Our Team

Unforgettable experiences start with our team. Get to know the people behind Kalyan Hospitality.

Nick Patel

President

Nick Patel is the owner and President of Kalyan Hospitality. Born in West Bromwich, England, but relocating to the United States in 1982, Nick was raised with a strong work ethic and a forward-thinking outlook. He finished his higher education at the Virginia Commonwealth School of Pharmacy but always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. In 1997, Nick made a bold move with the support of his parents and embarked on his first project, the Sleep Inn Hotel, located in Richmond, Virginia. The development of the 51-room hotel would lay the roots for what would become one of the most respected hospitality development and management companies in the state of Virginia. Nick’s company continues to grow on two founding principles: Honesty & Integrity. Through his hard work, discipline, and calculated plan for growth, Kalyan Hospitality now owns and operates apartments, student housing, and premier hotel brands throughout the United States.

Rita Patel

Vice President

Rita Patel is the Co-President of Kalyan Hospitality. Born in India, she moved to Montreal, Canada, as an infant and finally settled with her family in Southern Illinois. Rita grew up around the hotel business and has always enjoyed the hospitality field. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. With her love of design and savvy procurement skills, she would be instrumental in co-founding what is now the most respected hospitality development and management company in the state of Virginia. Rita works closely with designers and brand representatives to create some of the most vibrant and comforting lodging facilities in the United States.

Leah Hardy

Chief Operating Officer

An innovative and dedicated transformational leader with over 25 years of hospitality experience, Leah has built a career marked by her passion for empowering teams to reach their highest potential. Her tenure at Hilton saw her become an award-winning general manager and a brand ambassador for the Circle of Leadership program. She then advanced into senior executive roles as a regional and director of operations before assuming her current position as COO of Kalyan. Leah holds a Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications from East Carolina University, graduating magna cum laude. 

Leah believes in building trust and credibility as the foundation for effective communication and a positive, results-driven atmosphere. With a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies, she thrives on redesigning processes to drive impactful change. Passionately curious and fiercely competitive, she is committed to continuous growth and helping her teams deliver exceptional service and results.