BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 27 APRIL 2026
In an exclusive interview with The Travel and Tourism Times, Tejinder Singh Saini, CEO of Aauris Hotel in Kolkata, which has recently completed ten wonderful years, throws light on the evolving hospitality landscape in the cultural capital of India, Kolkata. Here are the excerpts ….
1. Over the past decade, how have you seen Kolkata’s hospitality landscape evolve, and where do you see it heading next?
A) Over the past decade, Kolkata has undergone a quiet yet compelling transformation – from a market rooted in traditional luxury to one that is increasingly valuing nuance, design and cultural relevance. Today’s traveller is far more discerning, seeking experiences that feel both elevated and authentic. The next phase will be defined by boutique lifestyle led hospitality – spaces that are not only aesthetically refined bit emotionally resonant, where global standards meet a deeply local narrative.
2. Aauris entered the market as a boutique, design-led property. What gap did you identify at the time, and how did you aim to address it?
A) At the time, there was a distinct absence of spaces that combined intimacy with high design and personalised service. Luxury often leaned towards scale rather than individuality. Aauris was concieved to bridge the gap – to offer a more curated, sensorial experience where design, detail and guest engagement came together seamlessly. It was about creating a property that felt considered and not conventional.
3. Today’s traveller is far more experience-driven than before. How has Aauris adapted to meet these changing expectations?
A) We have consciously evolved from being product centric to experience led. Every layer of Aauris – from special design to dining and service – is curated to evoke emotion and create memory. There is a strong focus on fluidity allowing guests to engage with the space.
4. How important is design and spatial storytelling in shaping a guest’s overall hospitality experience?
A) Design is fundamental – it sets the done even before service begins. At Aauris, spatial storytelling is ententional. Every corner is crafted to evoke a mood. Its not only about the aesthetics, but also about how a space maked a guest feel and how seamlessly it enhances their journey.
5. Aauris is known for its strong F&B identity. How do you view the role of dining in defining a hotel’s brand today?
A) Dining is central to our hotels identity. In many cases, dining becomes the first point of engagement with guests – even before they experience the rooms. A strong food and beverage presence allows us to build a distinct personality, attract a wider audience and create a vibrant social ecosystem within the property.
6. What are some key factors that influence a guest’s choice between boutique hotels and larger luxury chains?
A) It often comes down to personal preference. Boutique hotels offer intimacy, individuality and a sense of belonging while larger chains provide consistency and scale. Now a days travellers are increasingly leaning towards boutique experiences where they feel seen, heard and understood.
7. In a competitive market, how do you ensure that Aauris remains relevant and distinctive?
A) By continuously evolving while staying true to our core philosophy. We invest in design, upgraded experiences and remain deeply guest focussed – ensuring we stay both current and distinctive.
8. Personalisation is often spoken about in hospitality. What does it truly mean in practice at Aauris?
A) Personalisation is about intuition. It is anticipating needs, remembering preferences, and delivering thoughtful experiences that feel effortless and genuine.
9. Aauris has completed a decade in Kolkata’s hospitality landscape—how would you define this 10-year journey in your own words?
A) A decade of resilience, reinvention and growth. As we mark 10 years, with all rooms recently renovated , we continue to evolve staying true to our approach of guest first while building the future.
10. What role does team culture and internal training play in maintaining service excellence?
A) Service excellence begins with culture. A strong, empowered team drives consistency while continuous training ensures we deliver the highest standards.
11. With the rise of digital platforms and reviews, how has guest feedback influenced your business decisions?
A) Guest feedback is a critical driver of decision making. It offers real time insight helping us refine adapt and stay aligned with the evolving expectations.
12. What are some emerging trends in urban hospitality that excite you the most right now?
A) Lifestyle led hospitality, experimental dining and hybrid social spaces are defining the future. There’s also a growing focus on wellness, sustainability and hyper local storytelling.
13. As someone leading a boutique property, how do you approach expansion while maintaining the brand’s core identity?
A) Expansion is approached with intent and must be intentional and considered. For us it is not about the scale alone but about preserving the integrity of the brand. Any growth will be guided by the same principles that define our brand – design excellence, personalised service and a deeply experiential approach.
14. Looking ahead, how do you envision Aauris evolving as a lifestyle-driven destination rather than just a hotel?
A) We envision Aauris as a multidimensional space – one that seamlessly blends hospitality, dining and cultural engagement. The aim is to create an environment that guests and the city interact with beyond traditional stays, positioning Aauris as an integral part of Kolkata’s evolving lifestyle.
15. On a more personal note, what continues to inspire and motivate you as a hospitality entrepreneur today?
A) What continues to inspire me is the ability to shape experiences that leave a lasting impression. Hospitality, at its core, is about emotion and connection. The opportunity to continuously innovate while remaining deeply guest focussed is what keeps the journey both challenging and rewarding.
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