Why Jyotsna Suri Can Rightly Be Called the Queen of the Hospitality Industry The Lalit Suri hospitality Group is India's largest privately owned hotel chain

By Punita Sabharwal

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Entrepreneur India

Bharat Hotels was started in 1981 by the Founder Chairman Lalit Suri and his wife Jyotsna Suri through bank loan and personal savings. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Jyotsna always wanted to do something which would take the country forward and also caters to people. Initially they had a franchise with international chains like Holiday Inn, Hilton and Inter Continental. It was in 2008 when the group carved out a new identity and rebranded all hotels in the name of its Founder Chairman, Lalit Suri.

On charting a new vision of the group, Jyotsna says, "Though I was working as the Joint Managing Director, it was daunting to step in Lalit's shoes. I had to establish my credibility internally and with the external world as well. The major transition came when we rebranded the company as Lalit. Carving a new identity for an already existing brand with fresh ideologies was most challenging." Describing itself as traditionally modern, subtly luxurious and distinct, the Lalit Suri hospitality Group is India's largest privately owned hotel chain.

Talking about her next big goal, she shares, "Right now, I am focused on opening of The Lalit Ahmedabad. We also plan to open more hotels in mid segment." The group believes in developing destinations and not just hotels'. Therefore, its initiatives involve the local population, their handicrafts, culture and food.

(This article was first published in the March issue of Entrepreneur Magazine. To subscribe, click here)

Punita Sabharwal

Entrepreneur Staff

Managing Editor, Entrepreneur India

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

News and Trends

Ecozen Secures Over USD 23 Mn Debt Funding to Expand Climate-Smart Solutions

This round of investment will be directed toward scaling Ecozen's flagship solutions, including Ecotron, Ecofrost, and advanced motor control systems.

News and Trends

India has the Potential to Host over 620 New Large GCCs by 2030: ANSR

The BFSI sector dominates GCCs in India, followed by Manufacturing and Retail/CPG. There is also a strong focus on digital technologies, with 85 per cent of GCCs engaged in digital commerce initiatives.

News and Trends

D2C Skincare Brand Foxtale Raised USD 30 Mn Series C Funding

Last year, the Mumbai-based brand raised USD 18 million (around INR 150 crore) in its Series B funding round, led by Panthera Growth Partners from Singapore.

News and Trends

RP Tech to Acquire 70% Stake in Satcom Infotech to Expand Cybersecurity Portfolio

Satcom Infotech will leverage RP Tech's extensive financial resources and robust nationwide distribution network to enhance service delivery and scale operations. Meanwhile, RP Tech will integrate Satcom's expertise in cybersecurity into its offerings, aiming to introduce new brands and forge impactful industry partnerships.