LODGING LEADERS
July 26, 2017

122 | ‘5-Star Mentality’ for a 3-Star Brand with Suresh Chawla

LODGING LEADERS

Suresh Chawla was born in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, and moved with his parents (Dr. and Mrs. V.K. Chawla) and brother Dinesh to America in 1977.

He has worked with Chawla Hotels since they opened their first property in Greenwood, MS in 1989. He currently serves as President and CFO of Chawla Hotels, which owns 17 limited service hotels, and is currently developing the first Scion Hotel in Cleveland, MS.

Suresh earned a BBA in 1990 and an MBA in 1991 from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS.

In This Episode, Suresh Reveals:

  • The challenges his father Dr. VK faced nearly 30 years ago when he built his very first property.
  • His father’s desperate phone call to now President Donald Trump in the late 80’s, and how that conversation helped him get the financing he so desperately needed.
  • Their current portfolio of 18 properties, including the world’s first Scion property currently under development, and the three conversions to the American Idea brand currently under way.
  • How he feels about the risks of converting to two unproven brands, and why he feels confident that they will succeed.
  • Their experience working with the Trump Organization, from first contact, to negotiations, to the official announcement of their partnership at Trump Towers this past June.

Resources & Links

Mentioned in this Episode

Suresh Chawla

  • deltamotels@yahoo.com

Chawla Hotels

  • Chawla Hotels
  • P.O. Box 1701 | Greenwood, MS 38930
  • Phone: (662) 453-1822
LODGING LEADERS
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