FROM THE ABAD PLAZA, KOCHI

                                              ABAD    TRIUMVIRATE

Presently  I am staying at Abad Plaza Kochi. I have been associated with this hotel since 2005. This is a three star hotel. But I always have felt the warmth and comfort of a five star hotel here - because of the friendliness and servitude of the people working here.

This blog is on three stars in their In Room Dining Deptt (IRD) -  K.M. Thomas (63), George ( 58) and Eldo (52). All three have been in IRD  for many years now. Enormously helpful. Genuine. Friendly. I am deeply indebted to these three heroes because they made my stay so comfortable every time. I felt at home always.

Thomas retired five years back, but got retained because of his flawless and focused performance. He is married to Maria Juliet  an LIC agent. His 23 yr old son  Akhil Thomas is working with Royal Bank of Scotland at Chennai. " We have excellent relationship with our guests, most of our guests are repeat guests" says Thomas known for his courteous behaviour. Reading  ‘ Malayala Manorama’ newspaper is his main hobby. Every day he will visit  the church either in the morning or evening depending on his shift. Has been working with Abad for the last 23 years !

Listen to what Corporate HR manager Jayakumar has to say about these three gentlemen: "All three are exceptionally professional; they have no issues in stretching . Never  will they consult their watch, when they are asked to  work for extra hours.  For them duty comes first. Hardly any complaints from the guests on IRD. They handle the cash also very effectively.  They come in different shifts but they have an unspoken understanding".

George, popularly known as Henry is married to Maria. Hima George, his elder daughter is a computer engineer; son Hamlin George  is working with HDFC bank as Asst. Branch manager at Kottayam. Reading bible is his hobby also watching Malayalam movies. Mamoothy  is his favourite hero. He has been with Abad family for the last 19 years.

Eldo who joined the Abad group in 2003 has been in the In Room dining department since day one. His wife Saloni is a lab technician. Daughter Elizabath (12) and son Ignatius(10) are both studying in Marthoma Public School, Kakkanadu, 13 kms from the heart of Kochi. Reading and agriculture are his main hobbies.

I am impressed by the cool and composed mind and attentiveness of all this triumvirate.

For me, Oberoi Group is the best in IRD. Taj Vivanta (located in Thiruvananthapuram City limit) IRD also had impressed me, during my stay  in May 2014.

Let me be very honest. I might have stayed in India and abroad in as many as 300 hotels. For the last 12 years I do spend around 250 days in five star hotels. Abad IRD is equal to Oberoi Group in terms of service finesse and guest centricity. My full marks to them in deep reverence.

I do respectfully bow to these three gentlemen.

Interestingly, Abad Plaza located at M G Road, Kochi is 30 yrs old.

Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Kochi