In the dynamic world of hospitality, few professionals can boast a journey as inspiring as that of Manuj Ralhan, General Manager, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre and Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre-Managed by Accor. With a stellar career spanning leading luxury brands like Four Seasons, Marriott, and The Oberoi, he has mastered the art of blending service excellence with business acumen. Now at the helm of Novotel Jaipur, he brings a wealth of experience, an innovative mindset, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of hospitality. From pioneering sustainable practices to curating unique guest experiences, his leadership reflects a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity.
You've had a distinguished career with leading hospitality brands like Four Seasons, Marriott, and The Oberoi. What key lessons did you learn working with these iconic brands that you bring into your role at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre?
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with some of the most renowned hotels and ultra-luxurious resorts in the Indian Ocean and India.
My foundation was laid strong with getting selected as the opening team for The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. The epitome of Indian luxury, and was all about the quality of service, products, and an uncompromising attitude to delivering exceptional experience & the guest is always right. It taught me to think from the guest's point of view first.
Four Seasons, I learnt the art of consistently creating those magical experiences, delivering 100% of our standards 100% of the time. It was extremely process-driven. I also learnt here the art of how to hire top talent and what behavioural skills to look for. This was an exceptional learning curve that shaped me into who I am today.
At Marriott, while we lived by ensuring to look after the associates & the associates look after our guests, I honed my business acumen skills. I was given the freedom to operate the business I was responsible for as my own, take risks, and deliver the Marriott brand promise to all our guests.
I brought these lessons with me to Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre. My focus is on making sure every guest feels recognized, delivers great service, and creates meaningful experiences—whether it's hosting a large conference or a wedding or providing warm and modern hospitality with the signature Rajasthani touch.
Hotel pre-opening is one of your areas of expertise. Can you walk us through the challenges and excitement of opening a new hotel and how you prepare a property for its first guests?
Opening a new hotel feels a lot like welcoming a baby into the world—it’s a mix of excitement, anxiety, and hard work. Just as a baby needs meticulous care and preparation to grow healthy, a new hotel requires immense planning to ensure it’s ready to make a mark.
The journey comes with its fair share of challenges. Building a team that shares the same vision and passion is crucial. Everyone needs to be aligned and energized to work toward a common goal. Then there’s the operational side: making sure all equipment, plant, and machinery are functional, finalizing supplies, designing uniforms, conducting training, running simulations, organizing photoshoots, and preparing sales kits. These are just a few of the tasks that need to come together seamlessly.
While delays can happen during pre-opening preparations, once an opening date is set, it’s non-negotiable. That’s where the real excitement kicks in—problem-solving, last-minute touches, and the sheer adrenaline of seeing everything come to life. It’s tough, but when the doors finally open, it’s incredibly rewarding to see months of effort culminated in a hotel ready to welcome its first guests.
You've worked in a range of hotel types, from luxury to business hotels. How do you tailor your approach when managing different segments of the hospitality industry?
Exceptional experience requires an exceptional team to deliver it. It begins with hiring the right talent, conducting thorough role-play training, and fostering a culture of anticipatory service. It’s about creating memorable experiences while adhering to brand standards and ensuring every guest feels valued. In essence, what high-end resorts do for 20 guests, we figure out how to scale for 200 without compromising on quality. The process revolves around meticulous planning, leading teams with a hands-on approach, and staying involved every step of the way. While a business hotel may not have the luxury ‘frills’, the fundamentals remain the same: top-notch service, reputable products, and a focus on delivering full value for every rupee spent. The goal is always to leave guests feeling satisfied, ensuring their experience justifies the trust and investment they’ve placed in us.
Novotel Jaipur offers a unique experience for both leisure and business travellers. What makes this property stand out, and how do you ensure it appeals to a wide range of guests?
Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre is a truly versatile property that seamlessly blends the needs of both leisure and business travellers. What makes it stand out is its ability to offer a balance of modern amenities and authentic Rajasthani hospitality, making it ideal for today's diverse guests. For leisure travellers, we offer a peaceful retreat with spacious rooms, a relaxed ambience, and easy access to some of Jaipur's top attractions. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a solo traveller looking to explore the culture, our hotel perfectly blends relaxation with adventure. We offer a variety of recreational activities for guests to enjoy, such as archery, air gun shooting, aqua zorbing, wall climbing, and rappelling. For a more laid-back experience, guests can opt for vintage car rides or bicycle tours. Kids can have a great time in our dedicated kids' room, filled with fun activities. Couples can also indulge in romantic dinners in our poolside cabanas. Our award-winning multi-cuisine restaurant, Food Exchange, offers an exquisite experience, making it the perfect place to savour delicious meals, whether you're in the mood for international flavours or authentic Rajasthani dishes. After a day of adventure or relaxation, guests can unwind at our tranquil spa, where rejuvenating treatments offer the ultimate relaxation.
