Inside India’s Hotel Boom: Data, Demand & Insights | Karan Mahesh - STR, CoStar Group | EP 15

Inside India’s Hotel Boom: Data, Demand & Insights | Karan Mahesh - STR, CoStar Group | EP 15

In this episode of Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar, we sit down with Karan Mahesh, Senior Sales Manager – South & Southeast Asia at STR (CoStar Group), to decode the data behind India’s hotel and hospitality boom. From occupancy and RevPAR trends to how pricing power has returned post-pandemic, Karan shares data-driven insights that reveal what’s really happening in India’s hotel market. He also explains how STR’s analytics shape strategic decisions for hotel owners, investors, and brands across the region. In this conversation: * The real story behind India’s hotel recovery * What hotel data reveals about demand patterns * How hoteliers can use analytics to make smarter decisions * Advice for aspiring hospitality professionals Whether you’re a hotel owner, investor, or an aspiring hotelier, this episode offers a rare inside look at how data drives success in hospitality today. Subscribe to Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar for more deep-dive conversations with the people shaping the hospitality industry. Guest Suggestions: Email: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] ---------------------------------------- Follow Innside Scoop * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] Follow Karan Mahesh * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karanmahesh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karanmahesh/] Follow CoStar * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoStar [https://www.youtube.com/@CoStar] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costar/ [https://www.instagram.com/costar/] * Website: https://www.costar.com/ [https://www.costar.com/] Follow Anant Kumar * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] Follow Brij Hotels * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672 [https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/ [https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/] * Website: https://www.brijhotels.com/ [https://www.brijhotels.com/] ---------------------------------------- About Innside Scoop Innside Scoop is the ultimate podcast for hospitality enthusiasts, aspiring hoteliers, and industry professionals. Hosted by Anant Kumar, Co-founder of Brij Hotels, the podcast delivers deep insights, industry trends, and practical advice from leaders shaping the future of hospitality. Why listen? * Expert insights from hospitality leaders * Industry secrets, trends, and strategies * Real-world experiences from successful professionals * Actionable advice for hotel owners, investors, and aspiring hoteliers Join us as we explore the dynamic world of hospitality—from luxury hotels and boutique stays to data, technology, and service innovation.

Patu Keswani on The Lemon Tree Hotels Story | Anant Kumar | EP 14 | Innside Scoop

In this episode of Innside Scoop, we sit down with Patu Keswani, the visionary founder of Lemon Tree Hotels, to explore how he built one of India’s most respected hospitality brands. This is not just an inspiring story – it is also the most information-packed episode yet. From the economics of hotel growth to the realities of entry-level work, Patu shares candid insights into the hospitality industry in India, leadership, and building a purpose-driven company. What you’ll learn in this episode: * How the Indian hospitality industry has evolved and where it’s heading * The realities of working in hotels at the ground level * Why Lemon Tree Hotels made inclusion and dignity of work its foundation * Leadership lessons on humility, growth, and purpose * Practical takeaways for entrepreneurs building in India Timestamps: 00:00 | Introduction 03:13 | Early life and family values shaping leadership 05:45 | Lessons from Tata and Taj 06:17 | Entry-level hotel work 11:23 | Building company culture 13:52 | Mentors and leadership lessons 19:26 | Pet-friendly hotels & inclusion 24:56 | Passion for pets 27:56 | Funding Lemon Tree 31:47 | Taking Lemon Tree public 42:03 | Future plans & expansion 51:00 | Family influences & legacy 54:23 | Industry myths & lessons 57:43 | Creating leaders 01:01:28 | Books & business challenges 01:04:54 | Reflections 01:07:18 | Advice for youngsters 01:09:56 | Favourite hotel stays & closing thoughts Follow Innside Scoop: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] Guest Suggestions: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] Follow Lemon Tree Hotels: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCPaVbJCnIOyf4f-IgG1GrQw] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lemontreehotels/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lemontreehotelsltd/] | Website [https://www.lemontreehotels.com/] Host - Anant Apurv Kumar: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] Tune in and get the insights you need to excel in the world of hospitality.

