Long before becoming General Manager of one of Australia’s leading hotel brands, Mehul Desai was a young student in Mumbai captivated by a world that felt distant and unattainable.
“It was the glamour and allure of the five-star hospitality world that got me hooked at a young age,” Mehul says.
Growing up, luxury hotels represented something to aspire to rather than something within reach. One moment in particular stayed with him.
“I still remember seeing the grand staircase at the JW Marriott Mumbai – it felt completely out of reach. So I thought, if I can’t walk in through the front, I’ll get in through the staff entrance.”
What began as curiosity quickly evolved into ambition.
After completing senior college in Mumbai, Mehul enrolled in a twin diploma in Hospitality and Tourism and immersed himself in the industry’s depth and detail. That passion led him to explore hospitality education globally.
“I wanted to experience hospitality firsthand, not just read about it.”
After considering study destinations including Switzerland, France and the United States, Mehul chose Australia and enrolled in a Bachelor of Business at Le Cordon Bleu Australia.
“By then I had developed a strong interest in wines, cheeses and broader hospitality operations. Australia made sense because of the ease of communication in English and, honestly, my love for cricket made the decision easier too.”
Once at Le Cordon Bleu, Mehul found an environment that reflected the professionalism and attention to detail he admired in hospitality.
“The structure of the program really suited me. I was impressed by the level of detail and care they put into preparing students for the real world.”
Learning alongside experienced lecturers and an international student community gave Mehul not only technical knowledge, but a broader understanding of global hospitality standards and leadership.
More than two decades later, that foundation continues to shape his career.
Today, Mehul is the General Manager of Meriton Suites Bondi Junction in Sydney, leading teams, overseeing operations and ensuring every guest experience reflects the standards he has built his career on.
With more than 22 years in hospitality, he credits Le Cordon Bleu with helping create the confidence and practical understanding that enabled his progression.
Le Cordon Bleu gave me a strong foundation and the confidence to grow in the industry.
Alongside maintaining operational excellence, Mehul closely monitors revenue, labour costs and business performance while working with housekeeping and maintenance teams to keep operations seamless.
“At the end of the day, it’s about making sure the operation runs smoothly, the team is aligned, guests are happy and the business performs.”
For students considering a future in hospitality, Mehul’s advice is grounded in experience.
“Start on the floor and stay curious,” he says. “Don’t chase titles early… Focus on learning the fundamentals of service, understanding people and handling pressure.”
He also encourages future hospitality professionals to think beyond guest interaction and understand the commercial side of the industry.
“Learn how hotels make money, how costs are managed and what drives guest satisfaction. That’s what sets future leaders apart.”
After more than 22 years in the industry, Mehul’s journey reflects the power of curiosity, persistence and embracing opportunities that once felt out of reach.
And for the young student standing outside a luxury hotel in Mumbai all those years ago, entering through the staff entrance turned out to be exactly the right place to start.
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