KATHMANDU, JULY 16
As Aloft Kathmandu Thamel celebrates its sixth anniversary, The Himalayan Times sat down with the hotel's General Manager, Vikram Singh, who has been with the property since its inception. From navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic to redefining lifestyle hospitality in Nepal, Singh shares what has shaped the Aloft experience over the years. Excerpts:
The Himalayan Times (THT): Can you tell us a bit about your journey with Aloft Thamel and how long you've been with the property?
Vikram Singh: Being part of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel since day one has been an incredible journey filled with passion, purpose, and continuous growth. It's been amazing to see the hotel evolve into a vibrant social hub in the heart of the city. One of the things I've always loved is how art is interwoven into our spaces. From bold contemporary pieces to traditional motifs, most created by talented Nepali artists. It reflects the spirit of Nepal and adds a distinct cultural texture to the guest experience. Leading such a dynamic has been both a privilege and a rewarding challenge. I'm truly proud of how far we've come as a team.
THT: Looking back, what were some of the major highlights or proudest moments for the hotel since its opening?
Singh: I joined about a year before Aloft officially opened, and one of my proudest accomplishments is how we navigated COVID-19. The hotel never closed, no staff were laid off, and the wellbeing of our team remained intact. This was made possible by our Chairman, Mr. Prithivi B. Pande, and the Board.
We've earned a place in the hearts of both Nepali and international guests. The awards we've received reflect the trust and love our clients have in us. We're grateful for the support from the Marriott International team, especially Mr. Dilpreet Singh and Ms. Ranju Alex. Their encouragement has been instrumental in shaping our journey
THT: What were some of the biggest challenges the hotel faced, and how did the team overcome them?
Singh: The COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly the most difficult challenge we've faced. Despite the uncertainty, we kept the hotel open every single day, retained all our staff, and prioritized the wellbeing of our team and their families. Operating in Nepal also comes with its own set of challenges, from infrastructure delays and safety concerns to limited destination marketing.
In 2025, current geopolitical conditions and the lack of American-based business have also posed hurdles. But we continue to adapt by improving our people, processes, and offerings, while staying committed to community support and high service standards in an ever-evolving industry.
THT: What role has your team played in achieving this 6-year milestone? Any stories you remember?
Singh: The team has truly been the driving force behind our success, with every department playing a vital role in executing our annual plans. From earning prestigious recognitions like the SATA, TripAdvisor, and MUSE Awards to leading meaningful CSR initiatives, our team has consistently evolved, grown, and taken pride in everything we do.
Every team member has their own story, and I'm proud of each one of them. A standout moment was when our Sales and Marketing team won the Select Property Sales Team of the Year at the 2024 Elite Awards.
THT: How do you see the future of Kathmandu as a hospitality destination, and how will Aloft play a part in shaping it?
Singh: The market will remain highly competitive until we consistently reach the 1.8 million mark in tourist arrivals. That said, Kathmandu has all the potential to emerge as one of the region's must-visit destinations in the next few years. Aloft will continue to play an active role by pushing innovation, offering distinct lifestyle experiences, and advocating for sustainable and community-driven tourism.
THT: On a personal note, what do you enjoy the most about managing Aloft Kathmandu Thamel?
Singh: The energy-every day brings something new. Aloft isn't conventional; it's where creativity, culture, and community meet. I thrive in that dynamic. From welcoming travelers to brainstorming with my team, it constantly inspires me. Being in Thamel, so rich in culture, keeps me grounded. I love seeing associates grow into leaders and guests return because they feel at home. No two days are the same-and that's exciting.
THT: What's one message you'd like to share with your guests, staff, and the local community as you mark this anniversary?
Singh: Thank you, for believing in us, for being a part of our story, and for helping us grow over the past six years. We wouldn't be here without the unwavering support of our guests, the passion and dedication of our team, investors, stakeholders and the warmth of our local community. Each of you has played a role in shaping Aloft into what it is today: a vibrant, inclusive space that celebrates connection, creativity, and comfort. As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, giving back to the community, and delivering experiences that leave a lasting impression.
THT: How has the hospitality landscape in Kathmandu evolved over these six years, and how has Aloft adapted?
Singh: Kathmandu's hospitality scene has steadily grown and is aligning more closely with global industry trends. As the market matures, we're l seeing a rise in franchise and third-party management models, similar to those in the US and Europe.
Aloft Kathmandu Thamel has embraced these shifts while staying true to our vibrant lifestyle brand. With bold design, live music, and a tech-forward approach, we've positioned ourselves as a modern, social hub in the city. We've also expanded and enhanced our offerings-from our state-of-the-art gym, Nylgiri Bar Lounge, Spa, and Club Lounge to introducing Urban Rooms. Receiving ISO 14001:2015 certification is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. Our CSR initiatives-supporting orphanages, elderly homes, and animal welfare-further reinforce our promise to the community. We're focused on innovation, team development, and delivering exceptional guest experiences aligned with Marriott's global standards.
THT: Are there any tech innovations or services you've introduced recently that set Aloft apart from competitors?
Singh: Absolutely. At Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, we've embraced smart technology to enhance guest convenience and operational efficiency. From mobile check-in to keyless room entry via the Marriott Bonvoy app, our tech-forward services make everything faster and more seamless. We've also digitized service requests, upgraded rooms with smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and USB-friendly workspaces. But what truly sets us apart is how we combine this innovation with personalized service-treating guests by name, not room number. New vibrant social spaces like the Nylgiri Bar Lounge and Club Lounge complete the experience, creating a stay that's both modern and meaningful.
THT: How is the hotel celebrating its 6th anniversary? Are there any special events, offers, or programs for guests and the community?
Singh: We've planned celebratory events involving our teams, vendor partners, and guests. We're also organizing CSR activities to give back to the community and mark the anniversary with purpose.
THT: What kind of feedback have you received from loyal guests or patrons during this time?
Singh: The feedback has been consistently positive. Guests particularly appreciate our service quality, vibrant atmosphere, and the personal touches that make their stay memorable. These elements have contributed to some of the highest reputation scores among Marriott hotels in South Asia. Their continued loyalty and encouragement inspire us every day to keep raising the bar and delivering exceptional experiences.
THT: What are the goals for Aloft Kathmandu Thamel in the next few years? Any upcoming expansions, partnerships, or renovations to watch for?
Singh: We're always looking to evolve with time-across financial performance, brand reputation, CSR, and creating value for our investors, staff, and community. Staying true to our "Different by Design" attitude, we also have a lot of exciting surprises in store that reflect our commitment to creativity, innovation, and guest delight.
