Surinder Arora

Surinder has a fascinating story to tell – he arrived in the UK from India at the age of 13 and unable to speak English. He thought he was coming to live with his aunt and uncle however he quickly found out that they were indeed his real parents. Since then Surinder has shown huge resolve working tirelessly to create the one of the fastest growing independent hotel companies in the UK and the leading hotelier to the aviation Industry. The opening of the flagship Sofitel London Heathrow at Terminal 5 is the latest stage in his epic career.

After leaving school, Surinder joined British Airways as a Customer Services Officer for 11 years, during which time he joined Abbey Life as a Sales Associate in addition to holding down various other part time jobs that allowed him to pay for the training necessary to hold a pilots licence.

He left BA in 1988/89 to concentrate full time with Abbey Life becoming a Sales Manager in 1989 and a Branch Manager in 1991. In 1988 he was the 2nd top sales person in the country and a member of the “Chairman’s Club”. During his time with Abbey Life, he became interested in property acquisition and development and in 1993, he left Abbey to concentrate on this and other interests which included his first foray into the hospitality world.

Surinder has continued to build his businesses and is now the Founder and CEO of Arora Hotels. Established by Surinder in 1999, the primary focus of Arora Hotels is the design, construction and operation of luxury hotels.

The portfolio currently comprises 16 hotels with over 6,000 bedrooms. Prime locations include the Arora Hotel– Heathrow, Arora Park – Heathrow, Arora Hotel – Gatwick/Crawley, Arora Hotel– Manchester city centre, the newly-opened 605-bedroom Sofitel London Heathrow, directly connected to the iconic Terminal 5, Sofitel London Gatwick at the North Terminal and Mercure London Gatwick (both Sofitels and Mercure London Gatwick are operated under a franchise agreement with Accor Hospitality).

At the Brit Oval, Arora is currently working in partnership with Surrey County Cricket Club on the development of a 170-bedroom luxury hotel.

Surinder’s passion for flying culminated in the purchase in 2007 of Wycombe Airpark, Buckinghamshire – a private airfield and base of the British Airways Flying Club which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary since formation.

In addition to hotel interests, the Arora Family Trust owns a large property portfolio which includes landmark office buildings at key UK airports.

Surinder was a recipient of the Eastern Eye Asian Business Award 2007 – KPMG Entrepreneur of the Year.

Surinder is a keen golfer – so much so that he holds a minority interest in Wentworth Golf Club.

On Noble Khan
Surinder commented: ‘The testimonials speak for themselves - Noble Khan fills a hugely important need in addressing cultural, language and religious diversity towards creating a fully inclusive society’. May 2009

Arora Awards & Recognition

Arora has won a number of Industry Awards and attained recognition for quality standards and service excellence:

 

Arora International Gatwick: National Customer Service Award 2002 for Customer Service Excellence (the only customer-nominated category). Best SME Employer in local authority area - Green Award – Gatwick Diamond Sofitel London Gatwick: HRS Business Excellence Award - Highly Commended - January 2009 AA Rosette – 2008 & 2009 Twice runner-up in the Business Traveller ‘Best Airport Hotel in the World’ category (2007 & 2008) Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2009 Runner up in the Sofitel London Heathrow: Forbes Business Traveller ‘Top 10 Luxury Airport Hotels in the World’ 2008/2009 Top 10 Airport Spas in the World – The National, Abu Dhabi “Best New Business Hotel In The World” – Business Traveller Awards 2009 Corporate Recognition: ‘One to Watch’ – The Times, Eastern Eye Asian Business Award 2007 - KPMG Entrepreneur of the Year (Surinder Arora) GG2 Leadership & Diversity Award - Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 (Surinder Arora) British Asian Sport Awards (BASA) – Community Business in Sport Award 2008 Corporate 100 Award - Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards 2009 (Surinder Arora) Hotel Report Awards 2009 – Deal of the Year

Arora International Manchester: “Small and Medium Employer of the Year" 2007 Manchester Employer Coalition Awards "Best Large Hotel of the Year" 2008 Pride of Manchester Awards "Excellence Through People" Finalist HRS Hotel Excellence Awards 2009 "Highly commended" 2005 & 2007 Large Hotel of the Year, Marketing Manchester Tourism Awards "Highly commended" Manchester Hotel of the Year, Cheshire and Lancashire Life, Awards 2004 – 2005 "Best Newcomer"- Obsidian Restaurant, Manchester Food & Drink Guide 2005 Sofitel London Heathrow: Forbes Business Traveller ‘Top 10 Luxury Airport Hotels in the World’ 2008/2009 Top 10 Airport Spas in the World – The National, Abu Dhabi “Best New Business Hotel In The World” – Business Traveller Awards 2009

All Arora Hotels are ‘Investors In People accredited.