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Determined, confident and charismatic Lalima Mathur stepped into the spotlight this week as general manager of a newly-opened multi-million dinar hotel ... the only woman on the island to hold this top post in the hospitality sector.
Mrs Mathur, 44, boasts more than 22 years of experience in the industry, 14 of which has been with the Elite Group in Bahrain, and she aims to ensure the Elite Crystal Hotel in Juffair makes its mark.
She said: “Though this industry is, like most other professions, very competitive, I have always found respect from my co-workers and colleagues. I am lucky to be working with people who recognise an individual for his or her abilities rather than gender.
“We have plenty of plans for our new property with a focus on capitalising on our fantastic food and beverage outlets. We have also got a series of continuous exciting events and promotions to keep our clientele hooked.”
The BD7 million four star hotel features 120 suites, three F&B outlets, one ballroom and a board room.
The new hotel has been designed in a contemporary style coupled with an Arabian flair. It features La Cascada, an all-day dining facility and the Bora Bora – a Pacific-style bar. It will also shortly open its Klub 360 nightspot offering music and gourmet bites.
The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems, 24-hour room service, high-speed internet connection, electronic safe and tea and coffee-making facilities.
The Al Omaraa ballroom will allow guests to stage conferences, exhibitions, workshops, weddings and other social gatherings. The Circuit is the hotel’s high-profile private board meeting room.
Other services and facilities include a temperature-controlled swimming pool, a ‘Challenger’ games arcade, laundry and valet service, Wi-Fi, airport transfer, as well as a doctor on call.
Sarosh Aibara, chief operating officer of Elite Hospitality, said: “I am of the opinion that in today’s world gender has nothing to do with performance in the world of hospitality. Lalima has already proved that my opinion is more than correct!”
While she hopes her senior appointment will inspire young women in Bahrain to follow their career dreams in the sector, Mrs Mathur, pictured above, wishes to advise them that the road to the top of any profession is not easy or without challenges.
She said: “If young women are inspired by me then that would indeed be wonderful. But I will warn them that the road isn’t easy – a lot of hard work is required.”
