In the heart of India’s bustling cities and picturesque landscapes, Ascot Hospitality stands as a beacon of excellence, setting new standards in the hospitality industry. As the leading hospitality firm in the country, Ascot Hospitality has carved out a niche for itself by offering unparalleled luxury, impeccable service, and a commitment to innovation that sets it apart from its competitors.
Founded on the principles of excellence, Ascot Hospitality has grown to become a trusted name in the industry. Its portfolio includes some of the most prestigious hotels, resorts, and restaurants in India. From grand, palatial hotels in the heart of historic cities to serene, eco-friendly resorts nestled in the lap of nature, Ascot Hospitality has mastered the art of creating unforgettable experiences for its guests.
A Premier Hospitality Chain
With a diverse portfolio that includes all-suite properties, wayside amenities, upscale homestays, luxury boutique hotels and unique destinations, Ascot Hospitality is currently positioned as one of the most spectacular hospitality firms to experience, its Chief Operating Officer, Mr Neeraj Balani, says their properties, such as Savoy Suites, strategically located in prime areas across Delhi/NCR, Savoy Greens which is located in Karnal and Jabli, Himachal Pradesh, Ludlow House in Kasauli an upscale homestay offering stunning views of the majestic Dhauladhar Mountains Peaks and Tullahmore House Mussoorie is a boutique resort nestled amidst lush greens where the refreshing breeze flows between rolling hills, making us a preferred choice for both business and leisure travellers. “Our commitment to providing personalized experiences, exceptional service, and unique amenities sets us apart,” he adds. “By focusing on creating memorable stays and embracing sustainability, we have positioned ourselves as one of the most spectacular hospitality chain in the industry.”
An Illustrious Leadership
Mr Balani is a distinguished leader in the hospitality industry with a remarkable career spanning over two decades. He has garnered extensive expertise in launching and managing luxury hotels and resorts for some of the most prestigious brands, including The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Grand Hyatt, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Radisson Hotel Group, and ITC Hotels.
As COO of Ascot Hospitality, Mr Balani is responsible for overseeing the group’s properties under the Savoy Suites, Savoy Greens, Tullahmore House Mussoorie, Ludlow House Kasauli, and other upcoming projects. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the strategic vision of Ascot Hospitality, ensuring operational excellence, and driving the firm’s growth and success. His ability to combine strategic foresight with operational expertise has positioned Ascot Hospitality as a leader in its niche, consistently delivering exceptional service and creating memorable guest experiences.
Recognized as a driving force behind Ascot Hospitality’s tremendous success, Mr Balani’s leadership style is centred on collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning. He says they believe in building a strong, cohesive team where every member feels empowered, valued and motivated to contribute their best. By fostering an open and inclusive culture, they encourage creativity and innovation, which are crucial to their success. They also invest in regular training and development programs to ensure that their team is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
Offering Opulence
Ascot Hospitality offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and personalized service. Its all-suite properties, such as Savoy Suites, provide spacious accommodations with modern amenities, catering to both short and extended stays. Additionally, its upscale homestays, Ludlow House in Kasauli and Tullahmore House in Mussoorie, offer curated, immersive experiences that reflect the local culture and heritage.
The chain also operates Savoy Greens, a series of wayside destinations that provide accommodations and food courts with various outlets to cater to travellers’ needs. These locations are designed for convenience and comfort, making them ideal stops for those on the move. They include EV chargers, Pet Care facilities, and ample parking space to support sustainable travel.
The chain’s specialized services further differentiate it in the global hospitality niche. “Vivaah by Ascot Hospitality” offers bespoke wedding planning and management, creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. The “Savoy Executive Club Membership Programme” adds another layer of exclusivity, “Offering our members tailored benefits and privileges that enhance their stay,” shares Mr Balani, adding that by combining these offerings, they stand out in the global hospitality niche, providing unique guest experiences that cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.
Pioneering Green Initiatives
At Ascot Hospitality, sustainability–the crucial aspect of the modern hospitality ecosystem–is a core element of its operations. Mr Balani assures that they are committed to integrating environmental responsibility into every aspect of their business. They have implemented energy-efficient systems, waste reduction programs, and eco-friendly practices across all their properties.
He adds, “Our green initiatives include rainwater harvesting systems to conserve water, the reduction of single-use plastic waste through biodegradable alternatives, and comprehensive recycling programs.” They also prioritize the use of eco-friendly construction materials and sustainable product sourcing, ensuring that their operations support local communities and reduce our carbon footprint.
In addition, Ascot Hospitality actively manages e-waste through proper disposal and recycling protocols. It utilizes STP (Sewage Treatment Plants) to treat wastewater, further minimizing our environmental impact. Its culinary offerings emphasize the use of locally sourced ingredients, supporting regional agriculture and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Sustainable to the Core
To further its commitment to sustainability, the firm installed solar panels at several of its properties, harnessing renewable energy to reduce its reliance on non-renewable resources. “We have also installed EV chargers at all our properties, making it convenient for our guests to travel sustainably,” informs Mr Balani.
Moreover, the team engages in community-based environmental initiatives, such as tree planting drives and the maintenance of green spaces within their properties, fostering environmental stewardship among their guests and staff.
By integrating these green initiatives, Ascot Hospitality contributes to a greener future while ensuring that sustainability enhances the overall guest experience, making it a seamless and rewarding part of their stay.
