No Vacancy Live!

Monty Bennett, Founder and CEO of Ashford Inc, joins us to talk about what his expectations are for the last 6 weeks of 2024 as holiday season approaches. 2025 is fast approaching and with a lot of uncertainty behind us following the election, what is the outlook for current operating hotels as well as the transaction markets?

Today I am chatting with Ankit Panchal from Macrotech, he’s a seasoned hotelier who’s managed multiple properties. We’re focused on how Macrotech is pushing innovation in the hotel industry with advanced AI-driven solutions, from keyless entry systems to efficient front desk operations. • AI-Driven Innovation: Learn how Macrotech’s AI solutions are enhancing the guest experience and operational efficiency. • Sustainable Smart Locks: Discover the keyless lock system with QR code functionality, saving $700+ monthly on key replacements and reducing plastic waste. • Live Monitoring for Hoteliers: Macrotech’s smart locks and Wi-Fi solutions provide real-time access for property managers, enhancing security and guest satisfaction. • Plug & Play Wi-Fi: Streamlined installation and live connectivity tracking make Wi-Fi management seamless. • ID Scanners with OCR: Speed up check-in with optical character recognition, eliminating tedious manual data entry. • AI-Enhanced Phone System: Handle guest requests and FAQs with virtual agents, freeing staff to focus on personal guest interactions. • Interactive Check-in Kiosks: Offer self-check-in options while still connecting guests to live support for a smooth, friction-free experience. Dive into the ways Macrotech is reshaping the hospitality landscape and the exciting potential AI holds for the future of hotels. 🌍✨

We’re on the tradeshow floor of The Hospitality Show where I interview Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotels. Discover how Curator is revolutionizing the independent hotel space by empowering boutique and independent hotels to compete with larger brands and OTAs. Jennifer shares insights on Curator’s journey, industry challenges, and the exciting future of independent hotels. Thanks to Entegra -- unmatched purchasing, unlimited performance. Explore more at EntegraPS.com In this episode: The Power of Curator: How Curator unites boutique hotels to create leverage, reduce costs, and improve visibility.Marketing Advantage: Why Curator’s marketing solutions amplify exposure and boost bookings for independent hotels.Four-Year Journey: Jennifer reflects on personal growth, public speaking, and newfound skills during her time with Curator.Future of Independent Hotels: Hear Jennifer’s thoughts on the resilience and innovation driving boutique and independent hotel growth.Inspiring Entrepreneurial Spirit: Why the independent hotel market will continue thriving despite brand consolidation. 💡 Subscribe for more insights on hospitality and hotel trends! Text HOTEL to 66866 for our newsletter   #CuratorHotels #IndependentHotels #HospitalityIndustry #HotelMarketing #BoutiqueHotels #HospitalityShow #JenniferBarnwell #GlennHaussman #HotelManagement

Michael Koch, Co-Founder and CEO of The Michael Koch Group, joins to talk about how his company is changing the real estate landscape through cutting-edge physical and digital experiences. They've created spaces such as Apple Stores and Ritz-Carltons.

Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director of Luxury and Lifestyle for IHG is here to talk about all things L&L including the current state of the portfolio, future outlook, and how she got in the position she has, leading this amazing collection of hotels. We mostly focus on the new uber luxury Regent Santa Monica.

We’re at San Antonio's Riverwalk where I’m chatting with Brian Venable from HBO about HBO's pivotal role in hotel entertainment. Who doesn’t remember blinking neon HBO signs beckoning travelers to stay in an air cooled room and watch a movie? From classic cable to modern streaming, discover how HBO and Max are reshaping the in-room experience for hotel guests. We’re looking into the latest hospitality trends and how Max is making it easier for travelers to access top-notch content right in their rooms. Whether you're a hotelier or a fan of HBO’s iconic shows, this conversation offers insights into the future of in-room entertainment! In this episode, we cover: HBO’s transformation from cable to the streaming era with MaxThe shift in guest expectations for on-demand, in-room entertainmentWhy seamless streaming in hotels depends on the right tech infrastructureLinear vs. streaming: How hotels balance both for diverse guest needsHBO’s legacy of groundbreaking shows and what’s new with House of Dragons and White LotusHow Max brings HBO, Warner Bros., and Discovery content to one platformWhat makes HBO a unique experience that guests recognize and valueThe importance of frictionless, passive entertainment in a hospitality setting Don’t miss these insights on creating memorable guest experiences and making high-quality content accessible! #HBO #MaxStreaming #HospitalityTech #InRoomEntertainment #HotelTrends #GlennHaussman #StreamingServices

