New chairman begins his term as speakers give views on the state of the industry
Kamalesh “KP” Patel became AAHOA's 35th chairman for the 2025–26 term, while Vimal “Ricky” Patel was named secretary at the 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans.
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 senior 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.
KP Patel Assumes AAHOA Chairmanship at AAHOACON 2025
KAMALESH “KP” PATEL officially assumed the role of AAHOA's 35th chairman and Vimal “Ricky” Patel was elected secretary at the 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans. Other highlights of AAHOACON included panel discussions with industry leaders who discussed the state of the industry.
More than 6,000 AAHOA members, their families and vendors attended the event at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center April 15 to 17 under the theme "New Ideas, New Opportunities, New Orleans." More than 500 vendors had booths in the tradeshow and keystone speakers included Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, stand-up comedian and author Zarna Garg and "Hollywood's Brandfather" Rohan Oza.
AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake said a tide of optimism and determination was sweeping across the association. This optimism comes from having survived trials, from COVID and natural disasters to major political shifts.
“If you take nothing else from this conference, let me say this with confidence, the state of AAHOA is stronger than ever,” Blake said. “We have turned adversity into opportunity. Brands are returning. The industry dialog is stronger than ever. This is our moment. This is our time to embrace the American dream.”
In with the new
New Chairman KP Patel served as AAHOA's North Pacific regional director and was a premier ambassador for several years, the association said in a statement. He was elected secretary in 2022, beginning a leadership path that has now led to his chairmanship.
"It's an incredible honor to serve as chairman of AAHOA," KP Patel said. "This association has been the backbone of support for hotel owners like myself. As we navigate an ever-changing industry, I'm committed to strengthening our foundation, empowering membership, and ensuring AAHOA continues to be the voice, the resource, and the community that hotel owners rely on."
Patel’s platform centers on the theme “Strengthening AAHOA Through Member Empowerment.” He stressed ensuring AAHOA members’ profits, stronger advocacy on issues important to the association, increasing unity and more dialogue with brands and policymakers. During the conference, KP said he was passionate about AAHOA’s charitable foundation and scholarships.
He said there is a continuum of leadership for AAHOA that he must uphold.
“This is why we do what we do, not just for today, but for tomorrow, as we prepare for a transition of leadership later today, I want to emphasize something important: AAHOA’s strength is in its continuity,” he said. “Every chair who has come before me has built on the foundation laid before them. They have led with vision, dedication and commitment, and I am honored to carry that momentum forward. But leadership isn't about just one person, it's about all of us. It's about ensuring that our voices continue to be heard, that our industry remains strong, and that AAHOA positions for long term success.”
Kamalesh described AAHOA not just as an association, but as a family.
"This community shaped my career, and now it's my turn to serve,” he said. “If AAHOA isn't delivering value, creating opportunities, and strengthening this industry, then we're not doing our job. I want every member to know their voice matters and that this association belongs to them.”
"On behalf of AAHOA, we congratulate KP on his new role as chairman," Blake said. "He brings a deep commitment to our mission and a clear vision for the future. We are excited to work together to advance AAHOA's advocacy, expand our impact, and continue building an association that reflects the strength and spirit of America’s hotel owners."
The first step of the journey
AAHOA’s newly selected secretary Ricky Patel has owned both branded and independent hotels since immigrating to the U.S. at age 21. He has served in multiple AAHOA leadership roles, including as ambassador, Gulf regional director, and on committees covering government affairs, strategic planning, education and professional development, and bylaws and governance.
“I want hotel owners to win the economic future, so we must be prepared not only for the change we know is coming but also for the change we don’t see coming,” Vicky said. “My style as an officer will be to work energetically on today’s issues while proactively anticipating tomorrow’s problems.”
He also chaired two ad hoc committees on insurance—where he led a search for affordable property premium options—and on revenue generation, where he helped raise $1.8 million in new funds for AAHOA.
Outside of AAHOA, Patel has worked on behalf of hotel owners in volunteer executive roles, including as a board member of the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation and as board chairman for Lafayette Travel.
Updates from the experts
AAHOACON2025 included several panel discussions featuring hospitality industry veterans and experts. The topics ranged from changes in the industry faced by the latest generation of Asian American hoteliers to concerns about the uncertain economy.
During one general session panel, Al Patel, president of Columbia, Maryland-based Baywood Hotels, discussed the different approaches each generation of Asian American hoteliers takes to the business.