Tech-Integrated Warmth
Being an experienced leader, Mr Balani shares that the adoption of AI and ML has revolutionized the hospitality industry by enabling personalized guest experiences, optimizing operations, and improving decision-making. At Ascot Hospitality, they have fully embraced these technologies to enhance their service delivery, streamline operations, and gain deeper insights into guest preferences.
“One of the key tools we’ve integrated is a sophisticated AI-powered customer feedback system that allows us to monitor guest feedback in real-time and take immediate action to address any guest concerns,” he adds. This proactive approach not only improves guest satisfaction but also ensures continuous improvement in the service deliveries.
Additionally, Ascot Hospitality implemented a CRM system that helps manage guests’ data, facilitates lead generation, and enables prompt responses to inquiries. “This technology enhances guest engagement, ensuring that we meet their needs efficiently and effectively,” says Mr Balani.
Proud to be Ascot Hospitality family
At Ascot Hospitality, the leadership recognizes that their employees are their greatest asset, and their growth and development are crucial to their success. “We have cultivated a culture of continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that our team members are empowered and equipped with the skills they need to excel,” adds Mr Balani.
They have also implemented comprehensive e-learning programs, where employees engage in training annually. These programs include self-role plays, task progression exercises, and specialized workshops, all designed to enhance their competencies and confidence in their roles. He states, “As a result, we have successfully maintained a low attrition rate, consistently below the industry average, which reflects our employees’ satisfaction and loyalty.”
Furthermore, Ascot Hospitality encourages its team members to take ownership of their roles, contribute innovative ideas, and actively participate in decision-making processes. By offering mentorship opportunities and clear career development paths, it empowers its workforce to grow within the organization. “Mr. Balani emphasizes his belief in the philosophy of “One Team, One Goal”.
This approach not only enhances their skills but also fosters a strong sense of loyalty and pride in being part of the Ascot Hospitality family.
Conquering Challenges Together
As a leader in India’s hospitality industry, the Organisation has faced its share of challenges. Mr Balani shares that one of the significant challenges they faced was during the pandemic when the hospitality industry was severely impacted. “Our team demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity by quickly adapting to the new normal. We implemented stringent safety protocols, introduced contactless services, and reimagined our offerings to meet the changing needs of our guests.”
A key aspect of their success during this period was the integration of AI-driven solutions. They utilized AI to streamline operations, manage guest feedback in real time, and predict future trends, allowing them to make data-driven decisions swiftly. This technology also enabled the team to personalize guest experiences even in a contactless environment, enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
This adaptability, combined with the strategic use of AI, not only helped us navigate through the crisis but also strengthened brand Ascot’s reputation for reliability and guest satisfaction. Its ability to innovate and embrace technology ensured that the company emerged from adversity stronger and more resilient than ever.
The Message to Aspirants
Mr Balani’s advice to budding entrepreneurs is to stay focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences while being adaptable to market changes. The hospitality industry is dynamic, and success requires a deep understanding of your target audience, a commitment to quality, and a willingness to innovate. “Building strong relationships, investing in your team, having a strong business acumen and maintaining a sustainable approach are also key to long-term success in this industry.”
Expansion Ethos of Exquisiteness
Looking ahead, he says they envision scaling their “house of brands” by strategically expanding their portfolio with new properties, such as the upcoming Tullahmore House in Mussoorie, alongside their existing Ludlow House in Kasauli. These luxury boutique hotels and resorts will further enhance their presence in sought-after destinations, catering to discerning travellers seeking personalized services, immersive experiences and exquisite amenities.
In addition to expanding their boutique offerings, Mr Balani is planning to increase the number of rooms in their existing Savoy Suites properties in Manesar, Noida, and Greater Noida. “This expansion will allow us to cater to the growing demand for luxury accommodations in the Delhi/NCR region,” he adds.
“We are also excited about our upcoming project, Club Savoy in Noida,” a modern luxury hotel that will feature exclusive premium club memberships with modern facilities like an all-weather swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts, theatre, and auditorium for MICE events, as well as a large banquet space ideal for weddings and conferences.
Their innovative approach includes the development of a ropeway and additional rooms at their Savoy Greens Jabli property in Kasauli, which will further enhance the guest experience at this popular wayside destination
Mr Balani adds, “We have successfully launched Legends of India, an online and takeaway food delivery platform, which has played a crucial role in building our brand and will continue to be a key component of our growth strategy.”
The Crowning Jewels
Ascot Hospitality has consistently been recognized for its excellence in the industry. For the last three consecutive years, it has won the prestigious Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, ranking 4.5 among the top 10% of hotels. Additionally, the chain has been honoured with the Customer Choice Award from MakeMyTrip, further solidifying its reputation as a preferred choice among travellers. The chain’s wayside destination food courts have also earned it the prestigious Certificate of Excellence from Restaurant Guru, highlighting its commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences.
Its accolades also include being awarded the “Best All-Suites Hotel in Delhi/NCR” by HRANI at the 3rd HRANI Convention, a testament to its unwavering commitment to luxury, comfort, and personalized service.
Finally, Mr Balani says testimonials from their clients and guests often emphasize their exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and attention to detail. “Our loyal patrons and guests have praised the comfort of our facilities, thoughtfully curated experiences at all our properties, and the warm hospitality extended by our team,” he adds before concluding that these recognitions and testimonials underscore Ascot Hospitality’s commitment to excellence and its esteemed position in the market, reflecting the company’s ongoing dedication to creating memorable experiences for its guests.
For more information: “Please visit our website at www.ascothospitality.in or call +91114762 2500.”
