Welcome to an exclusive interview with Mr. Ahmed Raza, the esteemed General Manager of Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel. As the visionary leader behind the hotel’s success, Mr. Raza sheds light on the unique aspects that make Radisson Blu Anchorage the epitome of luxury.  

Let’s delve into the details that set this establishment apart as the Best Luxury Business Hotel 2024, by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, offering unparalleled experiences for both business and leisure travelers. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: It is an absolute pleasure to meet with you today Ahmed. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. 

LLA: Congratulations on being named one of the Best Luxury Business Hotels, 2024. Recognition as the Best Luxury Business Hotel 2024 is a remarkable achievement. What do you believe sets Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel apart from other contenders in the luxury hospitality landscape?

Ahmed Raza: Thank you for the recognition, Luxury Lifestyle Awards. What sets Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel apart is our unwavering commitment to seamless luxury and personalized service. We prioritize not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of our guests, offering a blend of modern sophistication and genuine warmth that creates a distinctive experience.

LLA: Can you share the inspiration behind Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel’s commitment to African elegance and executive excellence in the luxury hospitality sector?

AR: Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African culture and the drive for executive excellence. Our commitment to African elegance is a reflection of our respect for local heritage, seamlessly woven into the fabric of luxury hospitality. This unique fusion sets us apart, providing a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that resonates with both business and leisure travelers.

LLA: The Executive Business Lounge is a standout feature. How does it contribute to the personalized luxury experience for guests, especially those on business trips?

AR: The Executive Business Lounge is a pivotal element in providing our guests, especially those on business trips, with a personalized luxury experience. This exclusive space offers a tranquil environment for work and relaxation, coupled with attentive service. It ensures that our business travelers can seamlessly blend work and leisure, making their stay not just productive but also enjoyable. With the location of the Lounge and the views that guests have from there, it is an ideal cocoon for the generation of inspiration.

LLA: How does the ‘YES I CAN’ philosophy translate into a personalized touch for each guest, ensuring a memorable and unique stay?

AR: The ‘YES I CAN’ philosophy is at the heart of our commitment to personalized service. It translates into a bespoke touch for each guest, ensuring their stay is memorable and unique. Our staff is empowered to go above and beyond, anticipating and fulfilling guest needs, and fostering a culture of genuine care that defines the Radisson Blu experience. This is a key facet of our Radisson Hotel Group culture and plays a key role in enhancing the guest experience which is paramount to us. 

LLA: The hotel is known for creating emotionally engaging and memorable connections. Could you share a specific instance that highlights this commitment to guest satisfaction and lasting connections?

AR: One memorable instance of our commitment to lasting connections was when a team member was informed that a guest had hearing and speech challenges, and was staying with us. This guest had struggled with her ordering and communicating with staff at other hotels. This team member who is from the Food and Drinks department introduced herself to the guest, exchanged numbers, and was the main point of contact for this guest throughout her stay. Orders and requests would be sent by text to the team member and she would then relay this to colleagues. As such, the guest’s stay was seamless and she commented that this was the best experience that she has had at a hotel.

LLA: African-themed nights and exclusive buffet offers add a unique cultural touch. How do these distinctive offerings contribute to the overall guest experience?

AR: Our African-themed nights and exclusive buffet offers add a cultural touch that enhances the overall guest experience. These distinctive offerings not only showcase the diversity of African cuisine but also create a unique and immersive atmosphere, allowing guests to appreciate and connect with the local culture during their stay.

LLA: Recognizing and celebrating guests’ special occasions is a notable feature. How does the hotel ensure that each celebration becomes a cherished memory for the guests?

AR: Recognizing and celebrating special occasions is a top priority. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any significant milestone, our team ensures that each celebration becomes a cherished memory. From personalized decorations to special amenities, we go the extra mile to make these moments truly exceptional for our guests. We ensure that each celebration is unique to the particular guest thus staying true to one of our brand foundations which is “We create memorable moments, every time and everywhere”

LLA: Tell us more about the Radisson Rewards Program. How does it enhance the guest experience and contribute to loyalty in the competitive luxury hospitality industry?

AR: The Radisson Rewards Program is a testament to our commitment to guest loyalty. It enhances the guest experience by offering exclusive benefits, personalized services, and a points system that translates into memorable moments. In a competitive industry, this program fosters a sense of loyalty, ensuring guests choose Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel for their luxury stays. It is a program that caters to our guests, planners, travel agents, and business partners.

LLA: With a focus on ethical thinking, safety considerations, and memorable moments, how does Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel create a holistic luxury experience for its guests?

AR: Our focus on ethical thinking, safety considerations, and memorable moments creates a holistic luxury experience for our guests. We prioritize sustainability, ensuring our operations align with ethical standards. We have eliminated the use of plastic straws and stirrers. We are committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating the use of single-use plastic in our hotel. Even for Meetings and Events, we have a program to have Carbon-Neutral meetings. Combined with rigorous safety measures including our Safe Hotel Premium Certification, this approach ensures that our guests can enjoy a worry-free and truly luxurious stay

LLA: As General Manager, how do you nurture talent within the team to maintain the high standards of service that define Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel?

AR: Nurturing talent within the team is essential for maintaining our high service standards. As General Manager, I actively encourage professional development, training programs, and a collaborative work culture. Another one of our core foundational beliefs is that “We grow talent and talent grows us”. As such, our team members are empowered to take ownership of their roles, ensuring a collective commitment to excellence. 

LLA: Looking ahead, are there any upcoming initiatives or enhancements that guests can anticipate, further elevating the luxury experience at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel?

AR: Looking ahead, guests can anticipate exciting initiatives aimed at further elevating the luxury experience at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel. We are exploring innovative technologies, enhancing our sustainability efforts, and introducing exclusive partnerships to ensure that each stay surpasses expectations. 

LLA: In your opinion, what advice would you offer to travelers seeking a truly exceptional stay and looking for the Best Luxury Business Hotel experience at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel?

AR: To travelers seeking a truly exceptional stay at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, I would advise immersing yourself in the unique blend of luxury and local culture we offer. Embrace the ‘YES I CAN’ spirit, explore our exclusive offerings, and take full advantage of the Radisson Rewards Program. Your exceptional stay begins with us, where luxury meets genuine hospitality.

In closing, our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ahmed Raza, the visionary General Manager of Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, for sharing invaluable insights into the intricate tapestry of luxury woven at this establishment. From the culturally enriched experiences to the personalized touch embedded in the ‘YES I CAN’ philosophy, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel stands as a beacon of excellence in the hospitality industry. As we eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of this extraordinary journey, it is evident that this destination continues to redefine luxury, leaving an indelible mark on every guest fortunate enough to experience its grace.  

To embark on your own journey of opulence and executive excellence, we invite you to explore Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, the undisputed Best Luxury Business Hotel in Nigeria, of 2024. Find out more at https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-lagos-anchorage