Priyanka Bhatt Arora, General Manager, Lemon Tree Premier, City Centre, Gurugram
With over two decades of experience in the hotel industry, Priyanka Bhatt Arora has been the Hotel General Manager at Lemon Tree Premier City Centre since August 2022. Having started her career with Le Meridien, New Delhi, she has worked with ITC Maurya A Luxury Collection Hotel, New Delhi, The Park, New Delhi, Radisson Hotel Noida, Sandal Suites, operated by Lemon Tree Hotels, Noida and Lemon Tree Premier, City Centre, Gurugram. With roles like Club Floor Manager, Duty Manager, Senior Duty Manager, Assistant Front Office Manager, Front Office Manager and Accommodation Manager, she has done it all.
Key Milestones
Our industry deals with humans primarily and, as we all know, they can be unpredictable. Sometimes, our smallest gestures can create a wow moment, while at other times, our best is not good enough for our guests. Every day brings along learning and often erases or amends the previous lessons. I started my career at 19 and was handling operations as a Duty Manager at 22, making me one of the youngest Duty Managers in Delhi. The trust shown by my organisation made me an even better leader.
Overcoming Challenges
Every challenge is an opportunity to grow – we constantly heard this from our leaders but I experienced this during the COVID lockdown. As hotels re-opened with skeletal staffing and new norms, I was given the opportunity to run the property with minimum team members and together we did some great work.
Advice to Women
The hotel industry is one of the liveliest industries as we work 24X7 and 365 days a year. We never close our doors and the challenges can multiply especially when you are not just a hotelier but a woman hotelier. I feel that one must be passionate to continue to grow in this industry, especially if you are a woman. No holidays on weekends and festivals can sometimes not just affect you but also your family. During COVID, when people prioritised their health and safety and preferred to stay at home, we moved out of our homes and did our duty with pride. This is possible only when you are dedicated to your work to the extent that others start respecting your dedication. If you expect others to accept you and your lifestyle, you need to first accept it yourself wholeheartedly. My son, who has always seen his mother as a hotelier, is extremely proud of my achievements and he comprehends the requirements of my role. We ensure whatever time we get together; we make the best of it.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Our life is the sum of choices we make. I choose to make my career in this industry and, without a second thought, I would state that I am a proud hotelier.
