From Robots To Filter Coffee: Anuradha Venkatachalam On Moxy Bengaluru’s Unique Edge

For Anuradha Venkatachalam, Captain (General Manager), of Moxy Bengaluru, leading India’s first Moxy hotel has been nothing short of exhilarating. Positioned as Southeast Asia's first Moxy property worldwide, the hotel blends bold design, tech-driven experiences like Roxy the robot, and a strong local flavour with South Indian breakfasts and cultural pop-ups. Sustainability sits at its core with EV-only transport, zero plastic, and ISO certification. With her brand-first approach, Anuradha is steering Moxy Bengaluru into a lifestyle-forward, guest-centric space that stands apart in the city’s hospitality landscape.

How does it feel to be leading a brand-first hotel in Southeast Asia?

I am absolutely loving it. When this role came up, it was a really exciting proposition for me. I come from a marketing and commercial background, having spent 14 years with IHG across four countries—including the Middle East and Singapore—working with different brands. What I have always loved about hospitality is the ability to deliver service in a distinctive way, depending on the brand. That’s where my love for branding really began.

So, when the opportunity came to lead a brand-first hotel in South Asia, I was thrilled. Especially with a brand like Moxy—it has such a bold personality. Bringing that to India, and specifically to Bangalore—a young, vibrant, and accepting city—was just the perfect fit. The timing was right, and we knew it would be a disruptor in a market used to traditional hospitality.

It’s been incredibly fulfilling. Beyond the brand itself, building a young, energetic team has been a highlight. I love mentoring and coaching—it’s a big part of what I do. Altogether, it’s been a very rewarding journey.

How different is Moxy when compared to the other Marriott hotels?

I would say Moxy in India, especially in Bangalore, stands out in its own way. The owners—Prestige Group—have really embraced the brand. They have done a great job not just in capturing the vibrancy that Moxy is known for, but also in positioning it as a strong business proposition.

How different is Moxy when compared to other Marriott hotels?

To really understand Moxy’s concept, you have to go back to its inception. The idea came when Marriott started exploring how to cater to the travel habits of millennials and Gen Z—hence the name Moxy, inspired by Gen X and Y. They studied what this generation values while travelling, and the key takeaway was that they are constantly on the move—whether for work or leisure—and they travel far more frequently than previous generations.

This insight shaped the design of the hotel. The rooms are neat, clean, and no-frills, because the focus is actually on the social spaces. Surveys showed that guests from this segment prefer spending time in vibrant public areas—whether to work, relax, or connect. So, around 80% of the design effort went into creating engaging social zones, while the rooms remain smart and minimal.

Another big factor is location. Globally, most Moxys are in high-traffic cities or close to airports—like Milan, Heathrow, Amsterdam—where space is tight, and hotels are designed to be compact and efficient for short stays. But here in Bangalore, we have had the luxury of space, which sets us apart from many other Moxys around the world.

Which city has the biggest property?

Moxy Bengaluru is actually the biggest Moxy property so far. I would even dare to call it a flagship, simply because of the sense of space it offers. The entire property is quite expansive—not just in the public areas but also in the rooms. Our lead-in category starts at 22 square metres, which is already generous compared to global standards. The suites go up to 56 to 58 square metres. That’s a big differentiator from a design perspective and sets us apart from other Moxys around the world.

What is the role of Roxy the robot in enhancing guest experience?

Yes, Roxy is a big part of our tech story at Moxy Bengaluru. In the morning, she helps with breakfast service—so while Roxy brings your dosa, my team member can actually stand beside you and ask, “Did you enjoy it?” That interaction is what we are building on—enhancing the guest experience while letting technology handle the repetitive tasks.

In the afternoon, you will see her serving cocktails during check-in. Guests receive a cocktail or mocktail along with their key card—it’s our way of making the arrival more fun. And in the evening, Roxy takes care of in-room dining. This is something we started here at Moxy Bengaluru—Roxy is exclusive to us for now. We lit the fire, and now others are planning to follow. But that was the whole idea. We are a bold brand—we create our own rules, so let’s lead the way.

Let’s talk about your sustainability initiatives

Sustainability is something we take very seriously at Moxy Bengaluru. Right from the start, we have only used electric vehicles—there are no fuel cars on our property—and we also have an EV charging station on-site.We have set up our own water bottling unit, so there’s absolutely no plastic used in the hotel. As part of Marriott’s larger sustainability benchmarks, we also use cage-free eggs, have reduced water consumption, installed LED lighting, and use motion sensors in public areas to save energy where it’s not needed.

We practice rainwater harvesting, especially for our garden areas, and we have significantly cut down our paper usage by 80–85% since last year by going digital. Compared to other hotels of similar size, our paper reduction has been remarkable.

Waste management, especially food wastage, is something we track closely. And I am proud to share that we received our ISO 14001 certification within the first year of opening—making us one of the first hotels in South India to do so. As a team, we are very conscious about these practices, and sustainability is always part of our conversation.