“I think the risks that they took, first, leaving their homeland, coming to a place where they had no friends, no family, no structure, leaving that comfort to come to this country, didn't speak the language, didn't know the culture, and took these enormous risks part of this motel business and worked extremely hard,” Al Patel said. “That's just what I remember from my parents, is they worked extremely hard. And I think as that transition to us, we saw that hard work. We also worked hard in the beginning, but we also at some point, learned that after we work hard, we've got to work smart also. And so, you know, that was kind of the progression that worked hard, and now we're getting smart, and then we'll see how the next, the third generation, works.”
On the same panel, Mit Shah, CEO of Atlanta-based Noble Investment Group, said the business is third generation is going to have is going to be very different.
“Let's just state here for a moment that building hotels is really hard. For obvious reasons, costs, availability of land costs, financing and making those numbers work. Labor costs themselves, and the brands who actually get paid on growth, are looking at all of this and understanding that they have got to find other pockets,” Shah said. “Is it surprising that Marriott is in the serviced apartment business? That they're in the cruise business? That Hilton is in the glamping business?”
During the View from the Top panel on the last day of the conference, Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, gave his view on the economy.
“Talking to all of you, over the last three days, there's never been more uncertainty in terms of development, but there also does not seem to be a lot of concern out there that the resiliency of select service has never been more tested, never been more proven than it was throughout COVID,” Ballotti said. “I think there is tremendous optimism still out there. We're all feeling it on the trade show floor.”
When the panel’s emcee, former AAHOA Chairwoman Jagruti Panwala, asked what would be the top ask the panelists would have if they met President Donald Trump, Ritesh Agarwal, OYO founder and CEO described the time he met Trump.
“Four years ago, I had the opportunity to see President Trump in New Delhi when he was visiting and I gave him a quick background about what we were doing in Asia and in the US, and he said two things,” Agarwal said. “The first thing he said is, ‘I'm a huge believer in the economy and the mid-scale sector of the industry. And second is, I know a thing or two about hotels to test their activities. If I were to say something to the administration, I'd say I'm an optimist. I'm an entrepreneur. In a room full of entrepreneurs, we all are seeking opportunities.”
Agarwal, who also spoke at AAHOA’s second annual “HYPE – Helping Young Professionals Evolve” conference in February, also said the hotel industry can provide a short-term solution to the nation’s housing problems. He also would like to see the return of the Opportunity Zone concept created during the first Trump administration.
IHCL said reports of Taj exiting The Pierre Hotel are incorrect and misleading.
Media reported the Central Park hotel could sell for around $2 billion.
The company holds leasehold rights and continues to operate the New York hotel.
INDIAN HOTELS CO. Ltd. said media reports on Taj exiting its stake in The Pierre Hotel in New York are incorrect, misleading and speculative. In an exchange filing, IHCL stated it does not own The Pierre, but holds leasehold rights and continues to operate the hotel.
NYT reported that the board, advised by Newmark on the Pierre’s revamp, is in final talks to sell the hotel. It said that the Khashoggis, a prominent Saudi family, may provide some financing, while Dorchester, another luxury hotel chain, could manage the renovation. Dorchester is owned by the Sultanate of Brunei.
NYT said Taj defended its management of the building and proposed upgrades that would not require residents to move out.
However, IHCL called the media report speculative.
“IHCL follows the highest standards of governance and disclosure and any material information requiring it to make disclosures under the applicable regulatory requirements will be promptly disseminated by the company to the stock exchanges,” the company said.
In May, Business Line reported that IHCL’s U.S. business has recovered, with The Pierre and Campton Place in San Francisco seeing steady demand. Together, the two hotels have about 300 rooms and contribute around 10 percent of IHCL’s consolidated revenue.
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House introduces AFA to boost franchise model and hotel operations.
The act establishes a joint employer standard.
AHLA backs the bill, urging swift adoption.
THE HOUSE Of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act, aimed at supporting the U.S. franchising sector, including 36,000 franchised hotels and 3 million workers nationwide. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, backed the bill, urging swift adoption to boost the franchise model and clarify joint employer standards.
The AFA amends the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act, which since 2015 have created uncertainty for franchisors and franchisees, AHLA said in a statement.
Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) and Don Davis (D-North Carolina) introduced the AFA.
“Hotel franchising is a pathway to the American Dream for many entrepreneurs,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA president and CEO. “It is a proven win-win business model that enables partnerships between franchisees and franchisors. The American Franchise Act codifies a clear joint employer definition and is essential to protecting this framework.”
AFA aims to protect the franchise model, which has long enabled women and minority entrepreneurs to run their own businesses with support from larger brands, the statement said. It will clarify the employment relationship by establishing a joint employer standard that protects workers and preserves franchisee autonomy.
