Did you know billionaire Michael Dell was once denied late check-out at a Gurgaon hotel?
Hotel check-in and check-out can often be frustrating and tedious. One might assume that wealthy individuals are exempt from such hassles, but that wasn't the case for billionaire Michael Dell. The chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies had an unpleasant experience at a five-star hotel in Gurgaon, Haryana.
This incident was revealed by former Oberoi Group president Kapil Chopra on a recent podcast.?
Chopra, who headed the Oberoi Group from 2013 to 2018, recounted this experience during his discussion with Shantanu Deshpande, founder of Bombay Shaving Company, on the podcast "The BarberShop with Shantanu."
The conversation addressed the frequent customer complaints about rigid hotel check-in and check-out policies. Chopra highlighted this issue with a story about Michael Dell, the chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, at the Oberoi Gurgaon.
Michael Dell wanted a late checkout but he was denied it by a front desk executive
Chopra recounted how Dell, in his usual understated style, approached the hotel reception to request a late check-out. Noting that he needed to remain at the hotel until the evening, Dell asked for a more flexible departure time.
Unfortunately, the receptionist, who was new on the job, did not recognize the importance of her guest. Chopra shared, “The country head of Dell and all the other executives were busy on their phones, leaving Michael Dell alone in the lobby. He walked up quietly, in his own unassuming way, to the front desk and asked if he could get a late check-out.”
The receptionist cited the hotel policy and responded, “Sir, check-out is at 12 pm. If you stay until 6 pm, it’s a half-day charge. If it’s past 6 pm, it’s a full-day charge.”
Former president of the hotel Chopra then recalled getting a call from Dell’s country head asking why Michael Dell’s request was refused!
This strict adherence to the hotel’s policy did not sit well with Dell, who opted to check out immediately to make a point. Chopra recalled receiving a call from Dell's country head, who expressed his disappointment.?
“The country head called me saying, ‘You could have charged us more. Why was Michael Dell refused?’ Now he wants to check out because he wants to set an example.”
Chopra said, “Michael Dell is very particular about setting an example.”
Meanwhile, Kapil Chopra left the Oberoi Group in 2018 to found The Postcard Hotel and EazyDiner.
Watch the video right here:
?Michael Dell, 59, is the visionary behind Dell Technologies, one of the largest technology infrastructure companies globally. According to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at $105 billion.
