From Struggles to Success: Indian Immigrants in the American Hotel Business

Do you know that over 60% of the hotels and motels in the US are owned by Indian Americans, especially those from the Gujarati Patel community? How did it all start, and who were the pioneers of the increasing dominance of Patels in the hospitality sector in the US? For this, you must read the book- ‘Surat To San Francisco: How the Patels from Gujarat Established the Hotel Business in California 1942-1960’ written by Mahendra Kumar Doshi. This book beautifully describes the success story of Gujarati hoteliers who arrived in the US as undocumented immigrants and created the first Patel hotel in Sacramento in 1942.

It all started with the founder, Kanji Manchchu Desai, who leased the first Patel SRO in Sacramento, California, in September 1942. He leased the Hotel Ford from an interned Japanese lady and went on creating 30 Patel hoteliers in San Francisco from 1947 to 1955. Besides him, two other pioneers, Nanalal Patel and D. Lal, laid a strong foundation for Patel hospitality in the US.

Surat to San Francisco: Why Does This Story Matter?

My book is a testament to human struggles, resilience, the power of community, and the triumph of the human spirit. It shows how a few men from Surat with bare means and a never-say-die spirit planted the seeds of an industry. How do these Surati Patels use resilience and community support to build a lasting Patels motel business? Learning about these trailblazers and their entrepreneurial journey is a treasure trove for those who get frustrated by repeated business failures. These stories of astounding success serve as a powerful reminder of what a determined spirit can achieve and how community building can empower people, fostering a sense of belonging, even in a foreign country.

For Indian immigrants, especially those from the Patel community, hotels became a doorway into the American Dream. With limited resources, little English, and no jobs or connections, they still managed to find their way. Why hotels? Because they could run them as family businesses, live on-site, and save costs.

Surat to San Francisco: A Book Takes Readers Back to Those Early Days When a Few Daring Immigrants Lived Their American Dream and Sowed the Seeds of Building the Patel Motel Business. It reminds us that the Patel story is not an overnight success. It is a story of small steps, sacrifices, and steady growth.

Building the Foundation of a Business

From 1942 to 1960, the Patel community laid the foundation. They leased more hotels and commercial properties. They used their savings carefully and helped each other expand the network of motels owned by Patel across the US. If one Patel hotelier found success, he helped another get started. Nanalal Patel started an innovative’handshake loan’ that was often given without papers and collateral, but only on trust.

Families toiled hard, and their relentless labor and determination became the secrets to success. Everyone worked together. Children helped at the front desk. Wives cleaned rooms and cooked meals. Husbands repaired rooms and welcomed travelers. This model kept costs low and maintained steady profits.

It was not just about money but about survival and dignity. Running a motel meant independence in a foreign land. No one could fire them, and no boss could humiliate them. They were their own masters.

Challenges Along the Way

The journey was not smooth. Indian immigrants faced racial prejudice in mid-20th-century America. They were outsiders, seen with suspicion. Banks were reluctant to lend them money. Many worked under the constant threat of losing everything.

Immigration laws before 1965 were strict. Very few Indians could enter the country legally. Families often stayed separated for years. Loneliness and homesickness were part of their struggle.

Yet, the community held together. Faith, family, and Gujarati values provided the strength to establish and develop the Patel Motel business. They took risks but always supported one another. When one Patel succeeded, many others followed. This resilience became the backbone of their story.

Community Networks and Expansion

As more Patels entered the business, a network began to grow—information traveled quickly through family ties and community gatherings. A cousin in Gujarat would hear about a motel opportunity in California. Soon, another Patel family would arrive and become a Patel hotel owner, expanding their business.

Mentorship played a significant role. Older hoteliers guided the newcomers. They taught them how to manage guests, handle repairs, and save money. Families often passed motels down to the next generation. Children who grew up in motels learned the business from the very beginning.

What started as a means of survival soon became a drive for expansion. Patels moved from small motels to bigger hotels. They reinvested their profits and purchased additional properties. By the late 1960s, they were already shaping California’s hotel industry.

The Immigration Act of 1965

A turning point came with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. It made it easier for Indians to migrate to America. Suddenly, more Patels could join relatives and enter the hospitality business.

This law opened the doors for growth. What began with a handful of families turned into thousands. By the 1970s, Patels owned motels across America. It gave rise to the ‘Patel Motel’ phenomenon, which refers to the increasing presence of Patel-owned establishments, creating a cultural phenomenon in American Hospitality. Today, it is estimated that Patels own over 60% of U.S. hotels and motels.

This dominance was built on family labor, trust, and strategic buying. The Patel name became linked forever with American hospitality.

Why Should You Read This Book?

The story of Indian immigrants in the American hotel business is powerful. It shows how determination, community, and family values can change destinies. From three men in Surat to thousands of hoteliers across America, the Patel journey is inspiring.

My book preserves this history for future generations. It reminds us that the American dream is built on stories like these: Stories of courage, risk, and endless hard work.

Next time you stay at a motel on a highway, remember this. Behind the reception desk and the family photos lies history. A history that began in Surat, found roots in San Francisco, and reshaped American hospitality forever.