2024 Award winners announced

During the final day of AAHOACON24, 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 Dr. Jay S. Patel, COO, NashBuilt Construction, AAHOA Lifetime Member, North Florida Region Cecil B. Day Community Service Award Hitesh Patel, Sai Ram Hospitality, LLC, AAHOA Lifetime Member, North Texas Region and Prakash Saraf, Founder, Friends of Sparsh, AAHOA Lifetime Member, Washington DC Area Region Outreach Award for Philanthropy Amit Bhakta, Founder and CEO, Nansad Group, AAHOA Lifetime Member, North Texas Region Outstanding HerOwnership Award of Excellence Dr. Ruby Dhalla, President & CEO, Dhalla Group of Companies, AAHOA Annual Member Outstanding HYPE Award of Excellence Dhruv Patel, Director of Operations, Lotus Hospitality, AAHOA Lifetime Member, Central Midwest Region

Political Forum Award for Advocacy
Ray Patel – Owner, Welcome Inn Eagle Rock, President, Northeast Los Angeles Hotel Owners Association, AAHOA Lifetime Member, Greater Los Angeles Area Region.

IAHA Independent Hotel of the Year Award
Lexen Hotel in Hollywood, CA, Armaan Patel, Founder of AGA Hotels, AAHOA Lifetime Member, Greater Los Angeles Area Region

“Each year, the AAHOA Awards Program shines a well-deserved spotlight on the dedication and achievements of our members,” said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel. “These exceptional award recipients exemplify excellence in the hospitality industry through their multifaceted contributions. It is a privilege to showcase their outstanding service.”

“Congratulations to each of our award winners,” said AAHOA Immediate Past Chairman Bharat Patel. “I am honored to be part of the recognition of their hard work and dedication to improving their communities, our association, and our industry. They are among the standard bearers of our industry.”

“We are delighted to commemorate the 35th anniversary of AAHOA by highlighting the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals within our association through our esteemed annual awards program,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “As we honor this year's award recipients, we celebrate their unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and exceptional leadership, which inspire us all toward continued prosperity and success within our industry and association.”