For over 8 decades, the Kamat family has been a cornerstone of Indian hospitality—blending rich tradition with forward-thinking innovation. From humble beginnings as a chain of pure vegetarian South Indian restaurants to launching Asia’s first five-star Ecotel hotel, The Orchid, their journey reflects a remarkable vision anchored in culture, sustainability, and guest-centric experiences. In today’s dynamic hospitality landscape, where evolving traveler preferences and technological advances constantly reshape the industry, Kamat Hotels continues to lead by staying true to its core values. Their unique approach balances local heritage with modern efficiency, delivering experiences that resonate deeply with both domestic and global travelers.
In this exclusive Business Review Live interview, we dive into how Kamat Hotels is navigating the future of Indian hospitality—building strong teams, embracing eco-conscious practices, and crafting memorable stays that honor the soul of every destination. Discover the insights from the leadership driving this iconic brand forward in an increasingly competitive market.
1. Kamat Hotels has a rich legacy rooted in Indian hospitality. How did the vision of the company evolve from its inception to the brand it is today?
Kamat Hotels’ journey in Indian hospitality spans over eight decades, marked by steady growth and pioneering achievements. It all started with my grandfather, the Late Shri Venkatesh Kamat, who opened a chain of pure vegetarian South Indian restaurants — laying the foundation for a brand built on quality and service.
Over time, our offerings expanded to include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dining. A major turning point came in the 1980s, when my father, Dr. Vithal Kamat, launched Santoor, our first non-vegetarian restaurant. This move broadened our culinary reach and customer base.
We soon ventured into family-friendly resorts across key regions including, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. These properties emphasized approachable hospitality rooted in local culture and comfort.
Another defining milestone arrived in the 1990s with the launch of The Orchid — Asia’s first five-star Ecotel hotel. This innovative concept, championed by my father, brought sustainable practices to the forefront of luxury hospitality. Today, The Orchid is a leading eco-conscious hotel brand, recognized across India for blending environmental responsibility with world-class service.
2. How do you maintain the brand’s heritage while staying relevant in a rapidly evolving hospitality market?
We adapt our offerings to suit each location, but the essence of the Kamat brand—our deep-rooted culture, warmth, and genuine hospitality—remains unchanged. This consistent service philosophy forms the backbone of our guest experience across all properties.
Each hotel or resort reflects the unique character and cultural identity of its region. For instance, our properties in Odisha highlight Odia heritage through design and décor, yet continue to deliver the hallmark Namaskar Hospitality Culture that defines every Kamat experience.
Similarly, Fort JadhavGADH in Pune immerses guests in the grandeur of Maratha history through curated cultural experiences, while maintaining the signature hospitality standards that connect all Kamat properties. By blending local authenticity with consistent service excellence, we ensure our legacy remains strong and relevant in today’s dynamic hospitality landscape.
3. Kamat Hotels is often associated with sustainable and culturally rooted hospitality. What do you believe sets your brand apart in a crowded market?
Sustainability has always been at the heart of Kamat Hotels—not as a trend, but as a way of life. While eco-friendly practices are now more common, we take pride in having pioneered many of them at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, well before they became industry standards.
What makes us stand out is the seamless blend of environmental responsibility with heartfelt service. From our signature warm hospitality to the authentic culinary experiences we offer, every detail reflects our commitment to both people and the planet.
Our initiatives go beyond hotel walls. Whether it’s The Orchid Hotel Shimla creating a 250-foot wall from waste bottle caps or street and beach clean-up drives in Manali, Jamnagar, Nashik and Sambhajinagar, we lead with purpose and community involvement. This approach reinforces our belief that true luxury lies in experiences that are both memorable and meaningful.
4. What makes the Kamat Hotels guest experience uniquely Indian yet globally competitive?
At Kamat Hotels, we take a location-first approach—designing each property to reflect the cultural identity and needs of its surroundings. Instead of a standardized model, we offer thoughtfully priced and strategically positioned experiences that resonate with local flavor while maintaining high service standards.
What further elevates our offering is the smart integration of technology. Behind the scenes, we use tech to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enhance the guest journey—often so seamlessly that guests simply enjoy a smoother, more personalized stay without noticing the systems at work. This balance of cultural authenticity and operational innovation is what keeps us globally competitive while staying proudly Indian.
5. How do you ensure consistency of service and quality across diverse locations, while also offering localized experiences?
