Wajeed Bagwan, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, in an exclusive interview, shares his insights with Today’s Traveller on leadership, lifestyle-led hospitality, and the future of long-stay luxury
Wajeed Bagwan, General Manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, is steering the property through a phase where hospitality and residential living intersect more closely than ever. With extended stays becoming a preferred choice for global travellers and corporate residents, his leadership focuses on delivering calm, dependable luxury supported by thoughtful design, intuitive service, and operational consistency that long-stay guests value deeply.
TT Bureau: You’re leading Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City at a pivotal point in its evolution. What “signature” do you want it to be known by?
Wajeed Bagwan: At Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, we want our signature to be defined by personalized luxury with a sense of home. We aspire to be known as the place where global travellers and long-stay guests experience the perfect balance of refined hospitality and genuine warmth. Our focus is on creating an environment that blends world-class service, curated culinary experiences, and thoughtfully designed living spaces with the vibrant energy of Bengaluru. Ultimately, our signature will be the feeling of belonging where every guest feels not just accommodated, but truly cared for.
TT Bureau: With Marriott Executive Apartments now in Bengaluru at UB City, how do you define luxury when guests stay for weeks, not nights?
Wajeed Bagwan: At Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru UB City, luxury in the context of long-stay living goes beyond opulence it’s about effortless comfort and meaningful connection. When guests stay for weeks, not nights, luxury is defined by the ability to feel at home while enjoying the sophistication of a five-star experience. It’s the seamless blend of spacious, residential-style apartments with personalized services, curated dining, and wellness offerings that adapt to each guest’s lifestyle. Luxury here means anticipating needs, creating familiarity, and offering consistency—so every day feels both indulgent and reassuring. In essence, it’s not just about where you stay, but how you live.
TT Bureau: Who is your typical resident today, and how do you tailor experiences across these very different needs? What are the most-requested “life essentials” residents ask for in Bengaluru?
Wajeed Bagwan: Our apartments today at Marriott Executive Apartments UB City are a diverse mix of global professionals, expatriates, and families who choose Bengaluru as their base for both business and lifestyle. Each guest has unique expectations, and we tailor experiences by offering flexible living spaces, personalised services, and curated recommendations that help them feel at home while staying connected to the city. The most-requested “life essentials” include reliable high-speed internet, wellness and fitness facilities, and home-style dining options. By combining these essentials with warm hospitality, we ensure every resident enjoys not just a stay, but a lifestyle that is both comfortable and enriching.
TT Bureau: In one of your recent interviews, you mentioned that you’ve set a 70% occupancy goal, with 30–45 long-stay apartments serving as the base. What’s your strategy to get there, and how do you grow transient demand without diluting the calm, residential feel long-stay guests pay for?
Wajeed Bagwan: Our strategy to achieve a 70% occupancy goal is built on a strong foundation of long-stay residents, with 30–45 apartments serving as the core base. To complement this, we are focusing on carefully curated transient demand that aligns with our brand ethos. This means attracting short-stay guests who value the calm, residential atmosphere rather than high-traffic, event-driven stays.
We are growing transient demand through targeted partnerships, corporate tie-ups, and curated experiences that appeal to discerning travellers seeking both comfort and privacy. We are committed to preserving the residential feel by maintaining and ensuring guests experience whilst on long stay or short stay to enjoy consistently and tranquility benefit from the same high standards of service. Ultimately, our approach is about balance, sustaining the serenity that long-stay residents cherish, while welcoming transient guests who appreciate the unique blend of home-like living and Marriott’s signature hospitality.
TT Bureau: Your career spans India and the Middle East, including pre-openings in Dubai. What are the leadership lessons that you think travel best across markets?
Wajeed Bagwan: Leadership lessons that travel best across markets are rooted in universals—clarity of vision, empathy, and adaptability. My experiences in India and the Middle East, including pre-openings in Dubai, have reinforced the importance of building trust through transparent communication, empowering teams to take ownership, and respecting cultural nuances while maintaining global standards. Another key lesson is resilience: every market presents unique challenges, but the ability to stay agile and solution-oriented ensures success across geographies.
Finally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration has proven timeless because, whether in Bengaluru or Dubai, people thrive when they feel valued, heard, and inspired.
Read more – Today’s Traveller Interviews