How do you give a local touch to the whole experience?

We definitely weave local elements into the guest experience. For example, at our breakfast buffet, we have a South Indian live station—that’s a big highlight. And of course, there’s traditional filter coffee every morning. There’s really no better way to start your day in Bangalore than with a good cup of filter coffee.

For larger events or corporate buffet lunches, we also set up local food stalls featuring authentic Bangalorean dishes. But it’s not just limited to the South—we try to bring in flavours from across India. We recently hosted a Mumbai food festival, and before that, a Punjabi food festival.

Looking ahead, we’re planning collaborations with our sister hotels in places like Goa and other regions of India, where we will invite chefs to host regional pop-ups. So it’s a mix of showcasing local culture while also giving our guests a taste of India’s diverse culinary landscape.

What sets Moxy apart from the rest in the city?

Moxy is very different from the other hotels in the city—starting right from the design and engineering. The look and feel of the property is bold, vibrant, and has a very unique character. The brand proposition itself stands apart. When it comes to service, we are not the traditional kind where you have four people opening doors for you. Our style is more modern and effortless. This generation prefers to be left alone while browsing, with help only when needed. That’s how Moxy serves—mindful, respectful of your space, and always ready to step in when you need us.

This creates a very relaxed atmosphere. Guests often tell us they feel like they can just be themselves without being disturbed, yet still feel cared for. And that’s part of our DNA. The way we dress, the way we engage—it’s all casual but intentional. I also believe in empowering every team member to make decisions on the spot. There’s no waiting for approvals—they know they have the authority to do what’s right for the guest. That’s the culture we’ve built: hands-on, empowered, and genuinely guest-focused.

What inspired the art, décor, and design elements at Moxy Bengaluru, and how do they reflect the brand and the city?

Marriott put a lot of thought into how Moxy should look, especially the public spaces. The brand is clear—we are meant to be vibrant, but not loud. So, while we don’t go overboard with neon or flashy elements, there’s still a bold, energetic vibe with a subtle, tasteful touch. That said, every Moxy reflects the personality of the city it’s in. For Bengaluru, we had the creative freedom to style the hotel in a way that connects with the local culture. This hotel has more or less become a prototype, especially with features like the high ceilings.

For me, the inspiration came from defining the city in four words—Garden City, Art, Music, and Technology. That’s why you see a lot of greenery and floral elements in the decor, even on the walls in quieter zones. We have brought in quirky, artsy pieces that reflect Bangalore’s creative spirit. Music is a big part too—our playlists and collaborations with local artists reflect the city’s vibe. And of course, technology plays a key role, as it’s central to how people live and work in Bangalore. All of that shaped the design and feel of this Moxy.

How do you strike a balance between Moxy’s playful vibe and the premium expectations of international and business travellers?

Moxy has a playful, casual vibe, but at the same time, we are very professional in our approach, especially considering our proximity to the airport and the number of international and business travellers we host. I have a young team, and that ease and energy come naturally to them. They haven’t had to unlearn traditional hospitality—they bring a fresh, lifestyle-driven approach from the start. But something we are very mindful of—and talk about often—is that while we offer a relaxed environment for our guests, our sense of service must always be sharp.

The spirit of hospitality doesn’t change. We can't afford to be casual about guest expectations—that remains non-negotiable. Guests can feel at ease, be themselves, and enjoy the vibe, but our commitment to service is always top priority. That’s what gives us confidence in what we do.

What inspired the unique names of the spaces across the hotel, and how do they reflect Moxy’s identity?

Since we are so close to the airport, I wanted the names to reflect that connection, but without sounding too clichéd. For example, our ballroom is called The Hangar—the first time I saw it, it felt like this huge grey box with a big window letting in daylight, just like an aircraft hangar.

The smaller meeting room is called ‘Movers and Shakers’—a nod to our guests, who are leaders and innovators in their fields. ‘The Layover’ is our lounge-style space for guests to unwind, and the pre-function area is named ‘The Runway’, tying it all together with a subtle aviation theme.

Even in our rooms, the design is intentional—minimalist, chic, and elegant, without any unnecessary extras. No bed runners, no extra flowers—just what the new-gen traveller actually needs. Clean, functional, and stylish.

What’s next for Moxy Bengaluru in terms of growth and guest experience?

Oh, lots more! Honestly, we are just getting started—especially on the digitalization front. There’s a lot in the pipeline, and we are excited about the direction we are heading in. On the guest experience side, we have a strong marketing and collaboration plan for the coming year. We have already seen great success with our existing partners. For example, we were the exclusive hospitality partner for ‘Echoes of Earth’—India’s biggest green music festival. The artists stayed with us, and our crew travelled to the concert venues with a food truck. It was a full-circle experience.

We also collaborate with comedy artists and mixologists, since we are a beverage-forward brand. We host cocktail specialists and bartenders for unique events. These are the kinds of immersive, lifestyle-driven collaborations we are looking to build even more in the coming year.