OUR STORY
A legacy of
excellent service.
A Passion for Hospitality
Auro Hotels began as a single owner-operated property, but our founders had a strong vision for the future. The same mission and vision continues to guide our company today.
01 | VISION
To be a beacon of excellence in hospitality.
02 | MISSION
To elevate the experience of our guests, associates, owners, and communities every day.
03 | STORY
From Sunset to
a dawn of new light
Auro Hotels began in 1973 as JHM Hotels, opening Sunset Motel in California. Today, we have grown to a full-service hotel provider operating properties in the United States and India. Our people make us a different kind of hospitality company. We have earned a reputation for excellence in everything we do, but our purpose is greater than our day-to-day business. We seek to improve the communities we serve by giving back and providing educational and enrichment opportunities.
1973
Inspiration in a California Sunset
Our company is founded as JHM Hotels, and we begin our venture by operating the Sunset Motel, a single, 40-room facility in Pomona, California.
1995
A Future Secured by Family Ties
In a move that increases the company’s personal and professional strength, DJ Rama officially joins the family business to carry on the timeless legacy of the Rama family in the hotel industry.
2005
Our Spirit of Service Shines Through
JHM Hotels Awarded its first Marriott Partnership Circle Award, becoming a premier partner with what would become the largest hotel company in the world.
2012
Continuing a Legacy of Leadership
Following in the legacy of his father and uncle’s legacy of being among the most respected in the industry, DJ Rama assumes the presidency of JHM Hotels (now Auro Hotels). With a solid foundation to build on, DJ takes JHM/Auro into the future of hospitality through strategic design and innovation.
2013
Lighting the Way in Our Communities
JHM Hotels launches the O.N.E. program, a community outreach initiative guided by the principle of giving is 1-1-1 where we work to donate 1% of our profit, 1% of our product, and 1% of our personnel to fulfill our mission.
2017
The Dawn
of a New Light
JHM Hotels creates a succession plan that allows the second generation to take the reins. The JHM Hotels name was retired, and we introduced the name Auro, which means “dawn of new light.” Auro Hotels, a new name to reflect our new direction.
2018
Extending Our Vision from West to East
Building on the strength of our US-based foundation, JHM Hotels takes the company global by opening the Courtyard by Marriott in Surat, India.
2020
Preparing for a Brighter Future
By continuing expansion, improving our portfolio, and building meaningful relationships with our owners, partners, and team members, Auro Hotels focuses on a future that shines as brightly as its history.
During the nearly five decades since our founders opened that first motel, the Rama family has grown the business into one of the largest and most respected privately-owned hospitality companies in the country. We’re always looking forward, working with the best people, and building on our past to prepare for our future.
