OT: Please share your memories of growing up in Punjab. When did you last go back?
Sant Singh Chatwal:
OT: You began your career in hospitality in Ethiopia. What made you choose hospitality? What made you move to America?
Sant Singh Chatwal: I had a pilot’s licence and got a job with an airline in Ethiopia, but they wanted me to cut my hair and be clean-shaven. My mother asked me for only one thing before I left India — that I should never give up my faith, which I have not done to this day. I couldn’t take up that job, of course. Instead, I got a small job as a teacher in a school. I was building castles in the air until I found a partner and we opened the first Bombay Terrace [restaurant, now with branches in London, KL, Toronto, Beverly Hills] but the 1975 coup forced us to flee with what little we could save. I decided then to go to the US, with my wife and two small sons. That was 37-38 years ago.
OT: What’s your vision for Hampshire Hotels?
Sant Singh Chatwal: I have always focussed on expanding with excellence. We now have 11 hotels and 3,000 rooms in New York covering different price ranges. The upcoming Dream Hotel at the Dubai Marina is the sixth property in the series after New York, Bangkok, Kochi, South Beach [Florida] and Downtown [also in NY]. Our Vikram Chatwal Collection also includes the Night and The Time brands of hotels, and the more affordable Select Service hotels. Then there is our luxury flagship, The Chatwal, in New York. We have properties coming up in Dallas, Palm Beach, and Goa and Bombay. Dream Dubai Marina is going to be the tallest hotel tower in the world. I want to expand to Hyderabad and Jaipur.
OT: What drives your business philosophy?
Sant Singh Chatwal: I have a great team of creative, smart and highly talented managers. They are part of the Hampshire family and I have been fortunate to have some of them with me for 15-20 years. I never micromanage. I prefer to focus on the vision for the group, and by relying on a professional team, I have free time left to spend with my family.
OT: What makes a great hotel?
Sant Singh Chatwal: Design is the cornerstone. Also, location is extremely important. Plus absolutely impeccable standards in space, service, F&B, health facilities, toiletries, room service, beds, showers, security — every small detail. We have hotels from $150 per night to $1,500 per night in New York and all our guests are assured of a great stay. We have to create the best impression right from the start.
OT: Given your roots in many places, where do you feel most at home these days?
Sant Singh Chatwal: New York is home. It’s where my wife and children are. There’s a saying in Punjabi, which I will translate for you. It says there is no happier place in the world than with your family. I also go back to India as often as I can.
OT: What continues to give you energy and enthusiasm after all these years of success?
Sant Singh Chatwal: When there is peace at home, there is peace in the world. My family means everything to me. My wife takes care of everything for us. I have been very busy with work and she has taken care of all the social obligations, for business as well as friends and relatives, both my family and hers. I don’t have to worry about any of it so I can go back home from work and relax. She has contributed greatly to my success. It is not recognised enough — how much women contribute to a man’s success. There will always be ups and downs in life, but prayers and meditation give me great strength. I don’t worry about tomorrow and I don’t regret the past. I believe hospitality is all about meeting nice people and having a great time. That’s why I love my work.
Sant Singh Chatwal, Chairman & CEO Hampshire Hotels & Resort LLC, 1251 Avenue of the Americas Suite-934, New York, NY-10020E
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