With almost an eight-year run, The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, the 32-storied offering from the Marriott group, has now changed not just ownership hands but also welcomed a new general manager, Manisha Sharma. Manisha with her experience in hotel operations, revenue, as well as sales and marketing, has revamp plans that will alter the experience at the hotel. t2 sat down for a chat.
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat
How does it feel to be in Calcutta? Were you familiar with the place before?
There’s a certain poetry to Calcutta — its layered history, the confluence of old-world charm and modern ambition, the culture, and, of course, its people. Being here now feels like I’ve entered a city that lives and breathes its identity proudly. I had worked here before, but now living here has opened up a more intimate connection. I feel welcomed — not just as a professional, but as someone the city has made space for. That’s rare.
This property is a big-key hotel. What is your expectation when it comes to performance?
A property of this scale isn’t just a hotel — it’s a living organism with its own rhythm, pulse, and potential. The expectation is multifold: operational excellence, of course, but also a leadership role in shaping hospitality in Eastern India. I expect the property to evolve into a benchmark — not just for numbers, but for narrative. We’re in the business of creating stories for our guests, and the goal is to consistently deliver elevated experiences, drive sustainable profitability, and deepen our emotional imprint on both domestic and international travellers.
What are some of the best features about The Westin Kolkata that you’re going to leave untouched?
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat has an inherent sense of calm. That energy is sacred. Our wellness-forward DNA, the thoughtful design that breathes space into every room, and the intuitive service culture already in place —these are elements that don’t need changing; they need celebrating. The views from the upper floors, the sensory details in our spa, even the way light falls into the lobby in the late afternoon — there’s a harmony here that I’d rather preserve than alter.
What will be some of the major changes that you are going to implement?
We’re infusing the hotel with new experiences while building on its strong foundation. Ruh-B-Ruh at Westin, our upcoming Indian restaurant, will bring regional cuisine to life with a bold, contemporary narrative. Guests can also look forward to seasonal food pop-ups and elegant sundowners by the pool, adding vibrancy to our social and dining landscape. At the spa, we’re introducing a refreshed menu of treatments designed to restore balance — drawing from both global wellness trends and traditional therapies. Internally, the focus is on creating a more agile, inspired culture where our teams are empowered to lead with warmth, intuition, and excellence.
As a GM in a property that has major competition all around, what’s your strategy to stay relevant?
Relevance is earned daily. Our strategy is anchored in emotional intelligence — understanding not just what guests want, but why they want it. We aim to lead with authenticity. Whether that’s through our storytelling, our food, our events, or the quiet efficiency of service — we want to be the hotel people feel connected to, not just stay in. We’ll lean into strategic collaborations with local artists, wellness experts, and culinary innovators. And, of course, we’ll constantly listen — because feedback isn’t a report, it’s a roadmap.
How would you define your management style?
I believe in setting a clear vision, aligning the orchestra, and then allowing each section to shine in its own rhythm. My leadership style is empathetic, agile, and quietly firm. I give people the space to learn while ensuring that the bar is set high — because we’re in the business of excellence, and excellence demands commitment, craft, and courage.
How have your previous experiences shaped your style of working?
Every property I’ve worked at has taught me something unique — how to respect legacy while building change, how to lead through a crisis, how to innovate without losing identity. I’ve learned that no two teams are the same, and that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions and ensuring people feel seen and heard.
What would the positioning of The Westin be henceforth?
We will position The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat as the beating heart of wellness in the East — where rejuvenation, inspiration, and sophistication meet. It’s not just a stay, it’s a sanctuary. Whether you’re here for business, celebration, or personal renewal, The Westin will offer more than comfort — it will offer clarity, presence, and purpose. We want our guests to leave not just rested, but realigned.
In terms of F&B, what are some of the new developments that we will be seeing in the next few months?
F&B at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat is about to enter an exciting phase. We’re curating menus that go beyond palate and speak to conscience —locally sourced, seasonal, wellness-anchored, yet bold in flavour and presentation. We’re working on themed pop-ups that collaborate with prominent chefs, mixologists, and even artists. Expect our brunches to become cultural events, and our bar spaces to feel more immersive. Our aim is to create dining experiences that feel curated, not commercial.
When not working, what is it that you find worth pursuing?
Wellness is something I actively live by — it’s not just part of the Westin brand but a personal commitment. I prioritise staying active, eating clean, and carving out time for mental clarity, whether through movement, mindfulness, or simply disconnecting. It keeps me grounded, energised, and ready to lead with intention.
In terms of celebrations, what can patrons expect from The Westin Kolkata?
At The Westin, celebrations will be thoughtfully elevated into immersive experiences — from weddings that feel like poetry to festivals that feel personal and city events that create a sense of community. We’ll embrace storytelling through every detail — décor, cuisine, and service touchpoints— so each moment lingers long after it’s passed. Signature occasions like Christmas and New Year’s Eve will be celebrated with flair, while seasonal events such as the Hilsa Festival will showcase culinary creativity rooted in local tradition. Whether it’s Durga Puja, a corporate gathering, or an intimate anniversary, our goal is to bring meaning to the moment — not just magic.