2023 Award Winners Announced

During the final day of AAHOACON23, on the General Session stage, AAHOA recognized achievements and excellence in the hospitality industry with its annual awards. Listed below are the eight honorees. For more information and a full description of the awards, be sure to read the press release here.

AAHOA Award of Excellence
Mahesh Ratanji, CEO, Ratan Management Group LLC, AAHOA Lifetime Member, Northeast Region
and
Jayesh Patel, CEO, Athena Hospitality Group, AAHOA Member

Cecil B. Day Community Service Award
Chandrakant (Chan) Patel, CEO, State Bank of Texas, AAHOA Lifetime Member, Dallas, TX

Outreach Award for Philanthropy
Harold Daniels, General Manager, EAS Graceland LLC, AAHOA Member, Memphis, TN

Outstanding Woman Hotelier of the Year Award
Nimisha Patel, Partner, Vue Hotels, AAHOA Lifetime Member, San Antonio, TX

Outstanding Young Professional Hotelier of the Year Award
Rickesh (Ricky) Patel, Vice President, Premier Hotels KC, AAHOA Ambassador and Committee Member (Education & Professional Development), Central Midwest Region

Political Forum Award For Advocacy
Danny Gaekwad, CEO, Danny Gaekwad Developments & Investments, AAHOA Government Affairs Committee Chairman

IAHA Independent Hotel of the Year Award
The Metric Hotel, Jagubhai Patel, Co-Founder, AAHOA Lifetime Member, Greater Los Angeles Area Region

“Congratulations and thank you to all the award recipients for your commitment and dedication to ensure our membership, association, and the hospitality industry continue to thrive,” said AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel. “Without you, none of this would be possible. Your contributions today are helping create generational success for years to come.” “This year’s AAHOA award recipients worked hard each and every day to achieve these accomplishments,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “I cannot think of anyone who deserves these awards more than these individuals. Congratulations to every award recipient on a job well done.”