Meet Sita Lekshmi, the dynamic General Manager of the Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, with an impressive 19-year career in hospitality. Known for her innovative leadership and forward-thinking approach, Sita previously managed Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road. She holds a B.Sc. in Hospitality Administration from IHM Kovalam, an MBA in Human Resources, and a PGDM in Guest Service Management from the Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development.

Sita Lekshmi is celebrated for her ability to elevate brand standards, create bespoke guest experiences, and foster a culture of excellence. As a trendsetter in the industry, she drives strategic initiatives and nurtures talent, while also contributing to the hospitality community through her role in the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce. Outside of work, Sita finds balance in fitness, yoga, painting, and gardening.

Join us in an exclusive conversation as we explore Sita Lekshmi’s inspiring journey and her vision for the future of hospitality.

Sita Lekshmi In Talk with TheGlitz

How is Renaissance Race Course Bengaluru positioned within Bengaluru’s luxury hotel sector? What are the USPs?

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course is a premier luxury hotel in the city, uniquely positioned near the iconic Bangalore Turf Club. Our hotel offers stunning views of the racecourse, easy access to the city’s business and entertainment hubs, and a unique blend of international and local flavours through our three unique dining outlets.

Our dining outlets – Lush, Rbar, and Cinnamon – offer distinctive dining experiences. Each space delivers exceptional, personalised service that ensures every guest enjoys a bespoke experience tailored to their preferences.

With luxurious amenities, including well-appointed rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a serene spa, we provide everything needed for a comfortable and memorable stay. Additionally, we integrate local culture into our offerings, from art and music to culinary delights, giving guests an authentic taste of Bengaluru. That’s the idea behind everything we do. From curated events like live gigs and mixology classes to local experts called Navigators, our focus is on helping you make the most of your trip—and how you do business.

At Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course, it’s our job to make your trip a little less expected. And a lot more memorable. Our guests have an appetite for the curious, unique, and local experiences that help them understand the soul of a neighbourhood. Evenings at Renaissance is our way of infusing the culture of the neighbourhood to your stay. Enjoy daily bar rituals, weekly programmed events, performances, and exhibitions that spotlight emerging neighbourhood talent in music, food, drinks, arts, and more.

Renaissance Race Course Bengaluru makes it a standout choice for luxury travellers seeking both comfort and a connection to the local culture.

How important is Marriott International affiliation?

Our affiliation with Marriott International is crucial to our success. It enhances our reputation with global recognition, provides access to Marriott’s extensive network and resources, and ensures we maintain high standards of service. Additionally, the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program helps us attract and retain guests by offering exclusive benefits and rewards. This partnership significantly strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences and sets us apart as a premium hotel in Bengaluru.

Tell us more about the F&B offerings at Renaissance.

At Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse array of culinary experiences through our three unique outlets, each designed to tantalise your taste buds with both international and local flavours.

Lush: Where Culinary Journeys Begin

Step into Lush, our all-day dining haven, where the world’s flavours come alive on your plate. From sunrise to sunset, indulge in a symphony of international cuisines that promise to tantalise your taste buds. The bar at Lush is not just a place to drink; it’s an experience. Imagine spice-infused entrées that add an extra kick to your meal, perfectly paired with the most happening Sunday brunch in town. Every visit to Lush is a new adventure, waiting to be savoured.

Rbar: The Equestrian Elegance

Rbar, where eclectic flavours meet stylish décor in an equestrian-themed setting. Here, every sip of fine wine, every crafted cocktail, and every brew is inspired by the vibrant neighbourhood, making each drink an exciting journey. The ambiance is perfect for unwinding, especially during our exclusive Happy Hour. And if you’re looking for a night of rhythm and beats, join us for Musical/DJ Nights every Wednesday and Friday. For our elite members, we have special evening rituals during Happy Hours/Lounge Hours that add a touch of exclusivity to your experience.

Cinnamon: A Gourmet Delight In the heart of Bengaluru lies Cinnamon, our chic gourmet snack bar. It’s a place where every bite is a delight, offering homemade gelato waff-wiches, designer cakes, irresistible pastries, hand-rolled chocolates, and select beverages. Whether you’re starting your day or winding down, Cinnamon is the perfect spot for a deli experience. Plus, with our exclusive Marriott Bonvoy program, you can earn and redeem points, making every visit even more rewarding.

Looking back at your 19-year journey, what was the pivotal moment that shaped your management philosophy?

Reflecting on my 19-year journey in hospitality, I’ve come to realise that it’s been a continuous learning process. With diverse experiences across rooms division, food and beverage, sales and marketing, and general operations, each turn and opportunity has contributed to shaping me into the manager I am today.

My management philosophy is rooted in the understanding that hospitality is, at its core, a people-driven business. This realisation has led me to prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of our guests, clients, staff, and service providers. I firmly believe that by taking care of our people, we, in turn, create a positive experience for our guests.

A simple yet profound truth that guides my approach is the age-old adage: ‘A happy team makes happy guest experiences.’ This quote serves as a constant reminder of the importance of prioritising our team’s happiness and well-being, as it ultimately has a direct impact on the quality of service we provide to our guests.”

