EMBRACING the mantra "Live joyfully and dream fearlessly," Rita Patel continues her mission to evolve Hotel Trundle – the only independently owned boutique hotel in Columbia, S.C. – which she and her husband launched seven years ago. As chief marketing officer and experience designer, Rita has transformed the historic property into a local landmark.
Born into an Indian American family in Orangeburg, S.C., Rita absorbed hospitality wisdom from her parents' hotel management company, established in 1990. After earning her interior design degree from the University of Georgia and Master of Architecture from UNC Charlotte, she met future husband and business partner Marcus Munse, bonding over their shared passion for historical architecture.
Rita honed her skills in Atlanta's high-end residential and commercial builds before she and Marcus conceived Hotel Trundle, opening in 2018. Nestled in Columbia's Main Street District, the award-winning 41-room jewel occupies three historic buildings seamlessly merged into one. Rita attributes the hotel's distinct charm to the city's talented local artists, craftspeople and business owners.
Her expertise earned Hotel Trundle fifth place on USA Today's List of 10 Best Historic Hotels, along with multiple Free Times' Best of Columbia and Best of Columbia Metropolitan awards. Rita shared with the Women of Color Power List 2025 that since opening, Hotel Trundle has hosted more than 28,000 guests, with 80 percent of expenditures reinvested into local communities through local suppliers and vendors.
Expanding their vision, Marcus and Rita have introduced two offsite offerings: The Flutter Wing, featuring stylish rooms for brides and VIP guests, and The Dens, four apartment-style lodging spaces in historic Cottontown.
Rita has revolutionized employee well-being, creating innovative hotel roles that establish "better ways for co-workers and different departments to work effectively and efficiently together." She provides staff with "free and confidential mental health counselling and resources," while championing recognition through gifts and development opportunities.
Her community dedication shines through service on the City Center Partnership Board and Prisma Health Children's Hospital Board. This inspiring leader earned recognition as the Women of Influence Winner by the Columbia Regional Business Report in both 2023 and 2018.
Hotel Trundle is itself dotted with plenty of local touches, from the artwork that decorates its halls to the continental breakfast treats they serve every morning. And, with the help of local partners, they have put together exciting experiences around the city – including private tours of off-limits brewhouses, guided eco adventures at Congaree National Park, and more.
"We live, play and work here - we love Columbia - and we want to support this city, to create a platform for community and provide thoughtfully curated experiences for locals and visitors," Rita says.
Rita lives in downtown Columbia with husband Marcus, sons Easton and Von, rescue dog Guinness, and bearded dragon Bagel. "They bring us nothing but joy into our lives. We love rediscovering our youth through new experiences with them," she says of her children.
