Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

The Witness Group contracts with HE for management

TWG was formed in 2016 by second-generation Asian American hoteliers

THE WITNESS GROUP, an Asian American owned hospitality development and investment group, has contracted with Atlanta-based management and development firm Hotel Equities to manage its portfolio of 36 hotels. The portfolio includes brands from Marriott International Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, InterContinental Hotels Group and Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Discussions for the agreement began earlier this year as TWG looked to further focus on growth and creating new opportunities. HE and its affiliate Virtua Partners will focus on future transactions, conversions and new development.


“While we put the conversations on pause in March [when the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect the U.S.], we eventually picked back up early summer recognizing this as a rare window to integrate platforms with less interruption to business,” said Aakash Patel, TWG’s chief development officer. “We think this better positions us for the rebound.”

HE’s business intelligence systems, training programs, development services and operating platform were factors in landing the contract with TWG, said Brad Rahinsky, HE’s president and CEO.

“Most important is the fact that we are aligned in company culture, vision and goals. We have a shared desire to create a unique and powerful platform for our associates to help them fulfil their aspirations and find purpose and meaning within the hospitality industry,” Rahinsky said. “This was not a transaction rushed into to hit a number. This relationship established over many months of conversations, face-to-face meetings and genuine dialogue is a true partnership founded on trust and shared values and goals.”

TWG, based in Columbus, Ohio, was formed in 2016 as a merger of Alliance Hospitality and KB Hotel Group with Ohm Patel as CEO, according to an article in Asian Hospitality at the time. KB Hotel Group was a management company while Alliance did development.

Ohm’s father Naresh Patel began Alliance in 1999. Nitin Patel is Naresh’s brother-in-law and became partner in Alliance in 2000. His son Sagar Patel is one of TWG’s founders and, along with Ohm and Sagar’s cousin Sachin and Aakash are principals.

Ohm is still a TWG board member as well as a principal at Moment Development, according to his LinkedIn page.

Transitioning the TWG hotels into HE’s portfolio began on Sept. 1 commencing with a series of town hall meetings between both firm’s executive leadership teams. More than 500 new employees have joined HE’s training classes, said Bryan DeCort, HE’s COO.

“HE has invested heavily in our people and infrastructure to ensure we are consistently driving improvement across all our KPI’s,” he said. “We lead with performance which creates stability and growth opportunities for our associates and improved profitability for all of our stakeholders.”

TWG’s people are the main focus for Sachin, who said his teams will benefit from a larger support system and shared best practices.

“Most importantly, this [partnership] will give our property and corporate teams a better platform to learn through HE's training programs and leverage the additional opportunities available to them in the larger portfolio,” Sachin said.

The agreement between the two companies allows HE and Virtua Partners to expand into the Midwest.

“We are excited to expand our presence into the Heartland. Utilizing both team’s knowledge and expertise will create a smooth transition,'' said Quinn Palomino, co-founder and principal of Virtua Partners. “We consider ourselves to be results-driven companies with strong and distinct cultures.

Last February, HE took another step deeper into Canada with a contract to manage a planned dual-branded Four Points by Sheraton and Residence Inn by Marriott in Langley, British Columbia. Construction of the property is expected to begin around the middle of this year with expectation to open in 2021.

More for you

Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
  • Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
  • The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
  • The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
  • The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.

PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spark Acquires Home2 Suites Wayne, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Hunter Hotels

Spark acquires Wayne, N.J., Home2 Suites

Summary:

  • Spark acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey.
  • Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction with DC Hospitality Group affiliates.
  • The 2020-built hotel is near William Paterson University and less than 20 miles from Manhattan.

SPARK GHC RECENTLY acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey, from affiliates of DC Hospitality Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the deal for an undisclosed amount.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
  • The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
  • Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.

THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Launches 20th Student Case Competition in USA
Photo Credit: iStock

HAMA launches 20th student case competition

Summary:

  • HAMA is accepting submissions for its 20th annual student case competition.
  • The cases reflect a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
  • Teams must submit a financial analysis, solution and executive summary.

THE HOSPITALITY ASSET Managers Association is accepting submissions for the 20th Annual HAMA Student Case Competition, in which more than 60 students analyze a management company change scenario and provide recommendations. HAMA, HotStats and Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting are providing the case, based on a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.

Keep ReadingShow less