Tech billionaire Michael Dell was once refused late checkout at Gurgaon's Oberoi Hotel. Full story

Michael Dell, aged 59, is the visionary behind Dell Technologies, one of the world’s largest technology infrastructure companies.

In a recent podcast episode, former Oberoi Group president Kapil Chopra revealed an intriguing anecdote involving billionaire Michael Dell. Chopra, who led the Oberoi Group from 2013 to 2018, shared this story during his conversation with Shantanu Deshpande, founder of Bombay Shaving Company, on the "The BarberShop with Shantanu" podcast.

The discussion touched upon the common customer grievance regarding strict hotel check-in and check-out policies. Chopra illustrated this with an incident involving Michael Dell, the chairman and CEO of Dell Technologies, at the Oberoi Gurgaon.

Chopra recounted how Dell, in his typically understated manner, approached the hotel reception to request a late check-out. Having realised he needed to stay at the hotel until the evening, Dell sought a more flexible departure time.

Unfortunately, the receptionist, who was on her first day at the job, did not recognise the significance of her guest. Chopra narrated, “The country head of Dell and all the other executives were busy on their phones, leaving Michael Dell alone in the lobby. He walked up quietly, in his own unassuming way, to the front desk and asked if he could get a late check-out.”

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The receptionist, adhering strictly to hotel policy, responded, “Sir, check-out is at 12 pm. If you stay until 6 pm, it’s a half-day charge. If it’s past 6 pm, it’s a full-day charge.”

This straightforward application of the hotel’s policy did not sit well with Dell, who decided to check out immediately, aiming to set an example. Chopra recalled receiving a call from the country head of Dell, expressing his disappointment. “The country head called me saying, ‘You could have charged us more. Why was Michael Dell refused?’ Now he wants to check out because he wants to set an example.”

Chopra emphasised, “Michael Dell is very particular about setting an example.”

Meanwhile, Kapil Chopra left Oberoi Group in 2018 to establish The Postcard Hotel and EazyDiner.

Michael Dell, aged 59, is the visionary behind Dell Technologies, one of the world’s largest technology infrastructure companies. According to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at $105 billion.