Rajesh Ramdas, the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a man who exhibits tenacity and patience in his work. And with over 20 years of experience in hospitality, he tells us what it’s like to run one of the biggest hotels in all of Nepal.
How long have you been involved in this line of work and how long has it been in this very hotel?
I finished my BHM back in 1995 in Bangalore University, from there I moved on to the Leela Kempinski for management training where I was able to gain experience in different departments of this industry. After that, I spent 11 years in Burj Al-Arab in Dubai before moving on to Hyatt Regency in Mumbai. Then I spent three years in Punjab working as a General Manager, finally, I came to Hyatt Regency Kathmandu in May 2018.
How does it feel to be a part of such a huge hotel?
For me, it was a long-time dream come true. Back in Dubai, I worked with a diverse group of people and my experience with Nepali people has always been very pleasant. It has been an even more fulfilling experience here in Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.
What are the benefits of being a hotel manager and what are some of the challenges that you face?
Every day is a new challenge. I think adapting and interacting with people from different backgrounds, cultures have shaped my learning curve; for me, it’s always a plus point. The benefits would be that each challenge you face becomes the experience you gain. A lot of the things you learn here can make things easier for you in other aspects of your life.
How do you handle things when it goes south?
I think the best way would be to break down the problem and to implement different ideas to find a solution. It’s important to not get emotional or apprehensive when things come directly in your face because you always get into these moments of difficulties and it’s nice to know that you get better as time passes.
What three things do you consider to be your strength in this line of work?
Firstly, tenacity, as I always prefer to learn and to achieve. Secondly my tendency of never taking ‘no’ for an answer, I am someone who believes that even the most complex problems can have the simplest solutions. Lastly, my idea of accepting the fact that things can’t always be perfect. I used to be someone who preferred perfection and precision, however, my attitude towards that has changed and it has been for the better.
What are some of the upcoming events that you are excited about? How has the team been doing it that job?
The Chinese New Year’s Food Fest is something we’ve been looking forward to. It is followed by an extra special Valentine’s Day event and our staff has been working on it for quite a while.
What are some of the things about Nepal that you really love?
The people of Nepal are undoubtedly my favourite part of this country. They are extremely down to earth and the connections I’ve established is very different from the ones I’ve had before. They are very welcoming and I am thankful that I get to experience such relationships.
How often do you travel in or/and out of the valley? What is your favourite travel destination in the country?
I’ve visited different places for about four times in the last eight months and if I could I would love to travel even more. I’ve been to Pokhara once and it’s surely my favourite place to visit. The ambience of that place, as well as the Nepali people I met, is something I will cherish forever.
Where would you recommend your guests go while in Kathmandu?
I would say Pashupatinath or Bouddhanath. These are some of the most popular destinations and I believe it would be the perfect place to start as you explore all of Nepal.
A word of advice for someone new in your line of work?
It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and it takes a lot of patience and practice. If you are passionate about it and your heart tells you to do it, then this is definitely the thing for you.
.png)
.webp)
 (1).jpg)
.webp)
