The Story Of Oberoi Hotel Owner: Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi

When we think of luxury hotels, the name Oberoi immediately comes to mind. The Oberoi Group is one of the largest and most prestigious hotel chains in the world, with properties in India, Indonesia, Egypt, Mauritius, and Saudi Arabia. But have you ever wondered who the man behind the Oberoi brand is? In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the founder, and owner of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.

Early Life and Career

Mohan Singh Oberoi was born on August 15, 1898, in Bhaun, a small village in the Punjab province of British India. His father was a contractor who worked on the construction of railways and canals. After completing his education in Lahore, Mohan Singh Oberoi started his career as a clerk in a British-run hotel in Shimla.

However, he soon realized that he wanted to be more than just a clerk. In 1922, he joined the Clarke’s Hotel in Delhi as a front desk clerk. He worked hard and learned all aspects of the hotel business, from housekeeping to catering. In 1934, when the owner of Clarke’s Hotel decided to sell the property, Mohan Singh Oberoi saw an opportunity and bought it with the help of a loan from the Bank of India.

Expansion and Growth

With Clarke’s Hotel as his base, Mohan Singh Oberoi started to expand his business. He acquired several other hotels in Delhi and Kolkata, including the Grand Hotel, the Imperial Hotel, and the Maidens Hotel. He also built new hotels in other cities, such as the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai and the Oberoi Maidens in Delhi.

One of Mohan Singh Oberoi’s key strategies was to focus on customer service and quality. He believed that the key to success in the hotel industry was to provide guests with the best possible experience, from the moment they walked in the door to the moment they left. He introduced several innovations to improve the guest experience, such as 24-hour room service, in-room telephones, and air conditioning.

International Expansion

By the 1960s, the Oberoi Group had become a major player in the Indian hotel industry. However, Mohan Singh Oberoi was not content with just dominating the Indian market. He wanted to take the Oberoi brand global. In 1965, he acquired the Ritz Hotel in Madrid, Spain, which became the first Oberoi hotel outside India.

Over the next few decades, the Oberoi Group continued to expand internationally, opening hotels in Bali, Egypt, Mauritius, and Saudi Arabia. Today, the Oberoi Group is one of the largest and most prestigious hotel chains in the world, with a reputation for luxury and excellence.

Legacy and Impact

Mohan Singh Oberoi passed away in 2002 at the age of 103. However, his legacy lives on through the Oberoi Group, which is still owned and operated by his family. The Oberoi Group is known for its commitment to customer service, attention to detail, and luxurious amenities. It has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the ‘World’s Best Hotel Brand’ award from Travel + Leisure magazine in 2013.

But Mohan Singh Oberoi’s impact on the hotel industry goes beyond just the Oberoi brand. He is widely regarded as a pioneer and innovator in the Indian hotel industry, and his focus on customer service and quality has influenced countless other hoteliers around the world.

Conclusion

Based on EIH Limited, the story of Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi is a testament to the power of hard work, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. From humble beginnings as a clerk in a British-run hotel, he went on to build one of the most prestigious hotel chains in the world. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the hotel industry today, and his commitment to customer service and quality is a model for all businesses to follow.