Sayaji Kolhapur – A Decade of Unmatched Hospitality and Excellence
Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, a landmark of luxury and warmth in South Maharashtra, has redefined hospitality in the region over the past decade. Perfectly blending modern amenities with the cultural essence of Kolhapur, the hotel stands as the preferred choice for business, leisure, weddings, and MICE travelers. Known for its plush rooms, exceptional dining experiences, and grand banquet spaces, Sayaji Kolhapur continues to set new benchmarks in personalized service and guest satisfaction.
At the helm of this success is Mr. Mukesh Rakshit, General Manager of Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur. With over a decade of rich experience across various facets of hotel operations, marketing, and business development, Mr. Rakshit has played a pivotal role in strengthening Sayaji’s position as the city's leading 5-star property. His passion for hospitality, combined with a strategic vision for growth, is steering Sayaji Kolhapur into an exciting new phase of expansion and innovation.
Safari Plus INTALK with Mr. Mukesh Rakshit-
Q) Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur recently celebrated 10 successful years. What have been the key milestones and defining moments of this decade-long journey?
Over the past 10 years, Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur has proudly established itself as a hospitality leader in the region. Some of the key milestones include the hotel’s grand launch, which introduced true luxury hospitality to the city for the first time. The addition of 50 rooms in 2016, the unveiling of our iconic 10,000 sqft pillarless banquet hall in 2018, and the
expansion of our Moon Tree Café with global cuisines were significant developments. In 2019, we launched Sky Green, a luxury terrace banquet, followed by the Diet Bar in 2022
and Kidsland in 2023. Recognition through multiple hospitality awards, consistently high occupancy rates, and becoming a preferred venue for weddings, MICE events, and elite
travelers mark the defining moments of our successful journey.
Q) How has Sayaji positioned itself uniquely in the Kolhapur market, and what sets the property apart from others in the region and big brands?
Sayaji Kolhapur stands apart by offering a “royal yet personalized” luxury experience, something rarely found in this market. We combine premium hospitality with a deep understanding of local culture and guest preferences. Our unique positioning is reflected in our diverse F&B options including Barbeque Nation and Moon Tree Café, best-in-class banquet facilities, spacious parking, and a strong emphasis on guest personalization. Unlike some large hotel chains, we are agile, guest-centric, and tailor experiences to reflect the vibrant spirit of Kolhapur, which sets us apart from both regional and national competitors.
Q) With Kolhapur seeing a rise in both religious and leisure tourism, how is Sayaji adapting its offerings to cater to evolving traveler preferences?
We’ve closely monitored the growing influx of leisure and religious tourists and have adapted our services accordingly. Our offerings now include curated travel assistance for guests visiting religious sites like Mahalaxmi Temple, flexible check-in/check-out for weekend travelers, family-friendly amenities like Kidsland, and healthy dining options like our Diet Bar.
We are also introducing immersive local experiences, such as Maharashtrian-themed dining
and guided city tours. Our concierge team is trained to assist travelers in crafting personalized itineraries to enhance their stay.
Q) Can you tell us more about the recently launched ‘Shubh Vivah by Sayaji’? How is the property gearing up to become a preferred wedding and MICE destination in South Maharashtra?
‘Shubh Vivah by Sayaji’ is our latest initiative aimed at making Sayaji Kolhapur the ultimate destination for weddings and celebrations in South Maharashtra. With grand banquet spaces including a 10,000 sqft pillarless hall, Sky Green terrace banquet, and upcoming 12,000 sqft indoor venues and a 20,000 sqft rooftop lawn, we cater to weddings of all scales. From customized decor, curated menus, and a dedicated events team to luxurious accommodations for guests, we offer end-to-end solutions. The MICE segment is equally robust, with cutting-edge conference setups, breakout rooms, and high-speed connectivity to host everything from corporate offsites to product launches.
Q) Kolhapur is emerging as a medical hub. What trends are you observing, and how is Sayaji tapping into these opportunities?
We are indeed witnessing Kolhapur’s emergence as a growing center for healthcare and medical tourism, with patients and their families visiting from across Maharashtra and beyond. In response, we have introduced flexible long-stay packages, early check-in options, and in-room dining services tailored for medical guests. Additionally, we are working with local hospitals to offer concierge support, transport services, and wellness-focused menus. There is also a growing preference for calm, hygienic environments which our hotel provides—making us a preferred choice for recovery stays and patient families.
