doing business as
employer: A-1 Hospitality Group founded: 1997 location: Kennewick employees: 625 website: www. a1hospitalitygroup. com
A-1 Hospitality Group
Two generations of the Patel family are building a portfolio of high-quality hotels they own and manage across the Northwest and into Texas. From Uganda to India and London to Pendleton, the story of A-1 Hospitality Group has hinged on attention to local details and appreciative support for their staff.
Brian Mittge
global journey: Founder Vijay Patel was born in Uganda. Political unrest in the 1970s, when he was 15, forced his family to leave. They went to India, where he finished his studies in the state of Gujarat. A British citizen by birth, he moved to England and met his wife, Mita, who had also been born in Uganda. In 1993 they moved to the United States to pursue the American dream.
love for hospitality: Their journey into the U. S. hospitality sector began that same year, when a family member offered them the opportunity to manage a small motel in Klamath Falls, Ore. They fell in love with the business and their one-year commitment turned into three. In 1997 they bought their first property— a modest roadside motel in Pendleton, Ore. The company grew in Pendleton and relocated to the Tri-Cities.
family focus:“ At A-1 Hospitality Group, our philosophy is simple: treat every guest like family, every employee like a partner, and every property as an opportunity to serve the community,” Vijay Patel said.“ We pride ourselves on creating exceptional guest experiences through genuine hospitality, operational excellence, and a supportive workplace culture that fosters growth and collaboration.”
generational work: Vijay and Mita have welcomed their children, Preena and Taran, into leadership of the family business, blending experience, energy, and shared purpose.“ Working as a family has been an incredible blessing,” Patel said.“ We make major decisions together, guided by open communication, trust, and mutual respect.” As their children have taken on more day-to-day operational leadership, the elder Patel has focused on strategic vision for sustainable expansion while remaining deeply rooted in their communities. He also serves on a variety of industry boards and actively mentors others in the sector. He has received a variety of awards, including the 2024 Burtenshaw Lifetime Achievement Award for Hospitality.
big projects: A-1 currently operates 16 hotels, with an additional three properties actively in development. They recently broke ground on a 163-room AC Hotel by Marriott in Kennewick as part of a major public-private partnership. Patel said it reflects their long-term vision and commitment to regional growth and development.
“ Hospitality, when done right, is both a people-driven and process-driven business. It’ s a field where attention to detail, strategic partnerships, and a culture of trust and empowerment can turn a hotel from just a building into a vibrant, welcoming experience— for guests, employees, and investors alike.”
— Vijay Patel, president, A-1 Hospitality Group