Lexington, South Carolina, is about to enter a new chapter in hospitality with the arrival of the Courtyard by Marriott Lexington SC — a thoughtfully designed hotel rooted in nearly three decades of family tradition, community values, and a passion for service.
On September 30th, Lexington Hospitality, led by brothers Ajay and Raj Champaneri, officially broke ground on Main Street for this exciting development. For the Champaneri family, this project represents much more than construction. It is a continuation of a legacy that began nearly 30 years ago, when their father, Mr. Al Champaneri, opened the family’s very first hotel right here in Lexington.
A Family Legacy of Hospitality
The Champaneri family’s story stretches from their roots in Gujarat, India — a region known for its warmth and entrepreneurial spirit — to South Carolina, where they have spent over 25 years shaping hotels and restaurants. Their business, Lexington Hospitality, was built on the principle of treating every guest like family while pursuing thoughtful, sustainable growth.
At the groundbreaking, Raj Champaneri captured this spirit with heartfelt words:
“This is more than just a construction site — it is the foundation of the vision that Lexington Hospitality has nurtured for years. This hotel will serve as a gateway for travelers and a hub for local businesses, fostering connections between visitors and our vibrant community. We envision it as a place where memories are created, where business meetings turn into valuable partnerships, and where families come together to enjoy our hospitality.”
Raj also paid tribute to his late brother Nash, his younger brother Ajay, and his father Al Champaneri, whom he described as “the man behind everything.”
What the New Courtyard Will Bring
The new 111-room Courtyard by Marriott will offer:
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Modern guest rooms and welcoming public spaces
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A state-of-the-art fitness center
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Flexible meeting and event spaces
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The Bistro, offering fresh meals, Starbucks® coffee, and evening cocktails
Designed with Lexington’s character in mind while delivering Marriott’s trusted quality, the hotel spans 66,000 square feet and will provide 50–100 jobs through construction and operations. Once open (expected late 2026 or early 2027), the Courtyard will attract both business and leisure travelers — creating opportunities for local restaurants, shops, and service providers.
The groundbreaking was more than a business milestone — it was a community event. Attendees included Mayor Hazel Livingston and Sheriff Jay Koon, whose presence underscored the project’s significance for Lexington’s growth and future.
This development is not just an investment in hospitality, but an investment in the local economy and the spirit of Main Street Lexington.
At Southern Visions Realty, we are especially proud of our connection to this project. Our founder, Robby Wilkins, has been working closely with Lexington Hospitality on this vision since June 2017. From concept to groundbreaking, Robby and the Southern Visions team have been honored to support the Champaneri family in bringing this landmark development to life.
This partnership reflects our own commitment: investing in projects that create opportunity, strengthen communities, and honor the character of Lexington.
The Courtyard by Marriott Lexington SC represents more than a hotel. It’s the continuation of a 30-year legacy, a boost for Lexington’s economy, and a place that will welcome travelers while keeping the heart of the community front and center.
At Southern Visions Realty, we believe that growth is strongest when it’s built on relationships, community pride, and shared values. That’s why we’re honored to partner with Lexington Hospitality on this journey — and why we’re excited to see this project become a cornerstone of Lexington’s future.
