Puneet Sharma, General Manager of Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, in an exclusive interview with Today’s Traveller, shares his vision for elevating city-centric hospitality through destination dining, modern weddings, and strategic growth across tourism, corporates, and exhibitions.
Puneet Sharma, General Manager of Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, is proving that a city hotel can deliver more than convenience—it can set the stage for unforgettable experiences. With bold strides in food and beverage innovation and a commanding presence in the wedding and events space, the hotel is fast becoming a destination in its own right.
Sharma speaks with Today’s Traveller about how his team is blending authentic Rajasthani hospitality with contemporary luxury to attract leisure travellers, corporate clients, and wedding planners. From signature dishes at Monarch to high-energy evenings at Roadhouse Bar & Grill, Sharma is shaping a hospitality experience that speaks to Jaipur’s vibrant spirit and growing ambitions.
TT BUREAU: In terms of F&B, Jaipur comes with high guest expectations. How are you turning your F&B outlets into destination dining experiences?
Puneet Sharma: Our all-day dining restaurant, Monarch, features an elaborate buffet with a strong emphasis on regional flavours. We regularly host food festivals celebrating the culinary heritage of various Indian states, offering guests something new and exciting each time they visit. Signature dishes like Dal Baati Churma remain a constant favourite, adding a touch of authentic Rajasthani hospitality to the experience.
For those craving international flavours, our award-winning Chao Chinese Bistro is the go-to destination for Pan-Asian cuisine enthusiasts. With a thoughtfully curated menu, elegant ambience, and soulful live singing sessions, Chao has become a culinary hotspot not just for Jaipurites but for guests from across the country.
And for those looking to unwind in a vibrant setting, Roadhouse Bar & Grill delivers the perfect mix of energy and indulgence. Known for its gourmet grills, innovative tikki cocktails, and dynamic party vibe, it’s an ideal destination for both casual hangouts and special celebrations.
TT BUREAU: In a market where heritage hotels dominate the wedding narrative, how does a modern property like yours redefine luxury and convenience for wedding clients?
Puneet Sharma: Rajasthan has become a booming destination for weddings, and we are seeing a strong surge in demand for culturally rich yet conveniently located venues. At Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre, we offer the perfect blend of tradition and modern luxury. Our property provides an ideal backdrop for wedding photography, with contemporary spaces that beautifully complement the vibrant Rajasthani culture.
One of our biggest highlights is the Kingston Lawn, one of the largest in the city centre and perfect for grand celebrations. In addition, we offer multiple versatile venues including the Chancellor, Viceroy, Poolside and Executive Lounge. The Roadhouse Bar & Grill is the most preferred cocktail evenings for wedding clientele. With the city’s largest in-house parking space and seamless accessibility, we have become the preferred wedding destination for couples looking for a city-centric experience.
TT BUREAU: You’ve taken over one of IHG’s key properties in a city that blends tourism and corporate demand. What’s your long-term vision for Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre under your leadership?
Puneet Sharma: My long-term vision is centered around strengthening our presence in four key sectors like tourism, corporate, weddings, and exhibitions. Being a city-centric hotel, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre continues to be the first choice for a wide range of travellers, from leisure guests to business professionals and wedding planners.
The rise of exhibition and pop-up culture in Jaipur is another exciting development. It not only brings in new guests but also opens doors to cultural exchange and community engagement. I firmly believe that all four segments tourism, corporate, weddings, and exhibitions hold tremendous potential for growth. We remain committed to actively hosting and promoting such events, contributing to the expansion of the hospitality sector while also playing our part in promoting Rajasthan as a top destination.
TT BUREAU: How do you approach revenue optimisation when your audience includes both transient tourists and long-stay corporate guests?
Puneet Sharma: When it comes to transient tourism, our focus is on maximizing revenue through strategic, guest-centric approaches. We closely monitor demand trends to implement dynamic pricing, ensuring competitiveness during high-traffic periods. By applying length-of-stay restrictions, we are able to improve occupancy without compromising on average daily rates.
We also invest in designing value-driven packages tailored to our target audiences, promoting them across the right channels for maximum visibility. Our team ensures optimum utilization of online travel agencies (OTAs) to expand reach, while our front desk team is trained to upsell packages and experiences to guests upon arrival, enhancing both guest satisfaction and hotel revenue.
For our long-staying corporate clientele, we offer specially curated rates bundled with thoughtful value additions such as laundry privileges and food & beverage discounts. These rates are strategically fenced with minimum stay requirements to encourage longer commitments.
We work proactively with key negotiated accounts, offering personalized contracting and relationship management. A dedicated resource is assigned to ensure seamless support for their booking needs, reinforcing trust and building long-term partnerships.
Through these thoughtfully curated experiences, we are not just serving food, we are creating lasting memories for our guests.
Read more – Today’s Traveller Interviews
