Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Patel.
Hi Ray, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Story of Deerfield Inn & Suites
My story began in 1999, when I migrated to the United States from England in search of new opportunities and a better future for my family. After a brief two-year stay in Missouri, we found ourselves drawn to a small town on the outskirts of Nashville — a place that reminded us of home, with its friendly faces, local charm, and small-town spirit, Fairview TN.
It was there that we built our dream: a 40-unit roadside hotel called Deerfield Inn & Suites. From the very beginning, it was a true family effort. We did everything ourselves — cleaning rooms, managing the front desk, handling repairs, and welcoming guests — one at a time. The early days were tough. High interest rates, slow business, and the challenge of establishing ourselves in a new community tested our resolve.
But through perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to treating every guest like family, Deerfield Inn & Suites grew to become one of the most trusted and beloved hotels in the area. Over time, we became not just a stop along the highway, but a staple in the community — a place where locals and travelers alike could find comfort, familiarity, and genuine hospitality.
Recently, we began a new chapter: a complete renovation and transformation of the property into a modern extended-stay hotel, designed to meet the evolving needs of our community. As we move forward with our rebranding, we hold tight to the same values that built our foundation — family, dedication, and the belief that with heart and hard work, anything is possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not always been smooth. We opened in 2001, just before the financial crisis and the September 11th terrorist attacks — a challenging time for everyone, especially those in the travel industry. The interest rate on our loan was high, and we struggled to make our monthly mortgage payments. As a foreigner trying to find my place in the community, it wasn’t always easy.
Things around the property seemed to break constantly, and we couldn’t afford to hire help, so I learned to fix everything myself with little experience and only a few basic tools. At times, items would go missing from rooms, and rising property taxes added even more pressure. But through it all, we kept going — determined to make our dream a success no matter how many challenges came our way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about BP Hospitality Inc. ?
We are a small, boutique-style motel located in Fairview, Tennessee, proudly family-owned and operated since 2001. Over the years, we’ve built our reputation on personalized service, comfort, and a genuine connection to our community.
Our property offers a unique selection of daily, weekly, and monthly stays designed to meet a wide range of needs — from short-term travelers to long-term guests seeking affordable housing options. As an independent business, we’ve operated with integrity and local pride since day one.
Recently, we completed a full property renovation, transforming Deerfield Inn & Suites into a modern extended-stay destination created to better serve the growing needs of our community.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Resilience. When things don’t go as planned, take a deep breath, put one foot in front of the other, and keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deerfieldinnfairview.com