From $10 Million Exit Talks to Raising $3 Billion: The Deep Kalra Story | MakeMyTrip | Anant Kumar | Udit Kumar | EP 13

How do you go from sleeping in second-class train containers to raising a $3.1 billion fund? In this power-packed episode, host Anant Kumar and his brother Udit Kumar—co-founders of Brij Hotels—sit down with Deep Kalra, the legendary founder of MakeMyTrip, to unpack his gritty entrepreneurial story, hard-won fundraising lessons, and the leadership mindset behind building a global travel giant. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN * Early struggles, bold bets & the vision that launched MakeMyTrip. * How MMT scaled into a global travel leader—wins, pivots, and near-misses. * Fundraising principles every founder should know. * Actionable insights on hospitality, travel, culture, and leadership. If you’re an aspiring hotelier, a startup founder, or just love stories of grit and execution—this episode is a goldmine. CHAPTERS * 00:00 | Introduction * 02:45 | The Founding Story of MakeMyTrip * 09:55 | Rajesh Magow’s IPO Roadshow Experience * 17:45 | Deep Kalra’s Biggest Regret * 18:42 | Offsites in Second-Class Trains: Humble Beginnings * 20:52 | Building Ebookers: The Full Journey * 24:55 | Why Deep Quit Banking (and Family Support) * 31:33 | Is Deep Protective About the MMT Brand? * 33:36 | MakeMyTrip Almost Sold for $10M? * 37:18 | Deep’s Toughest Decision * 41:14 | Risk vs Opportunity in AI: MMT’s Move * 44:28 | Building MMT’s Work Culture * 48:57 | Staying Composed in Adversity * 52:39 | Does Deep Face Imposter Syndrome? * 56:16 | A Day Off in Deep’s Life * 58:43 | Why MakeMyTrip & Goibibo Merged * 01:04:27 | What Led to the Ctrip Buyout? * 01:05:02 | Transitioning from CEO to Chairman * 01:07:03 | MakeMyTrip’s Next 25 Years * 01:08:17 | The Story Behind Ashoka University * 01:11:50 | Deep vs. Rajesh: Who’s Better at What? * 01:12:34 | 25 Years of Trust: What Customers Say * 01:15:36 | Gut Instinct: When It Works (& When It Doesn’t) * 01:17:16 | Slippery Slope: Fast-Paced Q&A WATCH & FOLLOW * YouTube (Innside Scoop): youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] * Instagram (Innside Scoop): @innsidescoop_podcast [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] GUEST: DEEP KALRA * Instagram: @deepkalra__ [https://www.instagram.com/deepkalra__/] * X: @deepkalrammt [https://x.com/deepkalrammt] * LinkedIn: Deep Kalra [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deep-kalra-2954862] MAKEMYTRIP * YouTube: @MakeMyTripOfficial [https://www.youtube.com/@MakeMyTripOfficial] * Instagram: @makemytrip [https://www.instagram.com/makemytrip] * Website: makemytrip.com [https://www.makemytrip.com/] HOSTS: ANANT & UDIT KUMAR * LinkedIn (Anant): @anant-apurv-kumar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] * Instagram (Udit): @tidukumar [https://www.instagram.com/tidukumar]

Meet the Woman Who Brought Boutique Hotels to India ft. Priya Paul | THE Park Hotels | EP 12 | Innside Scoop

