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:
“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.