Maintaining consistency while celebrating local uniqueness is a continuous effort. We invest heavily in training, development, and culture-building — an area my father and I are personally involved in. This strong cultural foundation ensures that every team member understands and upholds the Kamat brand ethos.
Operationally, we rely on a skilled and committed team. Standardized recipes, structured training programs, and hands-on mentorship help maintain uniform quality across properties. Regular audits and support systems ensure our service excellence remains intact, even as each hotel delivers a distinct, locally inspired experience.
6. What have been the most challenging phases in scaling Kamat Hotels, especially across diverse regions and customer profiles?
One of the most persistent challenges in scaling has been human resource management — a common hurdle across the hospitality industry. At Kamat Hotels, we believe in nurturing potential over formal qualifications. Many of our team members come from humble backgrounds, and through focused training and mentorship, we empower them to grow into capable leaders.
We’re also proud to be an inclusive workplace. Our team includes individuals with special disabilities who contribute meaningfully to daily operations and enrich our culture. This people-first approach not only strengthens our workforce but also reinforces our core values as we expand across varied markets and guest segments.
7. What key trends are currently shaping the Indian hospitality and tourism sector, and how is Kamat Hotels positioned to capitalize on them?
Experiential travel is one of the most influential trends redefining Indian hospitality today. At Kamat Hotels, we’ve embraced this shift by curating stays that go beyond comfort to deliver authentic, memory-driven experiences.
Properties like Fort JadhavGADH, The Orchid Rishikesh, and Orchid Passaros in Goa offer immersive moments rooted in local culture and history. At Lotus Murud, guests are treated to more than just a beachfront view and fresh seafood — they enjoy traditional experiences like Ukdi che Modak made by village women and baked goods from wood-fired stoves. These sensory-rich, locally inspired elements create meaningful guest connections, helping us stand out in a market increasingly driven by authenticity and experience.
8. With changing traveler expectations, especially among millennials and Gen Z, how are you adapting your offerings to meet these evolving demands?
We’ve prioritized technology investments to meet the digital-first expectations of millennials and Gen Z travelers. Today’s guests seek convenience, autonomy, and seamless online experiences, from intuitive booking platforms with rich visuals to instant access to information.
Our tech integration extends beyond booking — we’ve enhanced multiple guest touchpoints to deliver smooth, personalized stays. A 24/7 central reservations system supports bookings across all Kamat Hotels, ensuring round-the-clock accessibility and assistance. These innovations are vital to staying competitive and connected with today’s fast-evolving traveler.
9. How do emerging technologies like AI, automation, or smart hospitality tools influence your business model and guest experience?
While AI and automation mainly enhance sales, distribution, and back-end processes, the heart of hospitality at Kamat Hotels remains deeply human. Personal interaction continues to define the guest experience.
Technological advances have improved payment speed and security, and strengthened our loyalty programs. For example, our Orchid Rewards Program boasts over 800,000 members, with repeat guests accounting for 32% of our business—highlighting the strong relationships we’ve cultivated through trusted service and thoughtful engagement.
10. Are there any upcoming tech initiatives—smart hospitality, AI-driven insights, or IoT adoption—that you’re excited about?
Staying forward-looking is essential in hospitality technology. While futuristic ideas like robot chefs remain distant due to cost and reliability, practical AI applications such as dishwashing robots are gaining traction. We expect many hotels to adopt these efficient solutions soon, enhancing operations without compromising service quality.
11. How do you envision Kamat Hotels contributing to the ‘Make in India’ or tourism-driven economic development narratives?
Kamat Hotels plays an active role in promoting India’s economic growth beyond hospitality. As former Chairman of CII Maharashtra, I engaged with a broad spectrum of industries—from major corporations to micro-entrepreneurs—supporting platforms that drive initiatives like Make in India and Grow in India.
We emphasize local sourcing across our operations, prioritizing products from nearby districts, Maharashtra, and throughout India. This commitment helps strengthen domestic businesses and fuels regional economic development through tourism and hospitality.
12. How do you see your role in shaping India’s tourism and hospitality narrative on a global scale?
Our priority is fostering robust growth within India rather than pursuing global expansion. We strongly believe in the “India story” and recognize immense opportunities right here at home.
With effective leadership at both central and state levels, businesses and citizens alike can benefit significantly. Our role is to collaborate and contribute toward strengthening the nation, its cities, and communities—building a resilient hospitality sector that showcases India’s potential to the world.
