Kathmandu. The Himalayan Times spoke with Vikram Singh, the general manager of the hotel, who has been there since the beginning, as the Aloft Kathmandu Thamel marks its sixth anniversary. Singh explains the factors that have influenced the Aloft experience throughout the years, from overcoming obstacles like the COVID-19 pandemic to reinventing lifestyle hospitality in Nepal. Excerpts: The Times of the Himalayas (THT): Could you briefly describe your experience with Aloft Thamel and the length of time you have been a part of the property?

Vikram Singh Since day one, being a member of Aloft Kathmandu Thamel has been an amazing adventure full of growth, passion, and purpose. The hotel’s transformation into a bustling social center in the center of the city has been incredible. The way art is incorporated into our surroundings is something I’ve always admired. The majority are made by gifted Nepali artists and range from striking modern pieces to traditional patterns. It gives the visitor experience a unique cultural texture and captures the essence of Nepal. It has been an honor and a fulfilling challenge to lead such a dynamic. I genuinely take pride in the progress we’ve made together.

THT: In retrospect, what have been some of the hotel’s greatest achievements or proudest moments since its founding? Singh: One of my biggest achievements is the way we handled COVID-19. I came around a year before Aloft formally started. No employees were let go, the hotel never closed, and our team’s well-being held firm. The board and our chairman, Mr. Prithivi B. Pande, made this possible.

THT: Looking back, what are some of the hotel’s most notable accomplishments or proudest moments since its establishment? Singh The way we dealt with COVID-19 is one of my greatest accomplishments. I arrived about a year before Aloft’s official launch. The hotel never closed, no workers were let go, and the well-being of our crew remained stable. This was made possible by the board and our chairman, Mr. Prithivi B. Pande.

Current geopolitical circumstances and the dearth of American-based companies have also presented challenges in 2025. While maintaining our dedication to community support and excellent service standards in a constantly changing sector, we keep adapting by enhancing our people, procedures, and services.

THT: What part did your team play in reaching this milestone after six years? Do you have any stories in mind? Singh Our success has really been fueled by the team, with each department contributing significantly to the implementation of our yearly plans. From pioneering significant CSR projects to receiving renowned awards like the SATA, TripAdvisor, and MUSE Awards, our team has continuously developed, expanded, and taken joy in all we do.

Each member of the team has a unique story, and I’m proud of them all. Our Sales and Marketing team’s victory as the 2024 Elite Awards’ Select Property Sales Team of the Year was a noteworthy occasion.

THT: What role will Aloft play in influencing Kathmandu’s future as a destination for hospitality, in your opinion? Singh Until we continuously hit the 1.8 million visitor arrival mark, the market will continue to be extremely competitive. Nevertheless, in the coming years, Kathmandu has every chance to become one of the must-see places in the area. By promoting innovation, providing unique lifestyle experiences, and supporting eco-friendly and locally driven travel, Aloft will keep up its active involvement.

THT: Personally, what aspect of running Aloft Kathmandu Thamel do you find most enjoyable? Singh: There’s a fresh energy every day. Aloft is unconventional; it is the intersection of community, culture, and creativity. That dynamic is what I thrive in. It always motivates me, whether I’m greeting visitors or coming up with ideas with my group. Thamel’s rich cultural heritage helps me stay grounded. I enjoy witnessing colleagues develop into leaders and visitors come back because they feel welcome. No two days are the same—and that’s exciting.

THT: As you commemorate this milestone, what message would you like to convey to your visitors, employees, and the neighborhood? Singh We appreciate your support throughout the past six years, your belief in us, and your participation in our journey. Without the steadfast support of our visitors, the enthusiasm and hard work of our staff, investors, and stakeholders, and the friendliness of our local community, we wouldn’t be here today. You have all contributed to Aloft becoming what it is today—a lively, welcoming environment that values comfort, creativity, and connection. We are still dedicated to pushing the envelope, giving back to the community, and creating experiences that people will remember as we look to the future.

THT: In what ways has Kathmandu’s hospitality scene changed over the past six years, and how has Aloft adjusted? Singh The hospitality sector in Kathmandu has been expanding gradually and is now more in line with international business practices. Similar to those in the US and Europe, franchise and third-party management models are becoming more popular as the market develops.

While adhering to our dynamic lifestyle brand, Aloft Kathmandu Thamel has welcomed these changes. We have established ourselves as a contemporary social center in the city with our striking design, live music, and tech-forward philosophy. From our cutting-edge gym to the Nylgiri Bar Lounge, Spa, and Club Lounge to the addition of Urban Rooms, we have also increased and improved our services. Our dedication to sustainability is demonstrated by our ISO 14001:2015 certification. Our commitment to the community is further strengthened by our CSR programs, which support elderly homes, orphanages, and animal care. Our priorities include innovation, team building, and providing outstanding guest experiences that meet Marriott’s international standards.

THT: Have you lately launched any technological advancements or services that distinguish Aloft from rivals? Singh: Definitely. In order to improve operational effectiveness and visitor convenience, Aloft Kathmandu Thamel has embraced smart technologies. Our technologically advanced services streamline and expedite everything, from mobile check-in to keyless room entrance with the Marriott Bonvoy app. Additionally, we’ve upgraded rooms with smart TVs, fast Wi-Fi, and USB-friendly workstations, and we’ve digitalized service requests. The way we combine this innovation with individualized service—referring to clients by name rather than room number—is what really makes us stand out, though. The experience is completed by brand-new, lively social areas like the Nylgiri Bar Lounge and Club Lounge, making the stay both contemporary and significant.

THT: What is the hotel doing to commemorate its sixth year? Do visitors and the community have access to any exclusive events, deals, or programs? Singh We’ve organized festive gatherings for our teams, vendors, and visitors. In order to give back to the community and commemorate the anniversary in a meaningful way, we are also planning CSR events.

THT: Over this period, what kind of response have you gotten from devoted customers or guests? Singh Positive comments have been given time and again. Visitors especially value the high caliber of our services, lively ambience, and the thoughtful extras that make their visit unforgettable. These factors have helped Marriott hotels in South Asia achieve some of the highest reputation rankings. Their unwavering support and devotion motivate us daily to keep improving and provide outstanding experiences.

THT: What plans does Aloft Kathmandu Thamel have for the upcoming years? Are there any planned partnerships, expansions, or renovations to keep an eye on? Singh We constantly seek to improve over time in the areas of financial performance, brand reputation, corporate social responsibility, and adding value for our community, employees, and investors. In keeping with our “Different by Design” philosophy, we also have a number of thrilling surprises planned that showcase our dedication to originality, ingenuity, and visitor satisfaction.