The Patel Motel Empire

If you’ve ever pulled into a roadside motel in the U.S., there’s a good chance it was run by a Patel. And no, that’s not a coincidence. It’s one of the most remarkable stories of immigrant grit, family hustle, and community-powered success in modern American history.

Today, Patels own around 60% of motels in the United States. But the journey to those front desks started decades ago, long before GPS and keycards.

Where It All Began

The earliest Patels in America arrived as far back as the 1920s and ’40s, often through countries like Trinidad and Panama. One of the first to stake a claim in hospitality was Kanji Manchhu Desai, who bought a small inn in Sacramento during World War II. He didn’t just build a business, he opened the door for others. Literally.

Through “handshake loans” and word-of-mouth mentoring, pioneers like Indian’s helped fellow Gujaratis get a foothold. It wasn’t about profit-sharing. It was about progress-sharing.

The “Patel Motel” Boom

By the 1970s, many American motels were struggling. Enter a wave of Patel immigrants, some fleeing unrest in East Africa, others coming straight from India, who saw an opportunity and jumped in. They lived onsite, ran the front desk, cleaned the rooms, and fixed the plumbing. Their secret sauce? The whole family pitched in.

Within a decade, the "Patel Motel" became a known phenomenon, affordable, dependable, and family-run. And soon, it wasn’t just a name, it was a reputation.

By the Numbers

Fast forward to 2025:

• Recent sources and industry experts, including investor Mohnish Pabrai, report that Patels now own over 70% of motels in the U.S., a figure that has grown from about 40-50% in the early 2000s. 

• Properties owned by AAHOA members (the majority being Patels) are valued at over $1 trillion.

• AAHOA member hotels employ more than 1.1 million people in the U.S.

• Many now run franchises under Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Best Western

What started as modest roadside motels has evolved into boardroom seats and multi-property portfolios.

How They Did It

Patels didn’t just work hard, they worked smart:

• Community loans and shared knowledge lowered the barriers to entry

• Family-run operations minimized costs and built trust

• Cultural values like Atithi Devo Bhava (“The guest is god”) made hospitality a calling, not just a job

• They adapted fast, embracing franchising, tech, and industry trends without losing their roots

The Challenges Were Real

It wasn’t always smooth. Many Patel-owned motels faced racism, xenophobia, and institutional barriers like loan rejections or discriminatory signs reading “American Owned.” But they pushed forward, with self-insurance, mutual support, and sheer willpower.

The Legacy Today

The children and grandchildren of those first motel owners are now running hotel chains, launching tech startups, and graduating from top business schools, often while keeping a hand in the family business. What they’ve built isn’t just a business empire. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when community, culture, and capitalism align.

This isn’t just a Patel story. It’s a pride story. An American Dream story. And one the diaspora can claim with full-hearted applause.

🎥 Want to see it on screen? The Patel Motel Story is now showing at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. Catch it if you can and pack tissues.

For updates, follow patelmotelstory.com

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