In conversation with Vikram Singh, General Manager of Aloft Kathmandu
Aloft Kathmandu Thamel is known today as an art-first hotel. How did each of you shape that artistic identity? How do you define “art-led hospitality” in a Nepali context?
The hotel’s Artistic Identity begins with the vision of our Chairman, Mr. Prithivi Bahadur Pande, and his wife, Ms. Pratima Pande who has always been connoisseur of Art especially from Nepal, nurturing and assisting via various platforms. Especailly, when the hotel was preopening, he saw the opportunities and value paintings and Artworks would add to the hotel and hence he was generous enough to give pieces from his collection as well. Ms. Sophia Pande, whose curatorial eye and passion for Nepali contemporary art turned that imagination into reality.
Mr. Pande gave us the canvas, Ms. Pratima kept us rooted in cultural truth, and Sophia curated in lots of artworks by majority of Nepali – each piece chosen to speak of our mountains, valleys, rituals, and dreams. My job has been to make sure the art doesn’t just hang on the walls; it lives in every corridor, every cocktail, every conversation. We also besides above did Digital Art when we pre-opened the hotel showcasing International Art.
In the Nepali context, “art-led hospitality” is straightforward: we let local creativity lead the experience. A guest walks in and, within moments, feels the pulse of Kathmandu through powerful, authentic art that sits comfortably alongside Aloft’s bold, youthful energy. That fusion is what makes this place unlike any other hotel in the country.
How do you balance the global Aloft brand identity with the hyper-local artistic expression showcased throughout the property?
We balance Aloft’s global vibe, bold urban energy, W XYZ cocktails, Re:mix playlists by layering in Nepal at every turn. Physical art hits you everywhere: local sculptures in corners, vivid paintings of Thamel streets and Himalayan myths in corridors and rooms. Digital art keeps it fresh: Niio Art’s rotating screens in the lobby and two huge digital displays in the prelobby that explode with Kathmandu color the second you arrive.
All of this recently earned us the title of Luxury Art Hotel of the Year 2025 – South West Asia at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2025. We’re also proud to collaborate with the Nepal Art Council on conservation and restoration initiatives, giving back to the very artistic heritage that inspires our walls every day.
The hotel sits at the intersection of culture, creativity, and hospitality. How does Aloft’s brand philosophy align with Nepal’s artistic heritage, and how do you as GM champion that alignment on a strategic level?
Aloft’s philosophy of “different by design” aligns perfectly with Nepal’s artistic heritage, which thrives on innovation within tradition from ancient stupas to contemporary street art.
As a General Manager, I just make sure that spirit runs through everything we do. From the second a guest steps into the lobby and sees that massive mural bursting with Thamel’s chaotic energy, to the sculptures tucked into corners, to the art in every room; it’s all proudly Nepali, yet it still has that unmistakable Aloft attitude. The hotel doesn’t feel like it was dropped into Thamel from somewhere else. It feels like it grew here. That’s the alignment I fight for every single day.
What personal experiences or professional insights influenced your decision to embrace art as a defining pillar of the hotel’s identity?
My 25+ years in hospitality across Asia, Africa, America and the Middle East taught me that memorable stays stem from emotional connections. Witnessing how art transforms spaces, it inspired me to embrace it here. Personally, growing up in a culturally rich environment, I saw art as a bridge between people, which influenced my decision to make it a pillar, especially in post-pandemic recovery to attract discerning guests seeking authentic experiences.
What was the curation process like for selecting the artists and installations? Who were the key curators or collaborators you relied on?
The curation began with our Chairman, Mr. Prithvi Bahadur Pande, a lifelong art collector with an extraordinary eye, together with Ms. Pratima Pande, who ensured every choice stayed deeply respectful of Nepali culture and heritage. Mr. Pande shared pieces from his own collection and set the vision board rooted in Nepal’s landscapes, folklore, and diversity. His directive was clear: the hotel must feel like a living gallery of authentic Nepali art while maintaining its vibrant international Aloft identity.
Ms. Sophia Lakshmi Pande then took the lead as curator. Drawing on her experience preserving heritage monuments and running exhibitions through The Kalā Salon, she hand-selected every piece for its bold, emotional, and unmistakably local stories, ensuring each installation flows naturally through the hotel’s spaces. The result is a collection that feels personal, alive, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Curating an art-led space requires synergy across teams. How did you guide your team through this vision, and what collaborative dynamics were most crucial in bringing the concept to life?
The art integration was pure Sophia Pande magic. She hand-picked every artwork and artist, then walked the hotel floor by floor, placing each painting, sculpture, and installation exactly where it felt right. Her vision is in every corner.
Because Sophia’s vision was so clear and her passion so contagious, the team just followed her lead without any formal sessions. She walked the floors with us, placing every piece herself, sharing its story until everything felt perfect.
Day-to-day, our Director of Housekeeping, Mr. Dinesh Maharjan, looks after the entire collection with incredible care. He keeps every artwork safe and spotless, and he’s become the quiet bridge between Sophia and the rest of us. That daily love and attention is why the art still feels as alive and loved today as the day it was hung.
What drove the decision to integrate digital installations, and how do you see them enhancing the guest experience and Aloft’s brand personality?
Aloft has always been the tech-savvy, forward-leaning brand in the Marriott family, so digital art was a natural fit. We partnered with Niio Art to bring rotating, high-energy digital works into the lobby and public spaces—pieces that shift with seasons, festivals, or mood, keeping the vibe fresh and alive.
The biggest impact is right at the entrance: two massive digital displays now dominate the prelobby, glowing with bold, colourful scenes that capture Thamel’s chaos and Nepal’s spirit. They’re bright, instantly shareable, and hit every arriving guest with pure Kathmandu energy. That first “wow” moment perfectly fuses Aloft’s playful modernity with the creative pulse of the city.
Is there any artwork or installation at Aloft that personally resonates with you as a leader? What makes it significant to you?
The pieces I personally love most are the Marvel superhero series hanging in our Nook restaurant. Picture Hulk proudly dressed in full Newari attire, Spider-Man swinging between prayer flags at a gumba, and Maui tearing through Thamel on a scooter, looking right at home.
As a leader, these artworks speak to me deeply. They show that true respect for heritage doesn’t mean being serious all the time; it can be bold, fun, and unapologetically playful. That’s exactly the spirit I want for our team and our guests: proud of who we are, yet relaxed enough to laugh and invite the world to join in. Every time I walk past and see someone grinning or snapping a photo with “Newari Hulk,” it reminds me why we do this, to create a place that feels warm, confident, and joyfully Nepali. That’s the energy I try to lead with every single day.
Have you noticed shifts in the kind of guests Aloft attracts since embracing this creative identity, perhaps more young travelers, creators, or culture-seeking tourists?
Absolutely! since embracing this creative identity, we’ve seen a notable shift toward younger demographics, including millennials and Gen Z travelers, creators, and culture enthusiasts. Data shows increased bookings from digital nomads, artists, and adventure seekers drawn to our art events and social spaces. This evolution has boosted our occupancy and positioned us as a go-to for experiential stays, with positive reviews highlighting the artistic vibe as a key differentiator.
What overarching narratives or values did you want the art to convey to guests from the moment they step into the lobby to their stay experience?
The overarching narratives we aimed to convey are unity, creativity, and cultural fusion from the lobby’s welcoming installations, to room artworks inspiring personal reflection. Values like sustainability, community, and innovation thread through, encouraging guests to explore Thamel’s vibrancy while feeling connected to Nepal’s soul. The stay becomes a journey of discovery, leaving guests inspired and culturally enriched and also their contribution to Nepal Art and Artists.
