🏨 The Story of Oberoi Hotels: India’s Crown Jewel in Global Hospitality

When you think of luxury hospitality in India, one name rises above all — Oberoi. With world-class service, royal elegance, and a legacy rooted in resilience, the Oberoi Group is more than a hotel chain — it is a symbol of Indian excellence on the global stage.

👤 The Man Behind the Legacy: Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi

The story begins in 1934, with a visionary entrepreneur — Mohan Singh Oberoi.

Born in 1898 in a small village in Pakistan (then British India), he lost his father at a young age and grew up in poverty. With no financial backing or powerful connections, young Oberoi started his career as a front desk clerk at the Cecil Hotel in Shimla, earning just ₹50 per month.

But his dreams were bigger than the Himalayas surrounding him.

🏨 From Clerk to King of Hotels

In 1934, M.S. Oberoi leased The Clarke’s Hotel in Shimla, marking the beginning of The Oberoi Group. He later purchased The Grand Hotel in Calcutta, which had been shut down due to a cholera outbreak. Oberoi cleaned, renovated, and revived it — setting new standards in hygiene and service.

Soon, he became the first Indian to run a luxury hotel chain, breaking the British monopoly in the hospitality sector.

🌍 The Rise of a Global Brand

Under his leadership, the Oberoi Group expanded rapidly — from India to Egypt, Indonesia, Mauritius, and beyond. The focus was simple but powerful: unmatched guest service, stunning locations, and elegant design.

Today, the group owns and operates under two luxury brands:

The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Trident Hotels

Some of the most iconic Oberoi properties include:

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur – Voted among the best hotels in the world, known for its royal architecture and lakefront views.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra – Just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, every room offers a view of the monument.

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur – A luxury palace experience with traditional charm.

The Oberoi, New Delhi – A flagship property that sets benchmarks in luxury, cuisine, and wellness.

💎 The Oberoi Philosophy: Guest is God

What sets Oberoi apart is not just marble floors and grand chandeliers — it’s the "people-first" philosophy.

M.S. Oberoi believed:

> "The guest is everything. If you take care of your guests, everything else will follow."

This commitment reflects in the training of staff, attention to detail, and personal touches that leave guests feeling pampered, not just served.

🏅 Awards and Global Recognition

The Oberoi Group has won countless international awards:

World’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure (multiple times)

Best Luxury Hotel Chain by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific

Consistently ranked among Top 10 Hotels in the World

👨‍👦 A Family Legacy

The legacy of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi was carried forward by his son, Prithvi Raj Singh (P.R.S.) Oberoi, also known as “Biki” Oberoi. Under his leadership, the group expanded globally and continued its tradition of quiet luxury and flawless hospitality.

Today, the third generation — including Vikram Oberoi — continues to innovate while honoring the core values of service, humility, and excellence.

🌱 The Future: Sustainability Meets Luxury

Oberoi Hotels is now focusing on sustainable tourism, wellness retreats, and personalized experiences in the post-pandemic era. With spas, ayurvedic treatments, eco-friendly practices, and digitized luxury, Oberoi continues to blend tradition with modernity.

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📝 In Conclusion

From a ₹50 job in Shimla to building one of the world’s finest luxury hotel chains, the story of Oberoi Hotels is a story of grit, grace, and greatness.

It reminds us that even the grandest dreams can be born in the humblest places — and with the right vision and values, an Indian brand can stand proudly on the global map.

Because when you stay at an Oberoi...

You're not just checking into a hotel —

You're stepping into a royal legacy.