Skip to content

Search

Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Hihotels recognizes eight company leaders

The company was established in 1982

hihotels executive team honored for long-term service and loyalty in hospitality

Hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc., leadership team, from left, are Paul Vakharia, senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region; Pat Cheedle; Penny Duelk, director, assurance and marketing program; Vic Vescovo; Gary Gobin, director of operations; Helen Somphone, vice president of finance; Frank Sweeney, director of distribution and digital marketing; and Chris Guimbellot, president and CEO.

Ed Brock
By Ed BrockJun 20, 2025
Ed Brock
Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently assistant editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
See Full Bio
Follow:

EIGHT LEADERS OF hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc. are being recognized by the company for their combined 121 years of service. The company was established in 1982 as an alternative to other, established brands.

The honorees include Paul Vakharia, hihotels’ senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region who has been with the company for 25 years. Chhaya Patel, franchise development coordinator, also has been with the company for 25 years.

The other honorees include:

  •  Helen Somphone, vice president of finance, 20 years
  •  Chris Guimbellot, president and CEO, 15 years
  • Frank Sweeney, director of distribution and digital marketing, 10 years
  • Bridget Lohnes, creative services manager, 10 years
  •  Gary Gobin, director of operations, 8 years
  •  Penny Duelk, director, assurance and marketing program, 8 years

    • “This kind of long-term commitment is rare in today’s business world, and it’s a testament to the type of culture we’ve built at hihotels,” Guimbellot said. “Our leadership team is deeply invested in the company’s mission and the success of our franchisees. We empower each other to lead with integrity, innovate with confidence, and serve with heart. That’s the foundation of our long-standing stability.”

    Guimbellot also said the company’s longevity was due to its leadership team’s shared commitment to the same values and the hotel owners it serves. Their experience has allowed hihotels to navigate industry changes while delivering support to the company’s nationwide network of properties. Regular strategy sessions and open lines of communication also promoted forward-thinking solutions, the company said.

    “It has been a privilege to be part of an organization where every voice matters,” Vakharia said. “Over 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand how our collaborative, family-like culture helps franchisees thrive. We don’t just build businesses—we build relationships.”

    The company offers five economy brands: Scottish Inns, Red Carpet Inn, Master Hosts Inns, Downtowner Inns, and Passport Inn. It employs a lean, flexible structure to encourage initiative and independent decision-making within each department.

    In April, hihotels marked the second anniversary of its franchisee advisory council, which supports policy development, new initiatives, and brand operations. The council includes five franchisee hotel owners, one vendor and Guimbellot.

    leadership teamfranchise recognitionhihotelsc

    Related News

    OYO and Yatra partner to expand hotel offerings for business travelers across India
    India News

    OYO using Yatra to grow business travel segment

    Baywood Acquires Hyatt Place Miami Airport-West/Doral |Miami
    Openings & Acquisitions

    Baywood acquires Miami Hyatt Place

    RHG scales up youth training in India
    India News

    RHG scales up youth training in India

    AAIB: Fuel Cutoff Triggered Air India Crash—Preliminary
    India News

    AAIB report: Fuel cutoff triggered Air India crash

    More for you

    U.S. travelers using mobile devices to book independent boutique hotel stays with personalized offers and smart tech in 2025

    Study: Personalization boosts independent hotel bookings

    Summary:

    • Around 95 percent of U.S. travelers are more likely to book independent hotels with personalized offers, according to TakeUp.
    • 59 percent plan more travel in 2025, with 78 percent favoring weekend getaways and 65 percent domestic trips.
    • Top booking deterrents are few reviews at 39 percent, unclear cleanliness or quality at 38 percent and inflexible cancellations at 29 percent.

    PERSONALIZED OFFERS BASED on interests would make 95 percent of U.S. travelers more likely to book at an independent hotel, according to TakeUp, a revenue management platform for independent hotels. About 85 percent are open to technologies such as smart check-in, recommendations and AI-based pricing.

    Keep ReadingShow less
    Chart showing decline in U.S. extended-stay hotel occupancy and RevPAR in May 2025

    Report: May fifth month for drop in extended-stay occupancy

    Summary:

    • Extended-stay occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth straight monthly decline; ADR and RevPAR also dropped for a second consecutive month.
    • May marked 44 straight months of supply growth for the segment at 4 percent or less, with annual growth below the 4.9 percent long-term average.
    • Extended-stay room revenues rose 0.5 percent, while total industry revenue grew 0.9 percent, led by segments with little extended-stay supply.

    EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly decline, exceeding the 0.7 percent drop reported for all hotels by STR/CoStar, according to The Highland Group. Extended-stay occupancy was 10.5 percentage points above the total hotel industry, at the lower end of the long-term average premium range.

    Keep ReadingShow less
    Auro Hotels Showcases India Culture at TCMU Exhibit

    Auro unveils 'India Cultural Corner' for children

    Summary:

    • Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner, where children can check in and explore Indian culture at The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
    • Families can engage with community art, activities and storytelling about daily life in India.
    • The exhibit runs through May 2026, offering interactive learning on Indian culture.

    AURO HOTELS RECENTLY opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families. The exhibition, held at The Grand Geo Hotel and running through May 2026, includes a hotel desk where children can check in and explore Indian culture through interactive activities.

    Keep ReadingShow less
    U.S. Firms Lose $2.4 Trillion by Skimping on Business Travel

    Report: Business travel gaps cost U.S. firms $2.4T

    Summary:

    • U.S. companies risk losing more than $2.4 trillion in sales due to underinvestment in business travel, says GBTA.
    • An 8.3 percent T&E increase could drive a 6 percent sales gain, despite post-COVID virtual meeting tools.
    • Current T&E spending is $294 billion—$24 billion short of the $319.1 billion needed for peak profitability.

    U.S. COMPANIES ARE missing more than $2.4 trillion in potential sales due to underinvestment in business travel, according to a Global Business Travel Association report. Despite a post-pandemic rebound, travel and entertainment spending remains $66 billion below 2019 levels.

    Keep ReadingShow less
    Newly renovated Marriott Saddle Brook hotel in New Jersey, now managed by Stonebridge Cos.

    Stonebridge to manage Marriott in Saddle Brook, NJ

    Summary:

    • Stonebridge Cos. has added the Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service portfolio.
    • The renovated property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.
    • Located 20 miles from New York City, it is near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, Garden State Plaza and Hackensack University Medical Center.

    STONEBRIDGE COS. RECENTLY added the 244-room Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service managed portfolio. The property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.

    Keep ReadingShow less
    Asian Hospitality Logo
    © Copyright 2025