Just Had One of Those Conversations That Changes How You See an Entire Industry , and I’m still processing everything he shared. This isn’t just another hospitality startup—it’s a complete reimagining of what hotels can be in India.
The “Aha” Moment That Started It All
Siddharth has serious hospitality chops—10+ years with Wyndham, FabHotels, and OYO, where he executed 8 franchise deals worth over $4 million and launched brands across India, Nepal, and beyond. But here’s what hit him: “There was a huge disconnect between branded corporate hotels that feel impersonal and unbranded properties that are functional but forgettable.”
Walking through countless hotels, he kept asking: “How do people actually move, feel, and work in these spaces?”* That simple question became the foundation of everything BOH LABS does.
Why “BOH LABS”? The Name Says Everything
The “BOH” stands for “Back of House”—those behind-the-scenes areas that are traditionally neglected but absolutely critical. Siddharth explained: *”We don’t believe in copy-pasting what worked somewhere else. Every property has its own pulse, and our job is to enhance it without overpowering it.”*
The “LABS” part? They’re literally experimenting with data-driven solutions, testing and perfecting designs and operational strategies.
The Market Opportunity is Massive
Here’s a stat that blew my mind: India’s boutique hotel market is expected to jump from $740.6 million in 2024 to $1.28 billion by 2030—that’s a 9.6% CAGR. But the mid-scale segment is completely underserved when it comes to design-led, community-focused experiences.
Siddharth’s targeting millennials and Gen Z travelers who want authentic local experiences without luxury price tags. Think: “dedicated co-working spaces, rentable podcast studios, content creator lounges, and hybrid event venues.”
Their Three Pillars Are Genius
Design-Forward:Not just pretty spaces, but functional design that enhances every interaction. They spend time on the ground observing workflows, talking to staff, understanding the rhythm of each property before sketching a single layout.
Tech-Driven: Seamless digital check-ins, keyless entry, PMS integration, dynamic pricing—but the tech feels invisible. As Siddharth put it: “Good back-of-house design should feel invisible—like everything is exactly where it needs to be, just when it’s needed.”
Culture-Immersive: Every property reflects its local flavor through partnerships with local artists, craftsmen, and businesses. They’re not imposing a template—they’re amplifying what’s already there.
The Transformation Process is Fascinating
They don’t build from scratch—they transform existing assets. “The most sustainable building is the one that’s already built,” Siddharth told me. They start by optimizing back-of-house areas, then reimagine public spaces like lobbies into multifunctional community hubs.
The process involves architects, interior designers, MEP consultants, and facility planners working together. What’s unique is their micro-level research—from ventilation flows and storage ergonomics to lighting that supports long shifts without fatigue.
Community Integration is Next Level
This part got me really excited. They’re setting up rotating pop-up shops featuring local artists and designers. They hire locally because “nobody can represent the energy of a city better than the people who live in it.” They host cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions right in their properties.
One example: local artisan workshops where guests can participate in pottery-making or craft experiences unique to the region. It’s genuine community building, not performative marketing.
The Business Model is Smart
They offer a flexible blend of franchise, management contracts, and revenue share models based on partner preferences. This allows them to work with both large established players and smaller unbranded hotels looking to transform.
Their focus? Taking underperforming, unbranded hotels and turning them into vibrant lifestyle destinations while maintaining profitability.
Sustainability Isn’t an Afterthought
Siddharth was refreshingly honest: *”We’re not claiming to have it all figured out. Sustainability is firmly bookmarked for what’s next. It’s not a marketing lever for us—it’s a responsibility we’re scaling into.”*
Their approach includes adaptive reuse over demolition, zero-plastic guest experiences, local sourcing, and comprehensive back-of-house waste management protocols.
The Expansion Strategy is Methodical
Phase 1: Solidifying presence in Tier 1 cities (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad) where operational complexity is high.
Phase 2: Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities (Jaipur, Indore, Kochi, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar) where hospitality is growing fast but infrastructure is catching up.
Phase 3: International expansion in Southeast Asia and Middle East.
Immediate goal: 10 properties in core Tier 1 markets over the next 24 months.
What Really Struck Me
The new-age traveler wants workcation opportunities, wellness facilities, and authentic local experiences. They’re gravitating toward sustainability, pop-up events, and spaces that feel like social hubs rather than just places to sleep.
Siddharth’s insight: “Today’s travelers don’t just want comfort—they want immersive experiences that allow them to engage with local culture.”
The Bigger Picture
Small and independent hoteliers face massive challenges: operational inefficiencies, lack of brand identity, limited access to technology, difficulty competing with larger chains. BOH LABS is solving all of this with a holistic approach combining design transformation, technology integration, and brand building.
As Siddharth put it: “Good design is for everyone, not just the luxury segment.”
My Takeaway
This conversation reminded me why I love covering startups. Sometimes the best ideas come from simply asking better questions about everyday experiences. Siddharth looked at the same hotels everyone else sees, but asked: “What if this could be a community hub? What if design wasn’t just for luxury travelers? What if technology could make operations invisible?”
BOH LABS isn’t just transforming hotels—they’re redefining what hospitality means for a new generation of travelers and hotel owners.
Can’t wait to see how they execute on this vision. India’s hospitality landscape is about to get a lot more interesting.
What do you think? Are we ready for hotels that feel more like community spaces than just places to crash?
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