A Lifetime in Hospitality
I am not running to make promises. I am running to do the real work. Here is what makes me different, and why you can trust me to serve you.
About mahendra (MZ) Patel: AAHOA Secretary Candidate
Mahendra (MZ) Patel is a lifelong hotelier whose journey reflects the spirit of service that defines AAHOA Members across the country. From his early days managing small roadside inns to developing trusted franchise properties across six states, MZ has spent more than four decades learning the business from the ground up — one guest, one partnership, and one community at a time.
A hands-on operator and respected leader, MZ has led turnarounds of struggling properties, supported independent hoteliers through mentorship, and built enduring relationships with brands and vendors rooted in fairness and transparency. His belief in empowering others inspired his founding of MHO Hotels — a collaborative model designed to give owners more voice, flexibility, and control in their businesses.
Within AAHOA, MZ has served faithfully as an Ambassador, Regional Director, and committee member, contributing to key initiatives in education, franchise relations, and independent hotelier support. His leadership reflects not only experience, but a deep respect for the hard work and resilience of every owner in the hospitality community.
For MZ, leadership is about building opportunities, strengthening trust, and ensuring that every AAHOA Member can thrive.
Mahendra (MZ) Patel is a self-made hotelier, entrepreneur, and industry advocate with more than four decades of leadership and 35 years as a franchise owner-operator.
He has developed or managed nearly 20 hotels across six states, representing trusted brands like Comfort Inn, Best Western, Four Points, and Days Inn. As Founder of MHO Hotels, MZ built a brand from the ground up that now spans multiple states, empowering independent hoteliers to take ownership of their success.
Builder. Innovator. Advocate.
Founded MHO Hotels, a growing independent hotel brand for entrepreneurs
Turned around multiple struggling hotels into profitable operations
Championed local development and job creation through civic leadership
“My entire career has been about building, and not just hotels, but people, partnerships, and futures. AAHOA deserves a leader who fights for every dollar and every Member.”
— Mahendra (MZ) Patel
Leadership That Delivers
MZ has served the AAHOA community for over a decade.
AAHOA Mid-Atlantic Regional Director
2021–Present
AAHOA Ambassador
Eight years
Service on five key AAHOA committees
Education
Franchise Relations
Independent Hoteliers
Bylaws & Governance
Awards & Recognition
He also served as President of the EconoLodge Franchise Association, where he...
Helped introduce the brand’s first-ever TV advertising campaign
Secured the CHO designation as equivalent to management training
Led the translation of training materials into Gujarati for franchise accessibility
