Chhatrala Group hotels in trouble for back taxes

San Diego–based Chhatrala Group, which owns hotels around the country, is in trouble for back taxes in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Victorville. The company has a limited-liability company named Chhatrala Grand Rapids, LLC. The Grand Rapids city corporate attorney has sued the LLC on behalf of the Kent County treasurer.

According to the blog mlive.com, Kent County has sued Crowne Plaza Grand Rapids, owned by Chhatrala, for unpaid hotel taxes and penalties of $246,288 dating back to 2011.

Records of the Kent County Treasurer's Office shows the LLC has numerous liens against it, including a lien for faiing to pay workers compensation insurance. Woodtv.com has reported that the Crowne Plaza, Kent County's third largest hotel, missed a payroll in late December. According to the website, the hotel owes more than $350,000 in back property taxes for 2011 and 2012.

Chhatrala operates three hotels in Victorville. According to vvdailypress.com, Victorville claims the San Diego company owes $362,527 in occupancy taxes.

Last week, I repeatedly called Chhatrala and there was no answer on the phone — not even a recording. An email I sent to the general address bounced back. I decided to wait until today, January 6, since the company might have closed for the holidays. Today, I was told I would have to wait "a couple of days" for anyone to talk. I said I had been waiting a week. The response was, "If you give up, you give up." Then the speaker hung up. If somebody from the company wants to post a response on this blog, he or she is welcome to do so.