Mitch Patel, AHLA board chair and Vision Hospitality Group CEO, said that as a hotel franchisee, he has seen how the model enabled him and others to achieve the American Dream.
“Throughout my career, my hotel business has employed thousands of people who have built lifelong careers in our industry,” he said. “The American Franchise Act is essential to preserving this foundation. For the benefit of both employers and employees, we strongly encourage the swift passage of this critical legislation.”
"As one of the few franchisees in Congress, I understand how damaging an ever-changing joint-employer rule is to the franchise business model,” said Hern. “I'm pleased that we were able to come together in a bipartisan effort to create legislation that safeguards small businesses and individuals working to achieve the American Dream across the country."
Davis said changes to joint-employer rules have created prolonged uncertainty in the industry.
“The American Franchise Act aims to restore stability by clarifying that franchisors and franchisees operate as independent employers while safeguarding workers through established labor standards,” he said.
Separately, a petition for a referendum on Los Angeles’s “Olympic Wage” ordinance, which sets a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers by the 2028 Games, fell short of signatures. The ordinance will take effect, raising hotel wages from $22.50 to $25 next year, $27.50 in 2027 and $30 in 2028.
Noble broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park.
The 10th StudioRes expands Noble’s long-term accommodations platform.
Noble recently acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites properties through two portfolio transactions.
NOBLE INVESTMENT GROUP broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park, a retail center in Mobile, Alabama. It is Noble’s 10th property under Marriott International’s extended stay StudioRes brand.
“Noble is institutionalizing one of the most resilient and undersupplied segments at the intersection of hospitality, mobility and how people stay,” said Shah. “We are scaling a branded platform to capture secular demand that creates stable cash flow and long-term value.”
In May, Noble acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites properties through two portfolio transactions, expanding its platform in branded long-term accommodations.
Noah Silverman, Marriott International’s global development officer, U.S. & Canada, said breaking ground on the 10th StudioRes with Noble reflects the brand’s growth and the companies’ three-decade partnership.
“With both companies’ expertise in long-term accommodations, Marriott’s distribution channels, and the power of our nearly 248 million Marriott Bonvoy members, we are confident StudioRes is uniquely positioned to generate customer demand at scale, drive performance and sustain long-term growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marriott has more than 50 signed StudioRes projects, about half under construction, the statement said. The first StudioRes opened in Fort Myers, Florida.
Hersha Hotels & Resorts sold The Boxer Boston to Eurostars Hotels.
The company acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million.
The property now sold for $23.6 million.
HERSHA HOTELS & RESORTS sold The Boxer Boston, an 80-room hotel in Boston’s West End, to Eurostars Hotels, part of Spain’s Grupo Hotusa. The company, which reportedly acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million, received $23.6 million for it.
The seven-story hotel, built in 1904, is near TD Garden, the Charles River Esplanade, One Congress, North Station and Massachusetts General Hospital, said JLL Hotels & Hospitality, which brokered the sale. It also has a fitness center.
Hersha Hotels & Resorts is part of the Hersha Group, founded in 1984 by Hasu Shah. Jay Shah serves as senior advisor and his brother Neil Shah is president and CEO.
JLL Managing Director Alan Suzuki, Senior Director Matthew Enright and Associate Emily Zhang represented the seller.
"The Boxer’s prime location at the crossroads of Boston's West End, North End and Downtown districts, combined with its strong cash flow and its unencumbered status regarding brand and management, made this an exceptionally attractive investment," said Suzuki. "Boston continues to demonstrate resilient lodging fundamentals driven by its diverse demand generators, including world-class educational institutions, medical facilities, corporate presence and convention and leisure attractions."
The property will become the Spanish hotel chain Eurostars’ fifth U.S. hotel, supporting the group’s North American expansion, the statement said.
Amancio López Seijas, president of Grupo Hotusa and Eurostars Hotels Co., said the addition of Eurostars’ The Boxer strengthens the company’s presence in key locations and promotes urban tourism.
Peachtree recognized by Inc. and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third year.
Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing companies.
PEACHTREE GROUP ENTERED the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year. The company also won the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Awards as one of the city’s fastest-growing private companies.
The Inc. 5000 list provides a data-driven look at independent businesses with sustained success nationwide, while the Business Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing privately held companies, Peachtree said in a statement.
“We are in the business of identifying and capitalizing on mispriced risk, and in today’s environment of disruption and dislocation, that has created strong tailwinds for our growth,” said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO. “These recognitions validate our ability to execute in complex markets, and we see significant opportunity ahead as we continue to scale our platform.”
The Atlanta-based investment firm, led by Friedman; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel, principal, oversees a diversified portfolio of more than $8 billion.