Surat to San Francisco – Untold Stories Of Patel Hoteliers From Surat

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Description

The author’s purpose was to narrate the origin of the colossal Patel hospitality business. Due to the limited archival presence and scarcity of primary sources, he drew on previously undiscovered diaries, memories, and oral interviews to compile this historical narrative.

Surat to San Francisco is an interesting creation narrating how the Patels from Surat, Gujarat, established the hotel business in California from 1942 to 1960. The book is all about untold stories and historical narration depicting the genesis of the hospitality business of Patels.

From Migration To Hotel Industry

In our humble opinion, the author has made a serious effort in collecting the information and brought the Patel pioneers to the forefront through this book. This book is based on personal experiences and interviews with Surati Patels and the families of the Panama and Trinidad Patels and Lottery Visa Winners. The Patels opened their homes, hearts, and heirlooms and welcomed the author to share their fathers’, grandfather’s, and uncles’ stories.

The Patels were so happy to see that some voices are given to their pioneering ancestors’ life stories that were being neglected and marginalized for a long time. Do read this to understand how Gujarati Patels migrated and expanded their hospitality business in San Francisco.

Surat to San Francisco – Untold Stories Of Patel Hoteliers From Surat

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  • Author: Mahendra K. Doshi
  • Name: Surat to San Francisco
  • ISBN: 979-8-9857116-1-5
  • Date Published: 2022-06-17
  • Format: https://schema.org/Hardcover

Editor’s Rating:

  • 4.5
Surat to San Francisco – Untold Stories Of Patel Hoteliers From Surat

Price Includes Sales Tax and Shipping.

URL: https://patelhotelhistory.com/product/surat-to-san-francisco/

Author: Mahendra K. Doshi

Name: Surat to San Francisco

Url: https://patelhotelhistory.com/product/surat-to-san-francisco/

Author: Mahendra K. Doshi

ISBN: The Patel Hotel

Date Published: 2022-06-17

Format: https://schema.org/Hardcover

Editor's Rating:
4.5

Reviews

  1. Rediff Money Wiz Washington D.C.

    In the book, discover the rise of Patels in the U.S. hotel industry and their success story.

  2. Ed Brock Asian Hospitality Magazine.

    The book is the story of the individuals [Patel Trailblazers] who left their home for a roundabout journey to the American dream.

  3. New India Abroad

    The Gujarati Patels are highly invested in the hospitality business. The book highlights their hegemony, as they can demand and get things done.

  4. V.Parmeshwaran in India West.

    Today, the Patels are a dominant force in the business, their voice unparalleled, their presence ubiquitous, and their revenue in billions, thanks to the three farmhands who changed the trajectory of how Patels would make a living in America. Doshi’s book is a must-read.

  5. Vikas Nangia Focus Live 5 T.V.Asia (http://T.V.Asia)

    It took Doshi eight long years to tell this story, and he interviewed 150 Patels.

  6. Pam Greer in India Current

    If ever there was a historical narrative promoting America as the land of opportunity that needed to be rescued from marginalization, “Surat to San Francisco” is that story.

  7. Randy Shaw, Editor Beyond Chron

    The story [ of Patel Founders ] is long overdue. Doshi emphasizes communal solidarity as a driving force behind hotel acquisitions.

  8. The Economic Times

    Indian American author Doshi highlights the influential role of Patels in the U.S. hotel and motel industry, tracing their origin to Gujarat.

  9. The India Eye

    The Patels, with properties worth $1 trillion, epitomize the American immigrant success story. Doshi’s work provides a fascinating glimpse into the resilience, wealth, and influence of the Patel community.

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Achievements

The release of Surat to San Francisco has sparked a wave of recognition and impact across cultural, academic, and media landscapes. These achievements highlight the lasting legacy of the Patel community and the power of storytelling in shaping history.

“Patel Motel Story” Documentary Premiere

Our book inspired the creation of the compelling documentary Patel Motel Story, produced by a visionary group of Indian Americans. The film brings to life the remarkable journey of the Patel hoteliers and had its world premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York, held from June 9 to 14, 2025. This cinematic tribute beautifully captures the essence of the Patel legacy.

Patel Hoteliers Museum – A Legacy in the Making

In a historic collaboration with the Tenderloin MuseumAAHOA, and the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Indo-American Hotel Committee is spearheading the creation of a Patel Hoteliers Museum in San Francisco, California. Inspired by the stories in our book, this permanent exhibit will celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and invaluable contributions of the Patel community to the American hospitality industry.

Academic Adoption and Scholarly Influence

Universities and colleges across the U.S. are embracing our book as a vital academic resource.

  • It has been added to the libraries of institutions with South Asian Studies programs.
  • Some universities have incorporated it into their curricula.
  • Inspired students are writing term papers and research projects at both high school and college levels, diving deep into the rich and underrepresented history of Patel hoteliers.

Widespread Media Coverage

Our book has captured the attention of audiences through features on podcasts, TV shows, and radio programs, including:

  • TV Asia – Focus Five with Vikas Nangia
  • New India Abroad – YouTube Feature
  • Indian Explorer – with Sabrina and Amit
  • Indian Diaspora – with Rahul Menon
  • Radio Zindagi – with Krishna Subramanian & Tuhina Ghosal
  • Radio Zindagi – with Dr. Romesh Japra & Ritu Maheswari
  • Top Floor – with Susan Barry

These features have helped elevate awareness of the Patel story to a global audience.
Through these milestones, Surat to San Francisco has become more than a book—it is a movement celebrating the strength, vision, and resilience of the Patel community