WITH A CAREER spanning over 25 years, Komal ‘Tina’ Patel has been a hospitality leader in Oregon since the 1980s, focusing on supporting the Indian community and advancing women in the hotel industry.
This respected industry veteran has held key roles in hotel management, strategic planning, and business development across several hotel brands in and around Oregon. Known for driving operational improvements, Komal's leadership continues to make a significant impact on the hospitality landscape. “My hospitality journey began with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences,” she told the Women of Color Power List 2025. However, it took more than two decades before she made the entrepreneurial plunge.
Komal and her husband, Alpesh Patel, launched ALKO Hotels LLC in Eugene, OR, in 2002. The name ALKO was derived from the first two letters of their first names.
Her background includes working as general manager at University Inn & Suites Eugene from 2002 to 2011, gaining experience in various aspects of hotel operations. She also worked at Comfort Suites University Hotel from 2001 to 201 – both properties being franchise hotels run by ALKO Hotels.
Komal’s gradual rise in the company allowed her to learn various roles while being the hotel owner. She enjoys being involved in the growing U.S. tourism industry.
At present, Alpesh serves as the president and CEO of ALKO, the limited-service hotel development, ownership, and management company, while Komal serves as its managing director. The company’s key focus areas are investment, management, and training.
Komal oversees the company’s portfolio of properties, ensuring that each hotel delivers exceptional service and maintains high operational standards.
ALKO Hotels works on diverse projects in market sectors such as university, urban, and growing markets.
Komal is known for her hands-on approach and commitment to fostering a positive work environment. ALKO Hotels employs nearly 100 staff across its locations. She prioritizes staff training and development, understanding that a motivated team is essential for outstanding guest experiences.
Komal’s leadership style blends strategic foresight with operational expertise, earning her respect and influence in the hospitality industry. Her dedication to excellence and innovative approach to hotel management continue to drive the success of ALKO Hotels.
Komal often reflects on how she and Alpesh arrived in the U.S. from Gujarat in the late 1980s with few possessions and big dreams. Komal views her studies in Business Management at Clark University in Worcester, MA, as a significant step in her journey.
She recalls the pivotal moment when she and her husband decided to open their first franchised hotel: “That step opened the doors for us and other franchises,” she says. “Another huge success was being able to create a successful hotel management company.”
Today, ALKO owns, operates, and manages six franchised hotels across the Northwest region, including flagship brands such as Marriott International, Hilton Hotels Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group, and Choice Hotels International.
Meanwhile, Komal doesn’t miss an opportunity to give a leg up to others in the industry. She mentors students and hospitality professionals for successful careers as hoteliers. She is involved in community initiatives and industry organizations, advocating for sustainable practices within the hospitality sector and supporting local businesses and fostering community relationships.
Her dedication to the community is evident through her involvement as co-chair of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association’s government affairs committee and her service on the ORLA board of directors.
Sex trafficking is a major issue in the Portland metro area. Komal has been involved in various initiatives in Oregon to address it. A 2018 Oregon Advisory Committee report ranked Portland second among U.S. cities for the number of children found in forced prostitution during a national federal law enforcement sting.
Komal describes sex trafficking as a form of slavery that many buyers do not recognize. Many prostituted individuals, often trafficked as children, are forced into sex acts. She believes businesses, especially hotels, play a key role in identifying victims and preventing trafficking, as many crimes occur in motels, hotels, apartments, and Airbnb rentals.
Understanding the role of hotels in combating trafficking, Komal underwent training herself. The training helped her recognize key signs to watch for.
Her company partnered with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association to raise awareness and funds for training programs. AAHOA also organizes charity golf tournaments to support its mission, including efforts to combat human trafficking.
Hotels near the airport are often used by traffickers because they provide easy access for buyers flying into Portland. Recognizing this, Komal’s daughter, Dhruti, now leads training sessions to help hotel staff identify trafficking victims and take action.
“Even if you can save just one life, the training is worth it,” she said.
Komal has also served on the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s Women’s Committee and remains actively involved with AAHOA and the Asian/Indian community.
As the northwest regional director for AAHOA and a board member for the past five years, she has been instrumental in increasing the involvement of women in leadership roles within the hospitality industry.
As an active member of AAHOA, Komal is thrilled to see more women rising to leadership roles in hospitality. “AAHOA has seen a significant increase in involvement from women hoteliers,” she says. “More women are getting involved in the community and participating in boards and committees.”
In 2019, she won AAHOA’s Outstanding Woman Hotelier of the Year Award for her strong leadership, commitment to lodging excellence, and significant contributions to the industry and her community. In the following year, she was named Springfield’s 2020 Tourism Ambassador.
Komal’s success, demeanor, and attitude have made her an inspiration to future leaders. A mother of three, she acknowledges that she has been fortunate to receive support and encouragement throughout her career but recognizes that not all women share the same experience. As a woman in leadership, she remains committed to empowering others in the industry.
