Nina Patel was raised in the hotel business as that was her parents’ profession, so following in their footsteps felt very natural to her. She and her husband, Dipakkumar, have worked in the hospitality industry since 1983, focusing on hotel management, operations, and development. Over the years, they have acquired three existing motels in Los Angeles, Glendora, and Azusa, but their dream was to build their own hotel from the ground up.

In 2018, they took the first big step toward this goal and purchased land for their Tru by Hilton hotel – a fresh take on the internationally recognized hotel chain. The pandemic delayed their construction plans but, with a second loan from Bay Area Development, the hotel was completed in just 18 months and welcomed its first guests in 2024.

Nina views the Tru by Hilton project with particular pride, and with good reason. Guests consistently provide positive reviews, and the property received Hilton’s Development Award in 2024. The Patels created more than 50 new jobs in the community and have built much more than a new hotel; they have established a legacy for their family and company.