Today we’d like to introduce you to Manav Singh
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a seasoned hotelier and real estate developer with a rich legacy in the industry. Introduced to the hotel and real estate business at a young age by my father, who immigrated from India in the 1980s after serving in the Indian Navy, I grew up immersed in the family business. Starting in the 1990s, my father acquired our first hotel, and with my partnership over 15 years, we expanded our portfolio to include over eight hotels—850 rooms—across the Midwest, with major franchise partnerships such as Hilton, Intercontinental, Wyndham, and Best Western.Under my leadership, our family business shifted its focus to a high-barrier-to-entry market, centered around The Ohio State University. In 2011, we opened the Holiday Inn Express and Suites OSU, followed by the upscale Staybridge Suites-OSU in 2017. These developments laid the foundation for further growth, and we have since expanded our real estate portfolio across key areas in Columbus, including the Polaris Fashion District and Lewis Center, hosting a mix of national and local tenants. Currently, I am working on the development of a third hotel at OSU under the Hyatt brand. This project is poised to contribute to the continued growth of the North High Street area, further elevating the city of Columbus.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has definitely not been without its challenges. The hospitality industry is multifaceted and ever-evolving, which means that each year brings new obstacles—particularly as travel patterns and guest expectations change. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced was in 2020, when the pandemic disrupted the entire industry. Travel came to a halt, and like many, we had to take a step back to realign and regroup.During that time, resilience played a key role. We focused on adapting quickly by securing and maintaining group contracts with key institutions, such as hospitals, to keep our properties operational and relevant. It wasn’t easy, but through strategic planning and working closely with our partners, we were able to weather the storm and emerge stronger. It’s these tough moments that have reinforced the importance of flexibility, foresight, and maintaining strong relationships within the industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sintel Properties is dedicated to developing and operating both hotels and commercial real estate centers, with a strong presence at Ohio State University and throughout the greater Columbus area. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating unique, one-of-a-kind hotel experiences that elevate the stay for our guests. We don’t just build hotels—we design custom spaces that enhance the guest experience, particularly for those visiting OSU.
I personally have a passion for design, which is reflected in every one of our properties. From the architecture to the interior design, we focus on providing upgraded aesthetics, a welcoming atmosphere, and premium amenities that make each stay feel special. This attention to detail has resulted in our hotels consistently ranking as #1 on Trip Advisor for two consecutive years, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. Our team’s dedication to hospitality and guest satisfaction has truly set us apart.
What I want readers to know is that every decision, every detail, and every touchpoint of our properties is carefully thought out with the guest experience in mind. When people stay with us, they can feel the difference in the quality, design, and service. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s an experience we’ve worked hard to craft.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Columbus is how vibrant and quickly growing the city is. It’s always felt like home to me—my entire family has experienced and achieved the American Dream right here, and for that reason, Columbus will always hold a special place in my heart. The city has seen tremendous growth over the years, and much of that is driven by the innovation and development coming out of Ohio State University. It’s exciting to be at the heart of it all, especially with our properties located near campus.
Columbus has this unique energy, with something always happening—whether it’s new developments, events, or opportunities for growth. It’s a city that embraces change and is constantly evolving, making it an exciting place to live and work. I love the balance of big-city vibrancy and small-town warmth, and I think that’s what makes Columbus such a special place for entrepreneurs and families alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/columbus/cmhsb/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-SB-_-US-_-CMHSB
- Other: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/columbus/cmhol/hoteldetail