For business travellers, we offer unmatched facilities designed to enhance productivity and comfort. The hotel features 13 state-of-the-art meeting rooms, green rooms, a VIP lounge, and the stunning Mugdha-The Grand Ballroom, which boasts 740 retractable chairs—a rare feature found in only a few properties across India. With our strategic location just 15 minutes from Jaipur International Airport, business guests enjoy unparalleled convenience.
What truly sets us apart is our exclusive access to the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), which is directly connected to the hotel. Managed by Accor, includes two expansive, pillarless exhibition halls covering a total of 106,372 sq. ft. of flexible event space each. This unique offering makes Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre an ideal venue for large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and MICE events, all supported by high-quality service and modern amenities. You can host events at JECC and stay comfortably in our 226 contemporary rooms, all without the hassle of worrying about accommodation.
All said and done; we ensure that every guest's needs are met—whether it's offering personalized experiences for leisure travellers or providing cutting-edge facilities for business guests. This focus on flexibility, comfort, and service makes our property truly stand out as a destination for both work and play.
As someone who appreciates the art of handcrafted gins, can you recommend any particular gin-based cocktails from your bar at Novotel Jaipur that guests should try?
At Novotel Jaipur, I’m proud to introduce Sips of Rajasthan, a concept close to my heart that blends the art of handcrafted gins with the rich heritage of this region. Using premium gins and local ingredients like saffron rose and cardamom, we’ve created a menu inspired by Rajasthan’s iconic forts and landmarks.
Two drinks I highly recommend are Amber’s Secret and Blue Majesty. While the former is a colour-changing drink inspired by the hidden tunnel of Amber Fort, the latter reflects the vibrant spirit of Jodhpur.
For me, beverages are a way to celebrate culture and create memories, and Sips of Rajasthan does just that.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the hospitality industry. How is Novotel Jaipur addressing sustainability, and what green initiatives or practices do you implement at the hotel?
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations, reflecting our commitment to a greener future. We will be installing a 2.5 MW solar plant to harness renewable energy and variable frequency drives (VFD) for motors to enhance energy efficiency. We have converted the entire property to 100% LED lighting. Two fast EV charging stations have been set up to support green mobility, and we’ve implemented a glass water bottling plant to eliminate plastic waste. We have also applied for Green Key certification, which underscores our dedication to eco-friendly practices.
Water conservation remains a priority, with the installation of water-saving fixtures and waterless urinals. We are building partnerships with suppliers who uphold green practices, ensuring a sustainable supply chain. Our employees are educated on sustainable initiatives, and we actively use eco-friendly and locally sourced products to minimize our carbon footprint. By digitizing operations, such as offering QR code menus and digital check-in services, we’ve significantly reduced paper waste and streamlined guest experiences. 500kg/day composting machine handles organic waste effectively.
Energy-efficient appliances power our operations, and our property is landscaped using native plants and eco-friendly techniques. By reducing single-use plastics, adopting green cleaning products, and hosting eco-friendly events, we contribute to a culture of sustainability. Additionally, we engage guests in our green efforts, fostering awareness and participation in preserving the environment.
Where do you see the future of hospitality in India heading, and what do you think will be the biggest trends over the next 5 to 10 years?
The hospitality industry in India is poised for transformative growth over the next decade, driven by several key trends. Sustainability will be at the forefront, with an emphasis on transitioning from ‘green’ practices to regenerative tourism and net-positive initiatives. This includes integrating sustainable construction, renewable energy, and local sourcing into operations to meet evolving consumer expectations and environmental standards.
Technology will continue to play a pivotal role, with data-driven decision-making enabling greater personalization and operational efficiency. From dynamic pricing strategies to tailored guest experiences powered by AI and analytics, the industry is leveraging digital tools to stay competitive. Social media and authentic storytelling will also evolve, becoming even more critical in building trust and connecting with a digitally savvy audience.
Another significant trend is the rise of ‘workcations’ and hybrid travel experiences, as professionals blend work and leisure. This will drive demand for properties offering flexible workspaces and recreational amenities. Additionally, India’s hospitality sector is likely to expand its focus on secondary cities, catering to domestic tourism and tapping into untapped markets.
Technologies like AR/VR for immersive experiences and advanced connectivity (high-speed internet and reliable AV setups) are reshaping how MICE events are hosted.
Finally, with India's strong positioning as a cultural and wellness destination, experiential travel will gain momentum, particularly in heritage, adventure, and wellness tourism.
By embracing these shifts, the industry is set to thrive while creating meaningful and memorable guest experiences.