After gaining international experience in the U.S., Arjun Shaktawat returned to India, took over their family business, and launched his own ventures. Owner of multiple renowned restaurants and a hotel in Udaipur, Shaktawat has made his mark in the hospitality scene in Udaipur.

Arjun Shaktawat is a prominent Entrepreneur in the Hospitality Industry in Udaipur. He owns a popular restaurant named ‘1559 AD, another famous restaurant ‘Upre’, and Lake Pichola Hotel & Restaurant.

Shaktawat Arjun’s father founded Lake Pichola Hotel & Restaurant in 1984, and it is now owned and managed by Arjun. In addition, he established two other restaurants in Udaipur: 1559 AD and Upre, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for hospitality.

Hotel Lake Pichola Owner Arjun Shaktawat sees hospitality as a rewarding industry, with homestays gaining popularity as an innovative way to engage with travelers. He believes that anyone with passion and dedication can enter the hospitality field, and homestays are a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, he warns against treating hospitality purely as a business for profit. Success in this field requires a genuine commitment and long hours of hard work. Hospitality demands flexibility and dedication, as the needs of guests may arise at any time.

Reflecting on his childhood, Hotelier Arjun shares that being part of a royal family came with many privileges, such as owning palaces and multiple homes. His upbringing was filled with joy and excitement, yet he remained grounded and closely connected with his community. He enjoyed various outdoor activities like horse riding, polo, swimming, and mountain climbing, frequently exploring nearby hills and villages with friends and other children. His childhood was full of adventure, creating lasting memories that shaped his character.

While he had access to many privileges, Shaktawat acknowledges the limitations of living in a small town, particularly the lack of quality high schools. Understanding this, his parents, who were busy with their own work, decided to send him to Mayo College, a prestigious boarding school, in 1994. At the age of nine, Arjun started his education at Mayo College, Ajmer and he considers those years some of the best of his life. The friendships he built there remain strong to this day, and he recalls the camaraderie among students, spending quality time together on picnics and adventures.

As a commerce student, Arjun Shaktawat moved to Mumbai to pursue a BBA course at HR College. Initially, he didn’t plan on joining his father’s business, as he wanted to create his own enterprise. However, over time, he realized that by joining the family business, he could contribute new ideas, expand its reach, and eventually establish his own restaurants. His father, recognizing his potential, encouraged him to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management from Les Roches, Switzerland, one of the world’s leading hospitality schools.

After completing his hotel management degree, Arjun worked in the hospitality industry in the United States, gaining valuable experience despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and enduring long work hours. The lessons he learned during that time played a key role in shaping his approach to the hotel business.

Entrepreneur Arjun Shaktawat believes that the perception of royal families and their privileges is often misleading. He underscores that success, regardless of lineage, requires hard work and perseverance. This realization guided him as he took over his father’s business and launched his own restaurant ventures in Udaipur. Though the early years were challenging, his establishments grew in popularity as the trend for standalone restaurants gained momentum. His father, seeing the vision his son brought to the business, was proud of his achievements.

Talking about the COVID-19 pandemic, Restaurant Owner Arjun Shaktawat says that it was a financially difficult time for businesses. Many businesses resorted to layoffs and cost-cutting, but Arjun took a different approach. Considering his employees as family, he ensured that not a single employee was laid off during the crisis. Some staff members had been with him for over 14 years, and their well-being remained a top priority for him. After the lockdown, strict safety measures were implemented in line with government guidelines. Shaktawat  believes the pandemic taught valuable lessons about the importance of savings, fitness, and well-being.

Post-pandemic, many guests were initially hesitant to engage in social interactions. This presented a challenge for his team, who are accustomed to sharing the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan. Nevertheless, by taking necessary precautions and providing a welcoming environment, his staff gradually helped guests regain confidence and comfort.

Another challenge faced by the industry was the shift to cashless transactions, which reduced the tips for service staff. Arjun is committed to ensuring that his team adapts to the evolving landscape while preserving the essence of personalized service and cultural warmth. As the situation normalizes, domestic tourism continues to rise, and Arjun’s establishments remain a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

For those new to the hospitality industry, Hotel Owner Arjun Shaktawat emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction in hospitality. He believes that guests should be treated with warmth and respect, which reflects the Indian tradition of "Atithi Devo Bhava". Building personal relationships with guests, understanding their preferences and ensuring their comfort is the key to creating a memorable experience for them. He wants to give his guests the best and unique dining experience in Rajasthan.

Hotel Management Expert Shaktawat draws inspiration from his father, who worked tirelessly at the Taj Hotel for 18 hours a day. Shaktawat admires his father's resilience and work ethic, and seeks his guidance in his own career. He also looks up to his best friend, Ananya Singhal, who has mastered the art of balancing work, family, and fitness. Her ability to manage time and stay committed to her goals is something Arjun deeply admires.

When asked to compare education with experience, Upre Restaurant owner Arjun Shaktawat says he believes that education lays the foundation for success, but experience becomes crucial over time. He encourages young people to learn from those with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as these lessons provide valuable wisdom. Shaktawat stresses the importance of discipline, focus, and time management in achieving success, both personally and professionally.

If given the chance to travel back in time, Arjun would revisit his time between the ages of nine and fifteen. He fondly recalls the carefree moments, the friendships he built, and the joy of simple pleasures. He cherishes the memories of his time at the boarding school, where he would wake up early, head to the hills, and reflect under a tree, enjoying the peace and freedom of those days.

Arjun’s hobbies include swimming and cycling. From April to September, he loves swimming in Udaipur's beautiful lakes, including Badi Lake and Alsigarh Lake. These natural surroundings provide him with a sense of tranquility and joy.

Arjun Shaktawat’s  life mantra is simple yet profound: "Be real." He believes that life is short and that one should focus on doing what they love. Staying true to oneself and embracing what brings happiness is the key to living a fulfilling and meaningful life.