Today we’d like to introduce you to Dhaval Katharotiya.
Hi Dhaval, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a first‑generation immigrant and an engineer from India, with an MBA from the London, England. I have spent approximately 25 years in the business management consulting industry, specializing in Supply Chain Consulting. Since childhood, I have carried a strong desire to become an entrepreneur. In 2017–2018, I applied the same principles used by large corporations to pursue that aspiration—bringing together diverse expertise and building a team capable of developing, operating, and scaling a successful business in the hospitality sector.
We acquired land in a high‑entry‑barrier location in Downtown Fort Worth and planned the development of a 104‑room IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) ‑franchised hotel, Avid – an IHG Hotel @ Downtown Fort Worth. Despite significant challenges brought on by the COVID‑19 pandemic—which affected construction, supply chains, and the hospitality industry—we successfully completed the project and opened our doors to guests in March 2024. The experience, while difficult, provided invaluable learning and strengthened our resilience for long‑term success.
Building on the insights gained from our first project, we realigned our team and placed those learnings at the core of our next venture. We identified another high‑entry‑barrier location—DFW International Airport—and purchased land in October 2024. We are now developing a unique 136‑room LivSmart Studios by Hilton @ DFW South, a product type not currently represented around the airport. The hotel will sit at the hard corner of Hwy‑183 and Hwy‑161, less than one mile from DFW Airport’s south exit.
This project is particularly exciting because Hilton designed LivSmart Studios for extended‑stay guests, ranging from overnight travelers to long‑term stays. Given DFW Airport’s status as the second‑largest and third‑busiest airport in the world, we anticipate strong demand from both short‑stay travelers and specialized airport crews seeking long‑term accommodations. Additionally, we are incorporating a 500‑guest event space to further enhance the property’s value and versatility.
We are currently in the final stages of securing our building permit from the city and expect to break ground within the next three months.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any meaningful endeavor, this journey has been far from easy. We encountered numerous challenges along the way—from permitting, engineering, and design approvals to post‑pandemic material shortages and even construction‑funding denials from lenders. What enabled us to persevere was a commitment to honesty, a focus on long‑term value over short‑term gains, and the discipline to remain focused, motivated, and analytically grounded throughout the process.
As you know, we’re big fans of Marquee Hotels. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in identifying high–entry‑barrier markets for hotel development and conducting comprehensive market‑feasibility analyses to determine the optimal hotel segment for each location. Our approach focuses on minimizing direct competition and creating a strategic advantage in the market. We select the most suitable brand from the IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, or Marriott portfolios, manage all required approvals, and oversee architectural and civil design processes. Our expertise extends to securing construction financing, managing all phases of construction and regulatory inspections, negotiating and selecting FF&E, and recruiting, training, and staffing the right talent. We also manage day‑to‑day hotel operations and financial performance, ensuring each property is positioned for long‑term success.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
After years in the hospitality and construction industries, one lesson stands out: long‑term success is built on discipline, clarity, and resilience. These industries demand a balance of strategic thinking and operational excellence. If you are building your career or business here, start by understanding your market deeply—its needs, its gaps, and the experience guests truly value. A hotel is more than a structure; it is a promise of comfort, consistency, and care.
Challenges will be constant. You will face permitting delays, design changes, supply chain disruptions, and financial pressures. Instead of reacting emotionally, approach each obstacle analytically. Strong leaders stay calm, gather facts, and make decisions that protect the long‑term vision rather than chasing short‑term wins.
Surround yourself with capable people and treat them as partners. Success in these industries is never achieved alone. Architects, engineers, contractors, brand representatives, and city officials all play critical roles. Invest in these relationships and build trust through transparency and reliability.
Finally, stay curious. Both hospitality and construction evolve quickly—guest expectations shift, technology advances, and markets change. Leaders who continue learning stay ahead.
Lead with integrity, operate with discipline, and remember that every project you build becomes part of your legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marquee-hotels.com
- Other: https://www.ihg.com/avidhotels/hotels/us/en/fort-worth/ftwsa/hoteldetail
