090 | Hotelier Vendor Relations with Atul Patel

Atul G. Patel, CHO is a second generation hotelier. He and his family moved to the United States in 1979 and settled in Tifton, GA, where his family bought their first independent hotel. After learning the trade in the family business, Atul went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Emory University, and a Master’s Degree in Finance Georgia State. He now has an interest in seven properties, and he and his partners manage a portfolio of five.

In This Episode, Atul Reveals

• What it was like growing up in the hotel business, actually living on property for many years, and why he decided to return to hospitality after college.
• Some of the challenges he’s faced over the years, including the ADR at one of his properties that remained flat for over 10 years ago, while profitability decreased due to rising costs, and what he did about it.
• Why he chose to serve on multiple brand Franchise Advisory Councils (FACs), on the AAHOA Board of Directors, and what he learned from that experience.
• The secret to vendor relations, and how vendors can build meaningful relationships with hoteliers that are mutually beneficial.

Resources & Links

Atul G. Patel, CHO

• atul302@gmail.com
• LinkedIn
• Phone: (678) 898-9138

Mentioned in this Episode

• The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)