AAHOA Statement on Passing of Ravi Patel

ATLANTA (January 21, 2026) — AAHOA extends condolences following the passing of Ravi Patel, who served as AAHOA Chairman from 1992-93. Ravi was a founding member of the association and the 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.”

Ravi’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 co-founded with Chandra Patel.

As Chairman from 1992-1993, Ravi’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, Ravi studied chemistry and physics at Saint Xavier’s College before earning his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University. Before his legendary career in hospitality, he served as an engineer for Goodyear. His analytical mind and entrepreneurial spirit helped SREE Hotels grow into a premier management and development group, 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 AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “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.”

Ravi lived in Charlotte, NC, where he remained active as SREE’s Chairman and a cherished mentor to many in the industry. His contributions to the hospitality landscape of the Southeast and his service to AAHOA will be remembered for generations to come.

About AAHOA

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.4% of the nation’s GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $51.3 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.