formative years and significant aspects of your personal and professional journey that have shaped who you are today?

I graduated in economics and earned an MBA in marketing, where I was a gold medalist. My parents wanted me to pursue a career in medicine, and although I had a science background, I chose to follow my passion for business. I was raised in a business family and married into another that supports my business pursuits. Despite marrying young, I continued my studies with my husband's unwavering support throughout my educational and professional journey. I built my career in hospitality by learning from our hotel in Mt. Abu, where I began in the purchasing department. I was known for my hard negotiation skills and used to verify incoming purchases and negotiate deals. The major turning point in our lives came when we initiated the Hotel Hillock project in Ahmedabad. We faced numerous challenges due to construction and master plan changes, but we successfully opened it in November 2021. Over the years, we have been featured in Time Magazine, along with ITC Narmada, as one of the top two design hotels in Gujarat, a significant achievement. In addition to my professional responsibilities, I am also a mother to two children, aged ten and six. Balancing my career and personal life, I embrace the role of an entrepreneur.

Could you introduce us to Hotel Hillock and share its unique selling points? What makes it stand out from other hotels?

Hotel Hillock is a European project with meticulously designed interiors, well-crafted carpets, and brass chandeliers. The building is clad in stone inside and out, giving it a European charm. Each room is uniquely designed, offering guests a different experience with every visit. The hotel also features large banquet halls, making it ideal for weddings. Our unique selling point is our food and beverage service. We pride ourselves on serving fresh food; for example, we never keep gravies overnight, and the paneer used is freshly prepared twice daily. We do not engage in marketing and solely rely on word-of-mouth promotions and inquiries from our guests. We consider it a significant achievement that we thrive without advertisement.

What is your success mantra for managing the multiple responsibilities of your personal and professional life?

My success mantra is to maintain a consistent work ethic every single day, regardless of the circumstances. Whether I am dealing with illness, travelling, engaging with my children, on holiday, attending a wedding, or spending time with family, I commit to working diligently and staying engaged with my responsibilities. Balancing professional and personal life can be challenging, especially with two young children actively involved in various activities and my involvement in my husband's other businesses amplifying my responsibilities. However, I focus on tackling each task one at a time. I am deeply grateful for my incredible team, whose support in both personal and professional matters ensures everything runs smoothly and feels like home.

What advice would you give to aspiring women pursuing careers in hospitality across the country?

I believe women inherently offer a distinctive warmth and empathy, akin to a mother graciously receiving guests in her home. These natural qualities are more prominent in women than in men, making a notable difference in the hospitality industry. Women possess the ability to create a welcoming and comforting environment, which is invaluable in providing exceptional guest experiences. My advice to women pursuing careers in this field is to recognize and utilize these innate strengths to achieve professional success. By embracing our unique qualities, we can excel and make a lasting impact in the hospitality sector.

How do you envision the future evolution of India's hospitality landscape, and which industry trends do you believe will have the most significant impact?

I believe the hospitality sector will experience significant upliftment with the upcoming Olympics set to take place in Ahmedabad. Under the strong leadership of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the government has introduced various supportive policies, such as permitting the construction of multiple stories on land areas over 3,800 square yards and offering a special subsidy where a percentage of the construction cost is refunded. The rising growth in tourism in India is also expected to drive substantial industry growth. I foresee two major trends shaping the future of hospitality. One focuses on providing a highly customized experience, offering luxury and comfort to affluent guests. The other trend is the provision of AI-driven services to budget-conscious travellers. This dual approach will address the capital-intensive nature of the industry by offering both luxury and cost-effective solutions, satisfying all customers.

Sneha Agarwal, Director, Hotel Hillock

Sneha Agarwal is deeply passionate about business and driven to achieve her goals, skillfully managing several companies. She adeptly balances her professional and personal life, excelling in the hospitality industry and fostering strong relationships with her team.