How do you see the role of technology evolving in creating bespoke guest experiences?

At Renaissance, as a lifestyle brand, we ensure to provide a seamless guest experience upon their stay. Technology plays a pivotal role in crafting bespoke guest experiences.

Marriott Bonvoy plays a significant role in driving technology and enhancing guest experiences across our hotels. Its data-driven insights enable us to tailor our services to individual guests, providing a more personalised and meaningful experience. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, guests can check in, access their room, and enjoy other convenient features, streamlining their stay and enhancing their overall experience.

The guest feedback system allows us to promptly address any concerns, ensuring that issues are resolved efficiently and effectively. Marriott Bonvoy’s loyalty program offers members exclusive benefits, such as points redemption, room upgrades, and access to unique experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation among our guests. It also provides valuable data and analytics, enabling us to refine our services, anticipate guest needs, and continuously improve the overall guest experience.

To add on, streamline back-end operations, such as inventory management and housekeeping scheduling, and integrate smart home technology to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems. By leveraging Marriott Bonvoy’s technology and expertise, Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel creates bespoke guest experiences that are personalised, seamless, and memorable.

How do you structure your day to balance the demands of running a luxury property while maintaining your holistic wellness routine?

As a hotelier, I prioritise time management and intentional living to balance the demands of my role with a holistic wellness routine. I firmly believe that a healthy body and mind are essential for making thoughtful decisions that positively impact our guests and team members.

For me, it begins with mindful eating, taking time to plan my day, and being present in the moment. By doing so, I’m able to approach challenges with clarity and creativity, leading to more effective solutions.

In our people-centric business, being mindful of the impact our decisions have on others is crucial. By cultivating a sense of awareness and gratitude, I’m better equipped to lead with empathy and understanding.

Ultimately, it’s about making conscious choices that align with my values and priorities. By doing so, I’m able to maintain my well-being while driving excellence in our hotel’s operations.”

Through your work with the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce, what changes have you observed in opportunities for women in hospitality?

Through my work with the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce as a council member for the Karnataka chapter, I’ve observed significant positive changes in opportunities for women in the hospitality industry. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of women taking on leadership roles, from general managers to executive chefs, which is incredibly encouraging.

Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on creating inclusive workplaces that support women’s career growth through mentorship programs, flexible working hours, and targeted training initiatives. These efforts are helping to break down traditional barriers and empower more women to pursue and thrive in hospitality careers.

Additionally, the industry is increasingly recognising the value of diverse perspectives in enhancing guest experiences and driving innovation. This shift is not only opening doors for women but also fostering a more dynamic and equitable work environment overall.

As a woman leader in luxury hospitality, what unique perspective do you bring to the table?

Women leaders, irrespective of the industry, bring about unique perspectives that blend empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking. My approach is centred on understanding the nuances of human connections and crafting exceptional experiences that resonate with our guests.

With a deep understanding of the emotional aspects of hospitality, I focus on creating an environment where our guests feel valued, respected, and cared for. My leadership style emphasises collaboration, open communication, and empowerment, which fosters a positive and inclusive work culture.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I’ve learnt that in order to navigate challenges, one must lead with resilience and adaptability. Marriott International champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing the diverse perspectives each employee brings to the table. It gives me immense pleasure to work with an organisation that aligns with my personal belief system.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a hospitality experience that is not only luxurious but also authentic, personalised, and memorable. By combining my passion for people, creativity, and innovation, I strive to make a meaningful impact in the premium hotel segment.

Can you share a story about a guest experience initiative that particularly exemplifies your vision?

A standout example of our guest experience initiative was when we hosted a valued guest and her mother from South Africa, who travelled to Bengaluru for medical treatment. Our team ensured their stay was comfortable and stress-free, providing special diets and warm hospitality.

Our dedicated ambassadors built a profound connection with the family, leading to an extended stay from 7 to 18 nights. Upon check-out, our team surprised them with a heartfelt farewell, which deeply touched the family. They expressed their gratitude with a beautiful bouquet and glowing commendations for our team’s extraordinary efforts.

This experience exemplifies our commitment to creating memorable experiences that make our guests feel at home. It showcases how our team’s dedication to exceptional service can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

What novelties can we expect in 2025?

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, our focus remains on enhancing every aspect of the stay with us at Renaissance Bengaluru. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming your way:

Curated experiences featuring collaborations with celebrated chefs and bartenders for pop-ups and bar takeovers, designed to excite your palate.

Thoughtfully planned events to bring our vibrant community of guests together, fostering connections and joy.

Innovative updates and features tailored to elevate your stay, ensuring every moment feels extraordinary.

A deepened commitment to Bengaluru’s local culture, bringing you closer to the city’s essence through authentic, indigenous experiences.

Spontaneous explorations and creative initiatives to surprise and delight you at every turn.

Stay tuned as we redefine guest experiences in 2025, continuing our journey of discovery and exceptional hospitality!