When first-generation American Raghav Sapra stepped into the vacant American Building in Savannah, Ga., he immediately saw its potential. For the entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, it was an opportunity to realize his dream of owning a hotel—a bold, non-traditional career in his Indian culture, he notes.
Sapra spent three years restoring and renovating the 1890s building, honoring the historic roots of one of the oldest buildings in the city. Today, the structure in the heart of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District houses The Drayton Hotel, a 50-room luxury property with meeting space that offers sweeping views of the city and Savannah River.
In salute to the Fourth of July and the pioneering spirit of America, ConventionSouth spoke with Sapra about the hotel, his love for Savannah, and the Land of Opportunity. We celebrate his story and
that of millions who have achieved the American dream in the glow of the Statue of Liberty’s welcoming words: “I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
How was the dream of owning a hotel different from the Indian culture of your parents?
My parents’ story is a common immigrant story of their generation. They came from India to the United States, the Land of Opportunity, to unleash their limitless ambition. The pursuit required hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and vision. While my professional passions are different, the characteristics of our pursuits are the same. They led by example with their work ethic, humility, and respect for everyone no matter their background.
What spurred your desire to own a hotel?
Restaurateurs and hoteliers who could create an emotional, memorable experience in a short period of time fascinated me from an early age. It is what planted the seeds for my lifelong passion
for storytelling. Hotels became the outlet for me to share a story of a neighborhood and its residents, so much so that the experience leaves a memory lasting beyond a guest’s stay. Many people from professional and personal interactions have nurtured my success and approach to hospitality. The universal memory has always been the generosity, honesty, and humility each one of them showed or shared.
What went through your mind when you first stepped into the building where The Drayton Hotel now resides?
I felt as if I had pulled a dusty classic book off a shelf and found a gem. The building that is now The Drayton Hotel has witnessed the events and progress of the neighborhood since the 1890s. The vistas I see gazing out of the guest room windows at the Savannah River, Historic District, and City Hall are the same vistas someone would have seen more than 100 years ago.
Why did this property strike you as the perfect place to fulfill your dream?
The location across from City Hall and overlooking the Savannah River, the original architecture, and intimacy were elements in creating an ideal canvas to share a story true to the traditions and progress of the city’s Historic District. Equally as important, the neighborhood’s residents added a layer to the experience I wanted to incorporate. I define design as a collection of many layers; when all the layers are in harmony and engage the senses, the design is special and timeless.
What is your best advice for anyone who shares your dream?
If I had to give a younger version of myself advice, I would tell him to find opportunities to work with people you admire and be patient and persistent, as the journey will have surprises. Success has a definition that is unique to everyone. For me, success in this industry is about the truth in the experience, the hotel’s magnificent team, our guests’ experiences, and the impact we have as a member of the community.
