GREENVILLE, SC—JHM Hotels has transitioned into four new independent hotel companies, paving the way for the second generation of the family business. Effective Nov. 1, the JHM Hotels’ name has been retired, and four new companies have been launched to continue the family’s legacy.
“The retirement of the JHM Hotels brand allows the numerous family shareholders involved to pursue their own visions and maintain their core values of integrity, reliability, balance and corporate citizenship,” said H.P. Rama, founder of JHM Hotels. “As the number of JHM owners has increased, so has the diversity of interests on both the property level and within the management company. As a result, there are four new companies to allocate ownership of the existing portfolio, pursue future hospitality ventures and, in some cases, manage the hotels. Each member of this second generation maintains the same desire and potential to grow exponentially moving forward, taking off from the base the family has created for them.”
The new entities include the following: Greenville, SC-based Auro Hotels, led by Principal Dharmendra (D.J.) Rama and key executives Hasmukh (H.P.) Rama and Jayanti (J.P.) Rama; Orlando, FL-based Sima Hotels LLC, led by Principal Manhar (M.P.) Rama and key executive Sima M Rama; Orlando, FL-based Sarona Holdings, led by Principal Hiren (H.R.) Rama and key executive Raman (R.P.) Rama; and Greenville, SC-based Siddhi Hotel Group, led by Principal Kamal (K.D.) Rama and key executives H.P. Rama and Denu (D.P.) Rama.
“Since my uncle, H.P. Rama, purchased the modest Sunset Motel in 1973, and was subsequently joined by my father, J.P., and uncles M.P., the late D.P., and R.P. Rama, JHM Hotels has grown into one of the largest, privately owned hospitality companies in the country, currently comprising nearly 40 hotels with approximately 7,200 rooms across seven states and India,” said D.J. Rama, former president of JHM Hotels. “During that time, the company has built or acquired nearly 100 hotels affiliated with some of the top national brands. From our adopted home of Greenville, SC, our forefathers have built an impressive portfolio and an even more impressive reputation. The future is bright for each of the new entities, and we expect a seamless transition for our hotels and our associates.”