<p><i>This article was originally published on November 11, 2024</i></p>

<p><span class="p-body">HotelsHeroes is a one-of-a-kind online booking platform that enhances monetary rewards for housekeepers. As a groundbreaking initiative in the hospitality industry, HotelsHeroes is dedicated towards uplifting housekeepers for the essential role they play in creating memorable guest experiences.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">The idea for our business began when my brother, Oam Patel (co-founder) and I both worked as housekeepers at our family’s small motel, struggling through a staffing crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, we worked side-by-side with a dedicated coworker, “Linda.” Experiencing the physically demanding labor, low pay, and lack of appreciation that housekeepers routinely face opened our eyes to their untold challenges. One afternoon, while cleaning rooms together, we noticed Linda’s face light up when she discovered a small tip left by a guest. Curious, I asked her about it, and she explained how each dollar helped fund her grandkids’ future education. That simple gesture of appreciation sparked a realization: even modest acts of gratitude have the power to uplift those who make our hospitality experiences possible. Inspired by this moment, my brother and I envisioned a platform that would celebrate and support housekeepers—a way to transform these small but meaningful gestures into lasting, positive impact. That vision became “HotelsHeroes”—a platform dedicated to directly recognizing and rewarding the hard work of housekeepers everywhere.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">From the moment I was accepted into NYU, I was eager to join the incubator program to accelerate my platform's growth and broaden our impact for housekeepers as swiftly as possible. With NYU’s vast network of alumni and experienced professionals in hospitality, I’m confident that the mentorship and guidance I’ll gain will be invaluable, equipping me with the insights and strategies needed to expand the platform efficiently and effectively at a global level.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">What I enjoy most about creating my own startup is the chance to channel my entrepreneurial spirit into making a meaningful impact. Starting a business to support housekeepers is incredibly fulfilling because I can directly empower an essential workforce and make a positive difference in their lives. It’s rewarding to see my vision come to life through a platform that genuinely meets their needs. The journey brings constant growth and learning as I overcome challenges and refine my approach. Building relationships with users and hearing their feedback makes every step forward even more meaningful.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">If you’re thinking about starting a startup, focus first on a real problem you’re passionate about solving—this will keep you going when things get tough. Do some serious research on your market and who you’re aiming to help, so you’re solving real needs. Bring together a team of people who are not only talented but also believe in your vision, and aim to create a product that makes human life easier in a simple, practical way. Finally, stay flexible and open to change based on feedback—being willing to learn and adapt is key to making it in the startup world.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">I wish I’d known just how complex travel technology is, especially in areas like online travel agencies (OTAs) and the systems that support them. Figuring out APIs, booking integrations, and industry standards has been a big learning curve. If I’d understood more of the technical side from the beginning, we could have saved time and made smarter choices along the way. Ensuring a user-friendly experience while integrating scheduling, payments, and communication features took more time and effort than anticipated. Additionally, reaching out to industry leaders to present our concept was very challenging and I am glad to have the opportunity in the incubator program to collaborate with these leaders.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">In an ideal world, my brother and I envision this unique and empowering platform boosting guest satisfaction by ensuring clean, comfortable rooms while also giving guests the gratification of directly rewarding the hardworking housekeepers who made their stay exceptional. We want to create a future where all housekeepers are financially rewarded for their laborious, but crucial role.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">We haven’t had the opportunity to work with alumni or mentors on this project yet, but we're genuinely excited to do so through the incubator hub program. We're passionate about learning, growing, and refining our vision, and we look forward to collaborating with experienced mentors to take our project to the next level.</span></p>