At just 23, Priya Paul stepped into the family business at Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels and began a journey that would redefine Indian hospitality. From introducing boutique hotels to India to transforming them into vibrant cultural hubs, she has shaped The Park Hotels into an experience where art, design, and community meet. In this conversation, she reflects on her path, the challenges of leading change, and the creativity that continues to inspire her work today. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn hotels into cultural landmarks, this is a story worth hearing. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to catch the full episode. VIDEO CHAPTERS * 00:00 | Introduction to Priya Paul & The Park Hotels * 02:09 | Starting in Hospitality at 23: Priya Paul’s Early Journey * 05:04 | Lessons from Leading The Park Hotels: The First Lady of Indian Hospitality * 06:48 | Redefining Hotel Design: Priya Paul’s Vision for Indian Hospitality * 10:26 | Iconic Architecture of The Park Hotels: A Design-Driven Approach * 15:13 | Growth Strategy Behind The Park Hotels’ Success * 17:29 | How The Park Hotels Achieves the Highest Occupancy in India * 18:58 | Challenges as a Woman in Indian Hospitality: Priya Paul’s Perspective * 20:35 | Joining the Family Business: Priya Paul’s Career Story * 26:14 | Running a Family Business vs. a Listed Company in Hospitality * 30:49 | The Park Hotels’ Succession Planning Explained * 32:55 | Receiving the Padma Shri: Priya Paul’s Proud Moment * 33:57 | The Park Hotels’ Tie-ups with International Brands & Loyalty Programs * 35:10 | Toughest Times in Hospitality: Priya Paul’s Leadership Lessons * 39:38 | Expanding The Park Hotels Across India: State-by-State Challenges * 40:25 | Slippery Slope CONTACT & GUEST SUGGESTIONS If you have any guest suggestions for our podcast, mail us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] FOLLOW INNSIDE SCOOP * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] * Email: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] FOLLOW PRIYA PAUL * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/priyapaul/] FOLLOW THE PARK HOTELS * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UC8nA8IBLVql7n5yftfUlBWQ] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theparkhotels/] * Website [https://www.theparkhotels.com/] FOLLOW APEEJAY GROUP * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/apeejaygroup/] * Website [https://www.apeejaygroup.com/] FOLLOW FLURYS * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flurysindia/] * Website [https://www.flurys.com/] FOLLOW BRIJ HOTELS * LinkedIn: @anant-apurv-kumar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] * YouTube: @brijhotels672 [https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672] * Instagram: @brijhotels [https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/] * Website: Brij Hotels [https://www.brijhotels.com/] #innsidescooppodcast #innsidescoop #brijhotels #anantkumar #clarks #hospitalitypodcast #hotel #PriyaPaul #TheParkHotels #InnsideScoop #IndianHospitality #WomenInHospitality #LeadershipJourney #YoungLeaders #PodcastClip #AnantKumar #BrijHotels #WomenEntrepreneurs #HotelIndustry

How AI is Revolutionizing Hospitality? ft. Dilip Puri, Founder of ISH | EP 11 | Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar and Aryavir Kumar

STEP INTO THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY WITH DILIP PURI | INNSIDE SCOOP PODCAST Step into the future of hospitality in this powerful conversation with Dilip Puri, founder of the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH). In this episode of Innside Scoop, hosted by Anant Kumar (Co-founder of Brij Hotels) and Aryavir Kumar (Managing Director at The Clarks Hotels & Resorts), we explore how AI is transforming the hospitality sector, redefining customer experience, and reshaping how we educate future leaders. Discover how data, sustainability, and automation intersect with human-centric service, and gain insights into: * How AI will impact hotel management, training, and decision-making * How hospitality education must evolve * How future-ready hoteliers can thrive in this digital age 🔔 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights and expert advice in the world of hospitality. 📩 GUEST SUGGESTIONS? Email us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com [innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com] 🔗 FOLLOW INNSIDE SCOOP: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast] 🔗 FOLLOW DILIP PURI: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dilip__puri/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilip-puri/] 🔗 FOLLOW INDIAN SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY (ISH): * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@UC3i19W8zm5sPm37SOG1Xw9Q] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IndianSchoolofHospitality/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/indianschoolofhospitality/] * Website [https://www.ish.edu.in/] 🔗 FOLLOW ANANT KUMAR: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/anantapurvkumar/] 🔗 FOLLOW BRIJ HOTELS: * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/] * Website [https://www.brijhotels.com/] 🔗 FOLLOW ARYAVIR KUMAR: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryavir-kumar-0341a89b] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aryavirk/] 🔗 FOLLOW THE CLARKS HOTELS AND RESORTS: * Website [https://www.theclarkshotels.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theclarkshotelsandresorts/] ---------------------------------------- 🎯 HASHTAGS: #hospitalityindustry #AIinhospitality #ISH #DilipPuri #hoteltech #futureofhospitality #innsidescooppodcast #innsidescoop #brijhotels #anantkumar #clarks #hospitalitypodcast #hotel