Exclusive Interview | Subhankar Bose, General Manager – Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My journey in hospitality began with hands-on roles across leading brands such as Taj Hotels, Hyatt International, and Accor Hotels, spanning cities including Kolkata, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and New Delhi. A defining phase came in 2016 when I joined Marriott International as Resident Manager at JW Marriott Bengaluru. This was followed by my role as General Manager with the Marriott brand—first at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel in 2018, then Kochi Marriott in 2021, and now Sheraton Hyderabad from 2024.
This journey has been immensely fulfilling, offering opportunities to launch industry-forward initiatives such as Life on Time, a work-life balance program introduced in 2024, and Project Pranita, focused on empowering underprivileged young women through education, training, and employment. Joining Sheraton Hyderabad in August 2024 felt like a natural progression, especially given the city’s booming IT and pharma-driven economy, and I have since been focused on aligning with its dynamic pace and evolving market needs.

Editor: What are the key strategies you have implemented since you joined to drive business growth and financial success at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel?
Since my arrival, our focus has been on curating bespoke guest experiences tailored to Hyderabad’s strong corporate and MICE segments, supported by data-driven insights to stay ahead of guest expectations. We have strengthened corporate relationships through strategic partnerships, loyalty programs, and curated engagements, while also driving premium segment sales.
On the F&B front, we are positioning the hotel as a dining destination through collaborations and pop-ups with award-winning culinary brands. Underpinning all these efforts is a strong people-first culture—encouraging open communication, celebrating associate achievements, and fostering innovation—which has directly translated into improved operational excellence and financial performance.

Editor: What emerging trends do you see shaping the hospitality sector, and how is Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel making sure to stay ahead with them?
Sustainability, hyper-personalization and community integration are reshaping hospitality, alongside MICE growth in tech hubs like Hyderabad. We’re staying ahead by supporting local artisans, hosting cultural events with Hyderabad-inspired elements and expanding our 272 rooms (including 56 serviced apartments to a total inventory of 326 including 98 serviced apartments) to meet demand. Data analytics and inclusive team practices keep us agile.

Editor: The hotel recently launched the banquet space - Jade, tell us more about it.
Jade is our newly reimagined signature ballroom, designed to be one of Hyderabad’s most versatile and contemporary event venues. The pillarless space spans 4,500 sq. ft., complemented by a 2,500 sq. ft. pre-function area, and can host up to 600 guests, making it ideal for corporate conferences, product launches, weddings, and social celebrations. The redesign blends modern sophistication with subtle cultural cues inspired by Hyderabad’s heritage, creating a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.
The column-free layout ensures unobstructed sightlines and offers flexible configurations, with the option to divide the ballroom into Jade 1 and Jade 2 for parallel or intimate events. State-of-the-art audio-visual technology, advanced lighting systems, and seamless banquet infrastructure have been integrated to elevate the guest experience. The enhanced pre-function area, with independent access, is ideal for cocktail receptions, networking, and curated brand showcases, offering privacy and exclusivity for hosts. With Jade, our vision is to create a destination venue that caters to Hyderabad’s growing MICE, wedding, and social markets, delivering bespoke experiences with Sheraton’s signature warmth and service excellence.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Resilience, adaptability, and genuine team leadership top the list—build trust through open dialogue and empower associates to innovate. In a competitive market, balancing guest needs with operational smarts, like leveraging local insights, sets properties apart.

Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
Approach the experience with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Spend time understanding every department—from housekeeping to food and beverage—and observe before you speak. Focus on guest interactions to truly understand expectations, build networks with humility, and prioritize work-life balance early on, as it plays a vital role in sustaining a long-term career.

Editor: What is your New Year's vision and goal for 2026?
Our vision for 2026 is to firmly establish Sheraton Hyderabad as the preferred destination for corporate and premium leisure travellers. We aim to strengthen our sustainability initiatives further, elevate service benchmarks, and expand our footprint in line with Hyderabad’s growth trajectory. Deepening community engagement and delivering innovative, memorable experiences will remain central to our journey.