LAGNIAPPE
Facade of The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London
AK : How simple and yet how difficult it is to do Zoom meetings in the world of hospitality , when having in-person contact and being hospitable is everything . But for now , we ’ ve figured out how to make the screen and keyboard temporarily work .
H : Where do you look for inspiration both inside and outside the hotel world ? AK : What inspires me is the drive to make people happy . There is nothing more inspiring than seeing the joy that we can create in a guest by going above and beyond and engaging with them in an authentic way . There is also happiness for me in being a part of creating treasured memories – there are few professions that allow being witness to many of the most important moments in people ’ s lives , be it a wedding , honeymoon or just a luxurious weekend away with the family .
H : Who taught you your biggest lesson and what was it ?
AK : My Dad . He would tell me to never give up and push for what you believe in and follow your passion . I ’ m proud to say I ’ ve done that with my career .
H : What innovations does the luxury hotel industry need to emerge stronger ? AK : The concept of luxury is ever-evolving and subjective . I feel there must be a return to the basics of hospitality in its truest sense , establishing personal relationships with our guests and visitors , creative personalization and being able to offer a genuinely authentic experience . Our guests at The Carlton Tower enjoy the most covetable bathroom amenities ( from the chicest of brands – Grown Alchemist ) and the acres of fine marble they would expect , but they also feel rooted to the heritage of the building and the city they are in . Beyond that , luxury to me must also always have a sense of the unexpected , and this is why we can never rest on our laurels and must always innovate .
H : Any specific industry trends that you like and dislike ? AK : Chocolate at turn down . So good yet sometimes a pain jumping into bed after having brushed your teeth and having to do it all over again .
H : What ’ s your hotel pet peeve ? AK : People speaking at high levels on their phone or using speaker phone throughout the lobby .
H : Which historical figure would you like to host ? AK : I would really like to host former U . S . President Barack Obama someday . He has this calm and gentle way about him that I ’ d love to be in the presence of .
H : What ’ s next for you and the Carlton Tower Jumeirah ? AK : We ’ re on the road to establishing this hotel as one of London ’ s best addresses , thanks to the amazing team in place . I ’ m incredibly confident that we ’ ll get there , too .
130 hotelsmag . com November / December 2021