Danny Patel is a first generation Asian American hotel owner who's learned valuable lessons from observing his parents own and operate hotels and working alongside them as he grew up.

He knows the business and knows the hard work and dedication required to succeed. He's learned the importance of having a strong brand presence in the market. So far those lessons learned are paying off for the young hotelier.

After owning and operating 13 franchised properties under various flags, including a few in Indiana, one in Louisiana and the balance in Southeast Texas, Patel is eager to share his positive experience with La Quinta®.

Patel was one of the first franchisees for La Quinta, starting four years ago. He currently has La Quinta properties in Lake Charles, LA, Beaumont, TX and Seabrook, TX. His Beaumont, TX property was named 2003 Inn of the Year by the company, based on factors including RevPAR, customer satisfaction, quality and other performance measures.

So why La Quinta?

“It's the name, for one thing,” says Patel. “La Quinta has always had a good, solid reputation, especially in the South, where they have a real presence. In running my Holiday Inns and Hampton Inns, I've always found La Quinta gave us a run for our money. Since I've built a couple of La Quinta's near those brand hotels, I find that now I'm giving them a run for their money!”

Patel also is impressed with the genuine concern and assistance La Quinta demonstrates during the whole construction and opening process. “They understand where the owners are coming from, having ownership themselves,” says Patel. In the past five years, La Quinta has invested more than $240 million in its company-owned properties — all the while sharing what it has learned with franchisees to maintain quality, exceed guest expectations and build strong brand loyalty. “They do their research. If they're not willing to make changes in their own hotels, they're not going to mandate we do it either,” says Patel.

And when it comes to opening a new property, “they're there to help you, not criticize,” says Patel. “They're very responsive and supportive.”