Unlock the secrets of local SEO and more for extended stay for hotels!  We’re joined by Gordon Liametz, founder and CEO of Digital Escape, who breaks down actionable steps to make your hotel stand out in local searches. Whether you’re managing an independent property or a branded hotel, this conversation reveals how small changes can drive big visibility.  Tune in and learn how to position your extended stay property as a top choice in your area! In this episode, you’ll learn: •    Local SEO Basics – What is local SEO, and why it matters more than you might think. •    Google Algorithms Explained – Discover the 5 algorithms impacting your hotel’s visibility. •    The Power of Local Searches – 46% of mobile searches are local intent-based, not brand-focused. •    20-Step Self-Audit Checklist – Start improving visibility with Gordon’s proven checklist. •    Google Business Listing Essentials – Tips to maximize your hotel’s Google Business profile. •    Star Ratings & Photos – Why accurate ratings and quality images can transform booking rates. •    Effective Use of Keywords – How to use keywords, geo-marking, and latitude/longitude for a boost. •    Video and Photography Tips – Balance authenticity and professionalism to attract guests. •    Seasonal Tips for Visibility – Update your listing images and hero photos for the best impact. Get insider insights to improve your online presence and outshine competitors in local search results! Today’s episode is sponsored by ESLA’s inaugural regional event, taking place Wed. Dec 4 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. Learn more at ESLA.org. Also, sposnored by Dellisart Hospitality (www.dellisart.com), the leader in the third-party management of Extended Stay hotels.  #HotelSEO #LocalSEO #HospitalityMarketing #DigitalEscape #HotelVisibility #HotelMarketing #SEOExperts

In a recent study hospitality was shown to have the highest rates of addiction across any industry. Cesar Wurm is back to share his struggle with addiction and how he has overcome them. He is aiming to help other people struggling with his book "The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom in Recovery"

🎙 I’m at The Hospitality Show floor with special guest Scott Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts! They discuss Wyndham’s cutting-edge technology, aimed at improving guest experiences and boosting franchisee profits. From AI-driven interactions to new loyalty rewards, Scott reveals how Wyndham is setting a new standard for hotel technology and customer connection. Thanks to Entegra -- unmatched purchasing, unlimited performance. Explore more at EntegraPS.com 🔑 Main Highlights: AI-Powered Guest Experience: Discover how Wyndham Connect lets guests request upgrades, early check-ins, and answers to FAQs – all through AI! Franchisee Profit Boost: Wyndham’s AI tools are generating additional revenue with early and late check-in options, with over 50% of hotels earning $1,500+ monthly. Customizable Experiences: Learn how AI-driven technology creates personalized stays based on guest preferences, from room temperature to lighting. Loyalty Program Evolution: Scott shares exciting upgrades to Wyndham's award-winning loyalty program, offering points for stays at dream locations worldwide. Streamlined Purchasing for Franchisees: Wyndham’s upcoming portal will offer franchisees cost savings on essentials like mattresses and linens, driving down operational costs.  Don't miss out on these insights that could transform your view on hotel technology and guest service! Watch, subscribe, and stay updated with our latest hospitality trends! Text HOTEL to 66866🔔  #WyndhamHotels #HospitalityTech #GuestExperience #HotelIndustry #HotelTrends #AIinHospitality #LoyaltyProgram #WyndhamConnect #NoVacancy

