Ravi Patel, a founding member of AAHOA who served as the association’s chairman from 1992-93, has died. He was also chairman of Charlotte-based SREE Hotels.
“The AAHOA family is deeply saddened by the loss of a true visionary and a foundational pillar of our association,” said AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel. “Ravi was not just a leader; he was an architect of this organization. During his tenure as chairman, he took a formative idea and gave it a home—literally and figuratively—by drafting our bylaws and establishing our first headquarters. His transition from chemical engineering to hospitality is a testament to the American Dream, and his legacy lives on in the 30-plus hotels he built and the thousands of hoteliers he inspired.”
Patel’s journey in the hospitality industry began in 1980 with the acquisition of a roadside motel in Florence, SC. Drawing on his engineering background, he renovated and repositioned the property as an EconoLodge, turning it into a success that became the cornerstone of SREE Hotels, which he cofounded with Chandra Patel.
As chairman from 1992-1993, Patel’s leadership was instrumental in the association’s infancy. He focused on providing hoteliers with the tools to gain professional expertise in ownership and management, ensuring that the next generation of Asian-American owners had a seat at the table.
A native of Nadi, Fiji Islands, Patel studied chemistry and physics at Saint Xavier’s College before earning his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University. Before his career in hospitality, he served as an engineer for Goodyear. His analytical mind and entrepreneurial spirit helped grow management and development group SREE Hotels, partnering with global brands including Marriott, Hilton and IHG.
“Ravi’s commitment to education and his ‘do-it-yourself’ work ethic defined the early spirit of AAHOA,” added Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president/CEO. “He believed that through knowledge and unity, our community could achieve anything. He was a mentor to so many and will be deeply missed. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, his children and the entire SREE Hotels family.”
Patel lived in Charlotte, NC, where he remained active as SREE’s chairman and a mentor to many in the industry.
Indeed, Ravi inspired many young hoteliers and one of them was me in the 80’s when I attended the AAHOA town hall meetings & likewise was an engineer.
Rest in peace my friend.
Ravi was a key believer when AAHOA began .He gave his time and energy to its beginning and its success.He was a joy to all around him .HIS PASSING IS A SAD MOMENT AND HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US. rest in peace my dear friend. Mike leven
So sorry to see that Ravi Patel passed. I had the privilege of knowing him working in the hospitality industry through the years. Patricia Kilgore