Sacramanto, California, USA: Three Indian American hoteliers—Shivam Patel, Rhea Patel and Keval Rama—have been named to Hotel Management magazine’s prestigious annual Thirty Under 30 list for 2026.
The recognition highlights emerging hospitality leaders who are helping drive the industry forward across areas including hotel operations, revenue management, development and asset management.
Recognized for their fresh perspectives and commitment to innovation, the three professionals are helping organizations respond to changing guest expectations and economic challenges while building more resilient hospitality businesses.
Shivam Patel, a hotel broker at T&S Hotel Advisors and an owner-operator of Motel 6 in Delano, California, works across both hotel operations and hospitality real estate. In addition to advising hotel owners and investors on acquisitions and sales, he remains closely involved in property operations, team development, guest satisfaction, revenue strategy, maintenance and financial performance.
According to Mayur Patel of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), Shivam’s experience as an owner-operator gives him a practical perspective when working with hotel owners and investors.
His brokerage work involves evaluating opportunities, marketing hotel assets, navigating transactions and helping clients make informed decisions about hospitality real estate. His direct operating experience allows him to view each transaction from an owner’s perspective, considering the broader impact on investments, employees and long-term business value.
Rhea Patel, vice president of AAAR Hotels, oversees strategic operations, talent development and performance across a growing portfolio of hotel properties in Ohio and Kentucky.
Patel said her role involves connecting long-term business objectives with day-to-day operational performance. She works with ownership, executive leadership and hotel teams to support revenue growth, improve guest satisfaction, maintain brand standards and develop future hospitality leaders.
Her responsibilities also include acquisitions, budgeting and operational strategy. She has held hands-on leadership positions at multiple hotels, including serving as general manager during periods of transition and turnaround.
Beyond her work at AAAR Hotels, Patel is involved in industry advocacy and professional development. She serves on the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Trustees, participates in AAHOA leadership initiatives and mentors professionals entering the hospitality industry.
Keval Rama, senior associate at Auro Hotels, supports corporate finance and investment activities at the Greenville, South Carolina-based hospitality company. Auro Hotels operates 37 hotels across the United States and India under Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt brands.
According to Luke Park of real estate private equity firm Henderson Park, Rama’s responsibilities include asset management, capital planning, refinancing, lender and joint-venture relationships, and financial analysis supporting executive decision-making.
Rama also works with operations teams to connect property-level performance with broader capital strategies. His work includes evaluating refinancing opportunities, modeling renovation returns and identifying potential expense efficiencies.
His role brings together finance and hotel operations, helping translate financial and operational data into decisions that influence investment, growth and the long-term value of Auro Hotels’ properties.
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), described as the world’s largest hotel owners association, congratulated its three members on being recognized in the 2026 Hotel Management Thirty Under 30 list.
“AAHOA is proud to celebrate three rising hospitality leaders recognized among this year’s Hotel Management Thirty Under 30,” the organization said, adding that their leadership, ambition and commitment to hospitality are helping shape the future of the industry.
Rhea Patel serves as AAHOA’s North Central Region Ambassador, while Shivam Patel is a member of the organization’s Young Professionals Committee and serves as its Greater Los Angeles Area Ambassador.
