Krishna Kumar Bajpai (KK Bajpai), General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi, possesses more than 21 years of experience on the Indian and international hospitality scene.
During this journey, he worked with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, IHCL, Tamara Leisure Experiences – South India’s emerging luxury hospitality brand (1,000 keys), Hulhule Island Hotel Maldives (a unit of SATS).
A passionate and results-driven professional with extensive experience in operational and financial management within the hospitality industry, Bajpai speaks to Hotelier India on his management style, mantras and more…
What triggered your interest in the hospitality industry?
My passion for creating memorable experiences for guests and my fascination with the dynamics of the service industry sparked my interest in hospitality.
Tell us a little about your career journey till now… how did you start and some key milestones?
I began my journey in the hospitality industry two decades ago, starting from Radisson. I worked in Indian and International hospitality for more than 20 years with renowned brands like Radisson, Taj, SATS, Tamara and Hilton. Some key milestones included winning seven times Best Culinary Establishment Award in Maldives, Best Young General Manager Award and some recent ones like the Best Business Hotel in Varanasi and Best Culinary Establishment in Varanasi.
How does DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi stand out from its competitors in the region? What is its USP?
DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi distinguishes itself through its commitment to providing unparalleled guest experiences, personalized service, and attention to detail. Our unique selling proposition lies in large banqueting facilities ideal for corporate and social functions. The hotel has three conventional halls and three meeting rooms. The hotel also boasts of having the largest room inventory of 144 rooms in the city. Plus, we also have a multi-cuisine restaurant Divo, Grab n Go ‘Copa’ at lobby, Stallion Bar and a signature vegetarian restaurant Anandam.
What are some of the challenges you face as a General Manager of a hotel, and how do you go about resolving them?
As a General Manager, I encounter challenges of high industry attrition – lack of committed and loyal work force. I address these challenges by effective communication, team training and process improvements with innovation.
What are your strategies to ensure guests keep coming back, considering spiritual tourism is thriving?
Our strategies focus on delivering exceptional service that exceeds guests’ expectations, fostering a warm and welcoming environment, and providing unique experiences tailored to the spiritual essence of Varanasi. Additionally, we prioritize guest feedback and continuously strive to enhance our offerings based on their preferences and needs.
Your advice to aspiring GMs?
My advice to aspiring GMs is to cultivate a strong foundation in hospitality, continuously learn and adapt to industry trends, prioritize guest satisfaction, develop effective leadership and communication skills, and never underestimate the importance of building meaningful relationships with both guests and team members. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, remain adaptable in the face of change, and always strive for excellence with innovation in everything you do.
