When Rushi Vaidya arrived in Baltimore from India in 2010, he had only $20 with him. He described feeling isolated and afraid at the time. “I felt really alone and was scared — really scared,” he said.
Vaidya took the first job available to him in housekeeping at a hotel, where his responsibilities included cleaning rooms and collecting trash. When an opportunity opened for a night auditor position, he accepted it and later advanced to front desk manager and assistant general manager roles.
In 2016, Vaidya decided to lease his own hotel. His wife supported him through this transition, telling him not to worry about the challenges ahead. This initial success encouraged him to expand further. He then purchased the Quality Inn Waynesboro – Skyline Drive in Waynesboro, Virginia. Vaidya credited guidance from his Choice Hotels area director and attention to guest experience as key factors that improved the property’s performance.
Later, when considering converting a hotel in Verona, Virginia, to another brand despite already paying application and franchise fees, Vaidya chose instead to reopen it as a Quality Inn under Choice Hotels’ flag. The decision led to substantial revenue growth for the property. The Quality Inn Verona – Staunton North subsequently received multiple Choice Hotels Gold Awards for guest satisfaction.
“As a hotelier, I always felt supported, and I know that they’re there for me,” said Vaidya about working with Choice Hotels International Inc. “And following the process, I have always seen great results.”
Vaidya continued expanding his business by adding Suburban Studios as part of a dual-brand property at the Verona site in 2023. That same year, he added Clarion Pointe Staunton East in Staunton, Virginia. He believes that details such as unique décor make a difference for guests: “The unique touch it has — guests love it,” he said.
Vaidya’s story reflects how determination and focus on customer needs can help build long-term business success.
