To understand how a family legacy was transformed into a luxury serviced accommodation that offers the sophisticated services of a hotel with the authentic warmth of a private home, Clean India Journal interacts with Nirupama Reddy, Chief Operating Officer, Hanu Reddy Residences
Neatly tucked away amid the bustling streets of Chennai is a quiet sanctuary for travellers. In the heart of Alwarpet, a stay at Hanu Reddy Residences reveals a world where the frantic pace of the city dissolves into serene calmness.
For Nirupama, the transition from a homemaker to a leader in the hospitality industry was not a calculated climb, but a journey of resilience and passion. Having completed her education and gotten married shortly after, she spent years focusing on her children.
“I graduated in commerce. I finished my exams in May, got engaged in June and got married a few months later. So, I have been a stay-at-home mom for many years, but I always had this interest in business and numbers,” said Nirupama.
Late Starter
She entered into this sphere of work well into her 40s, joining the professional world at the same time her son finished his engineering degree. The business itself was born from necessity and a refusal to let family heritage be compromised.
After a difficult legal battle with a tenant who refused to vacate a family property, her brother-in-law, Hanu Reddy, decided to pivot away from traditional renting. After studying the rise of service apartments near medical hubs such as Apollo Hospital, they saw an opportunity to provide something more meaningful than a sterile hotel room.
Hanu Reddy Residences does not fit the standard mould of a typical rental apartment where guests are left to fend for themselves. Instead, it functions as a collection of service villas. Explaining the distinction, Nirupama said their philosophy was “to extend the same hospitality to a paying guest that one would offer to a visitor in their own personal residence”.
“I used biodegradable bags… everybody must be conscious. I really want to do my bit for the environment in my own small way.” — Nirupama Reddy
Typical, Yet
“The typical service apartment you now see was not so typical years ago. When people search for a service apartment, they want something like a 2-BHK which can be rented entirely and has a kitchen where they themselves can cook. What we offer is not like that, it is more like service villas,” said Nirupama.
This approach has fostered a close-knit family atmosphere where guests feel at home. One regular customer from Dubai epitomises this bond: “He doesn’t make an advance booking but just calls as he is boarding his flight. ‘Nirupama Ji, I am coming. Please keep a room for me’. Another couple from Australia stayed on for three years, while others use the residence as a permanent base while travelling,” said Nirupama.
Their four properties are also dedicated to serving patients. Nirupama ensures that high hygiene standards and safety protocols are maintained for the guests. Even during challenging times like the pandemic, Hanu Residencies did not shut even for a single day.
Protocols in Place
“We had people staying here, we could not send them out anywhere. We maintained hygiene and cleanliness and followed all necessary protocols. Even now, when patients stay on after being discharged, the staff follows strict safety measures, such as wearing masks and gloves, to protect everyone involved,” said Nirupama.
Nirupama has embraced a steep learning curve, particularly regarding sustainability and professional maintenance. Starting with no formal hotel background, she sought mentorship from experts to understand the intricacies of the trade.
Today, the residences are making a conscious shift away from harsh industrial chemicals. “Small baby steps have at least eliminated all the hazardous chemicals. So now we use bio enzymes, be it R2 or R6, here we call them W2, W6,” said Nirupama.
Eco Friendly
Nirupama’s commitment to the environment is evident in the Mango Festival held at their farm. During the event, she strives to make the experience entirely eco-friendly, despite the challenges of a public gathering. “I used biodegradable bags… everybody must be conscious,” said Nirupama.
They partner with organisations like Puvi to convert kitchen waste into compost and use a chopping machine at the farm to turn fallen branches into fertiliser. On her dedication, Nirupama says, “I really want to do my bit for the environment in my own small way.”
Leadership in hospitality often involves managing the unexpected. Nirupama recalls instances where key staff members departed without notice on the eve of major events, such as a cook leaving before a 100-person catering job or a banquet coordinator exiting on the morning of a baby shower. In those moments, her strength lies in her composure. “My plus point is that I do not get flustered. I just remain calm and look for what is my next step,” she said.
All Welcome
This consistency in service has allowed the residences to maintain a high occupancy rate, averaging 75% throughout the year. Whether accommodating tourists, corporate teams or families visiting for medical reasons, the focus remains on the boutique feel and the greenery that defines the Alwarpet property.
Looking ahead, Nirupama continues to seek ways to better the industry, from exploring solar energy to implementing better recycling systems for guest amenities. While she remains open to mechanisation and the future of robotics to ease mundane tasks, she remains cautious about their maintenance.
At Hanu Reddy Residences, the goal is not merely to provide a bed, but to preserve a sense of belonging.