Latest Insights
Timely updates and valuable perspectives for AAHOA Members, focused on issues that matter most to hoteliers.
Honored to Be Recognized Among Industry Leaders: Hotel Management’s 2026 Forty Over 40
With over 40 years in hospitality, MZ Patel shares his journey, leadership, and commitment to hotel owners after being named to Hotel Management’s 2026 Forty Over 40 list.
The ROI Crisis: Why Brand Partnership Must Be a Two-Way Street
Every brand mandate should pass one test: does it drive real ROI for owners? This piece calls for transparency, shared risk, and true partnership between hotel brands and franchisees.
Servant Leadership in Action: What I Learned Behind the Front Desk
True leadership in hospitality starts at the front desk. Lessons from service, ownership, and action show how servant leadership strengthens hotels and AAHOA from the ground up.
Why Hotel Owners Must Speak Up and Show Up in Policy Debates
Policy decisions shape hotel margins and operations. When owners speak up and stay engaged, advocacy grows stronger and protects profitability for today and the next generation.
Fair Franchising: The Next Step Toward Real Transparency and Accountability
Fair franchising requires transparency, clear reporting, and real accountability. When owners understand fees, rebates, and systems, they can protect margins and plan with confidence.
Education and Profit: How Smart Training Builds Stronger Hotels
Smart training builds stronger hotels. Education improves service, reduces costs, and protects profit. When owners invest in learning, teams perform better and properties grow stronger.
Why Profit-Focused Education Matters for Every Hotel Owner
Profit-focused education gives hotel owners the tools to protect margins, read the full picture, and make smarter decisions in a tougher, more complex industry.
The Four-Year Journey of Service: What It Means to Serve as Secretary
The four-year path from Secretary to Chairman is a journey of listening, learning, and steady leadership — built on service, trust, and a commitment to every AAHOA member.
Every Dollar Counts: The Real Meaning of Hotelier Profitability
Hotel profitability starts with control. From OTA fees to vendor costs, every decision counts. Transparency and efficiency turn savings into strength for owners and communities.
Why I’m Not Making Campaign Promises
Leadership goes beyond promises. After four decades in hospitality, I challenge myself and every AAHOA member to lead with fairness, transparency, accountability, and real service to others.
Dear Congress: Hotel Owners Deserve Better Than Gridlock
Hotel owners are bearing the cost of Washington’s gridlock — lost revenue, frozen SBA funds, and growing uncertainty. It’s time for Congress to act and restore confidence in America’s hospitality backbone.
Maximizing Member Benefits and Education
Empowering hotel owners with real value—through smarter training, digital tools, and tangible member benefits that drive growth, savings, and long-term success for every AAHOA member.
Improving Professional Education Offerings
Technology is transforming hospitality — but only through smarter learning can every hotelier keep pace. MZ Patel champions modern, accessible education to help owners run more efficient, profitable, and future-ready hotels.
Strengthening Vendor & Partner Support
Collective buying power is hospitality’s untapped advantage. By uniting vendors and members under transparent, fair partnerships, AAHOA can turn everyday purchasing into measurable profit and stronger member value.
Servant Leadership in Action
When hospitality leaders serve with humility and integrity, teams thrive. Servant leadership builds trust, empowers staff, and creates exceptional guest experiences from the inside out.
A Stronger AAHOA Starts with Fairness
Fairness is the foundation of a stronger AAHOA. Transparent fees, honest contracts, and accountable vendor practices help hotel owners build trust, protect profits, and create lasting partnerships that strengthen the entire hospitality industry.
Protecting Hotelier Profitability
Protecting hotelier profitability means cutting hidden costs—OTA fees, inflated vendor rates, and opaque rebates—so owners keep more of every dollar to reinvest in their people, properties, and communities.
The Story Behind MHO Hotels
From long nights behind the front desk to building a fairer franchise model, MZ Patel’s journey with MHO Hotels proves that transparency and trust can redefine hospitality success.