The Patel Legacy in American Motels
For many years, the name “Patel” has become closely linked to motels across America. From simple roadside inns to larger hotels, a significant number are owned and operated by members of the Patel community from India.
This name is more than just a sign; it represents a rich story of migration, determination, and entrepreneurship.
The Start of a New Journey
In Surat, India, Rameshbhai Patel, now 73, remembers the moment in 1965 when he thought about moving to the US. He shares an old letter from his cousin, who told him about cheap motels for sale in California. “He said, ‘Come.’ So, I went,” he recalls.
Rameshbhai was part of the first group of Gujaratis, particularly Patels, who moved to America after the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act lifted previous immigration restrictions. Many newcomers found jobs through family, often starting at the front desk of small motels, taking on various tasks to keep things running.
By the 1980s, many Patels transformed from workers into owners, creating a powerful network of motel operators.
From India to America
The journey from Surat to San Francisco became a common route. Family members would sponsor each other, leading to a chain migration that sustained both labor and investment over the years. Many initial immigrants arrived with little money but contributed hard work, often living directly on-site to save costs.
Kamlesh Patel, who now owns six motels in California, remembers those days: “We slept in storage rooms and cooked meals behind the front desk. The whole family was involved, including the kids.”
Their business model was simple: buy struggling motels, live modestly, and reinvest profits into new properties. Through community support and informal lending, Patels shared resources, fostering cooperation that drove their growth.
The ‘Patel Motel Network’
By the 1990s, the presence of Patels in the motel industry was so notable that travelers in the US began calling it the “Patel Motel Network.” Although not officially organized, this term highlighted their impact. According to the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), around 70% of Indian-American owned motels belong to Patels, and most budget motels in the US are run by Indian-Americans with ties to Gujarat.
Dr. Pawan Dhingra, a sociologist, explains that the Patels’ success is rooted not just in hard work but in seizing overlooked opportunities. “These properties were often run down and remote, but the Patels saw them as a path to success,” he notes.
The Evolving American Dream
As time passed, generations of Patels took on family businesses. While some youngsters have ventured into fields like medicine or technology, others have modernized the motel industry. Aarti Patel, for instance, studied hospitality and now manages her family’s motel business in Fresno.
“We’ve embraced technology and sustainable practices, but the essence remains — it’s still about family, service, and commitment,” she says.
The transition from small family-run motels to professionally managed businesses is underway, with many Patel properties teaming up with larger hotel chains.
Giving Back to the Community
As their influence has expanded, Patels have also focused on philanthropy. Many families fund projects in Gujarat, such as schools and hospitals, and in the US, they support disaster relief and community initiatives. Temples and cultural centers established by the Patel community are now key parts of local life in cities like San Francisco and Chicago.
Sociologist Vineeta Gupta observes that the Patel experience reflects a broader immigrant pattern: “They came with little, adapted quickly, and built wealth over generations while remaining deeply connected and supportive of one another.”
Facing New Challenges
Despite their success, Patel motel owners encounter new obstacles, including rising property prices, competition from larger chains, and changes in travel habits due to online booking and short-term rentals like Airbnb. There are also generational shifts, as younger Patels explore other career paths, raising questions about the future of the motel business.
But for pioneers like Rameshbhai, the journey remains significant. “I arrived with just $100 and no knowledge of English,” he reflects. “Now, my grandchildren are in top universities. We built this life one step at a time.”
This story is a quiet revolution, driven not by flashy headlines but by resilience, hard work, and a belief in the potential for a better future.
Exploring Untold Stories
In his book, “Surat to San Francisco,” author and historian Mahendra Doshi highlights a captivating part of Indian-American history. It explores how the Patel community from Gujarat established the hotel industry in California. Through thorough research and personal interviews, Doshi unveils the stories of those who left behind their simple lives in search of the American Dream.
The journeys of these early migrants, often winding through places like East Africa or the UK before reaching California, reflect a strong spirit of resilience and commitment to family. Their efforts transformed not just the motel industry but also redefined the American Dream.
Conclusion
“Surat to San Francisco” invites readers to understand the personal stories of the Patel community, focusing on sacrifices and cultural adaptation. It shows how ordinary families turned struggling motels into a significant part of the American hospitality landscape, illustrating the journey of dreams and determination.
