Raj Bedi’s career as a Kingston hotelier has provided comfort for many, including himself

Joseph Coppolino

February 19, 2025

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Raj Bedi was sitting at his son’s hospital bedside when he saw the ad for a motel for sale in Kingston. It was the beginning of an unexpected career for Bedi in the city’s hospitality industry. Bedi’s story began in India, where he was born and raised before deciding to seek new opportunities abroad. In 1969, he spent a few months in Germany before applying for immigration to Canada. "One thing is it was English-speaking. The other thing was they were advertising at that time as a ‘Land of opportunities, come to Canada.’ I saw the ads outside of the High Commission in Germany. So, I thought, well, let’s go there." He arrived in Windsor in 1970 and established himself in real estate, eventually co-owning a brokerage in the city. However, his path took an unexpected turn in 1984 when he and his family decided to return to India to follow their daughter who was headed to school. They’d hoped for a new chapter in their homeland, but fate had different plans. Shortly after the family’s return to India, Bedi’s young son was diagnosed with leukemia. Seeking the best treatment, the family relocated back to Canada, settling in Toronto for medical care. As his five-year-old son’s treatment progressed, it turned out Kingston had the necessary facilities to care for him. Wanting to stay close to his family while continuing his career, in 1985 Bedi made his first move into the Kingston hotel industry when he came across a classified ad in the newspaper listing a motel for sale. "I saw an ad in the Toronto Star. A motel for sale in Kingston. Maybe this is fate. I could spend time with my son and still have work,” said Bedi, who noticed the ad as he sat at his son’s bedside. "We drove down that weekend, took a look at the motel, and decided to buy it. It was a small place, but it was a start. We saw potential and we knew we could make something of it." The family purchased the Executive Motel, a small property that would become the foundation of Bedi’s presence in the region’s hospitality industry. Two years later, Bedi’s son died at the age of seven. Overwhelmed with grief, Bedi found solace in his work, dedicating himself to running and growing his business. Over the years, he expanded his portfolio, acquiring and managing multiple motel properties in the city. Bedi’s latest venture, the newly built Comfort Inn & Suites in Kingston, began construction in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It faced numerous challenges, including labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. "It was a challenge ... just to sign for the contractor. And the same week we found out there’s the COVID pandemic. But it was still very difficult at times because of the labour shortage, material, and a lot of other issues. But somehow we made it through." The hotel received an award for the best newly built Comfort Inn in Canada in 2024. Throughout his 40 years in Kingston’s hotel business, Bedi has witnessed significant changes. In the 1980s and 1990s, tourism was booming, he said, with visitors from Toronto, Montreal and even Europe flocking to the city. Over time, he said, tourism has declined and Bedi believes a renewed focus on promotion and development could help reinvigorate the sector. "Tourism has dropped. In the ‘80s, there were a lot of tourists. People used to come for Fort Henry (National Historic Site) and the Thousand Islands to take that boat ride. But that slowly, slowly disappeared." Despite these shifts, Bedi remains optimistic about Kingston’s business environment. He describes it as a “solid community” and one of the best places to live and work. When asked about his advice for those looking to start a business, Bedi emphasizes the importance of dedication, perseverance and a willingness to put in the effort required to succeed. "Work hard, work honestly. Stay at it. Choose the right business and everybody gets a share." At this stage in his career, Bedi lets his team manage day-to-day operations. His general manager, Linda Hicks, runs the Comfort Inn & Suites, allowing Bedi to oversee operations. Though now semi-retired, Bedi continues to explore new opportunities. He owns land next to his hotel on Princess Street and is considering future development projects. He’s also evaluating the possibility of building a new hotel in Napanee.