Hugh brings more than 25 years of hospitality leadership experience to our company. He has management experience with multiple brands, independent boutique inns, and four-star B&Bs. His long track record with portfolio management began in 1994. He has served in many capacities: new construction and design, managing distressed assets, rebranding, project management, and startup organization. Hugh's strength in talent development has served the successful careers of many leaders in portfolios he has managed throughout the Southeast and Midwest. He has deep roots as a proud native of Savannah and enjoys the local lifestyle and character of the area. He graduated from Armstrong State University with a BA in history with a focus in education. There he met his wife, Laura with whom he has three children. Last year Hugh was recognized as Historic Savannah Foundation's volunteer of the year. He currently serves as a docent at the Davenport House Museum, and he also enjoys researching and writing about Savannah history.
Angie Neal, Business Manager for Ideal Hospitality Investments is responsible for the day-to-day financial operations, payroll operations, and reporting of all of the hotels in the portfolio. Angie joined Ideal Hospitality in 2014. Prior to coming to the corporate office, Angie worked at one of the managed properties for 4 years as the General Manager. She has over a decade of customer service and management expertise. Angie and her husband Michaele are the proud parents of two children - Naki and Nakyla. Her favorite pastime is catching some wind on her motorcycle.
Bharat Patel, CEO - is the foundation and platform of Ideal Hospitality Investments. Bharat received a Master Degree in Geology from Gujarat University back in the early 80s. After moving to United States, he gained over 20 years of hospitality experience after purchasing his first asset in the suburbs of Savannah, GA in 1997. His vast knowledge in operations and asset management helps support the backbone of Ideal Hospitality Investments.
Mehul Patel, COO and President - Founder of Ideal Hospitality Investments. Mehul received his BBA in Hospitality w/ a minors in Economics from Georgia State University. With a vision to grow and to build on the footsteps of his father, Mehul oversees on new development, acquisition and operations of the management of company.
Jay, a native Savannahian, has over twenty years of sales experience with deep connections to the Savannah, Atlanta, Augusta, and Wilmington North Carolina markets. He began his career with a solid foundation in operations as General Manager (with IHG Hotels). He also brings experience from Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, Best Western & Choice Hotels along with a marketing and public relations background. Jay's strong collaborative skills work seamlessly with Ideal's general managers to capture market share. He is also at the core of overseeing and developing sales managers and directors of sales for the entire company. His primary strength in building relationships and caring for clients has led to consistent revenue growth across our portfolio. Much of Jay's experience has been in the Savannah market, and he has twenty years of relationships in the historic district.
Karen is a 25-year industry veteran with vast experience with IHG, Wyndham, Hilton, Marriott, and Choice hotels. She worked directly for Intercontinental Hotel Group at the beginning of her career, during the development of the Candlewood Suites brand. Since then, she has served in the capacity of general manager, regional director of operations, and area sales director. Her segment experience includes everything from full service to extended stay. Karen's vast knowledge and skills are invaluable in the support she gives the team in training, brand compliance, sales, and revenue challenges.
Kat began her time in the Savannah area by becoming a certified Savannah tour guide, working as the training manager for Madison Tour Company, the exclusive carriage company for the historic district's many bed & breakfast and boutique Hotels.
Kat started her hospitality career with Historic Inns of Savannah as concierge and event coordinator at the Kehoe House Inn on Columbia Square in downtown. She was part of the team that crafted a guest experience to elevate the inn to the number one ranked hotel on TripAdvisor. Later she joined the Kessler Collection and was trained by Marriott International as part of the opening team for Savannah's premiere hospitality and entertainment district at JW Marriott's Savannah Plant Riverside.
Now in her third year with Ideal Hospitality, Kat directs revenue management and sales coordination efforts in the Savannah market.