Ian McClure CEO, Gulf Development in Dallas, Texas oversees and directs a group of affiliated real estate development and management companies with assets in fourteen states employing approximately 450 associates. He’s now betting big on extended stay, sharing his journey from retail and multifamily development into hospitality. He shares the story of developing a 30-property portfolio with Wyndham's new Echo Suites brand. In fact, he recently opened the first one! Get an inside look into why Ian believes extended stay hotels are the future of hospitality, his strategic partnership with Wyndham, and how the operating model is transforming the industry. Key Takeaways: Ian McClure is leading the charge with 30 extended stay hotels across the U.S.Extended stay’s robust performance during the Great Recession and COVID.How operational efficiency drives their hotel design, reducing labor and increasing speed.The importance of standardized room design for scalability.The benefits of brand power: why Ian chose to align with Wyndham for global reach and distribution.Insights into creating a new hotel prototype from the developer’s perspective. Plus ·        Location strategy ·        Site selection criteria: ·        interest rates and how that effects long-term confidence ·        and Advice for investors This episode is brought to you by EchoSuites from Wyndham. Learn more about Wyndham Echo Suites here: https://development.wyndhamhotels.com/brand/echo-suites-extended-stay-by-wyndham/ Also, thanks to our sponsor sponsored by Dellisart Hospitality (www.dellisart.com), the leader in the third-party management of Extended Stay hotels.     #HospitalityIndustry #ExtendedStayHotels #WyndhamEchoSuites #HotelDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #HotelOperations #FutureOfHospitality #PodcastInterview

David Millili seemingly does it all as CEO of LodgIQ, GAIN Chairman of the Board and Host of the Modern Hotelier Podcast. Sadly, it all comes to end tonight as he stoops to the lowest level possible by joining Glenn, Craig and Dave for some cocktails and laughs on Friday Night Audit.

How are client experiences curated across different industries? How can the brand experience and market positioning be effectively reflected? What are the key ingredients for a successful client experience? Jochen De Peuter, from EHL Advisory services, is here to answer these questions and more for a jam packed show.

Last week at The Lodging Conference, Kevin F. Dailey, COO of LivAway Suites, and I discussed the rapid growth of this new extended stay brand 🏨 aginst the context of LivAway Suites, developed by West77 Partners. They're planning nationwide expansion. Plus, the sold-out success of their first hotel in Salt Lake City to the strategic expansion across the U.S., this conversation offers invaluable insights for investors, developers, and hospitality pros alike! Key discussion points: The incredible growth of Live Away Suites with 12 hotels open or under construction 🏗️  The success of their first hotel in West Jordan, Salt Lake City 🏙️  What makes LivAway Suites different from traditional corporate hotels 🏢  Expansion plans: From Salt Lake City to Richland, Washington, Smyrna, Georgia, and beyond 🌍  The strategic focus on extended stay properties with fast stabilization ⚡  Franchising plans and how West 77 is behind building a national brand 🏆 Key demand drivers: military bases, hospitals, infrastructure projects, and more 🏥 How LivAway Suites is leveraging demand from infrastructure projects like the Chips Act 🛠️

Lisa Lombardo, MPA is President at ARK, where she’s passionate about creating a thriving, people-first culture in hospitality. Lisa shares how focusing on team happiness and growth not only improves relationships but also enhances business performance. 💡 People-First Leadership: How ARK focuses on people for better relationships, reputation, and returns 🔥 Culture in Practice: Why it’s important to define, program, and measure company culture 📊 Growth in 2024: Expanding the team, portfolio, and leadership at ARK Hospitality 🏨 Career Development: Exposing employees to new roles and career paths within the industry 🌟 Success Stories: From property-level roles to C-suite positions – the amazing career trajectories in hospitality 🚀 ARK Hospitality Academy: A unique program that trains employees in leadership and operations Discover how to build a positive workplace culture and unlock growth in the hospitality industry. Thank you to our sponsor, Unifocus – streamline your hotel operations and empower your team at unifocus.com.

At The Lodging Conference, Ryan Bosch of Arriba Capital and I discussed the latest trends in hotel development and how it’s affected by interest rates, market shifts, and hospitality industry development strategies. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about the future of hotel construction, this conversation offers key insights on what’s coming next. Key discussion points: Current interest rates 📊 and their effect on hotel development 🏗️ Why 50 basis points isn’t enough for a market shift ⚖️ but why there’s hope on the horizon 🌅 What Lodging Econometrics' data says about new hotel construction in 2024 and beyond 📅 Market predictions: Which cities are primed for outsized RevPAR growth? 🌆 How luxury and upscale segments ✨ are faring against economy properties 💲 The challenges and opportunities in hotel development financing 💰 What to expect if many developers begin building simultaneously 🛠️ The key to getting your hotel project financed in a competitive market 🔑 Don’t miss this in-depth conversation packed with actionable insights for developers, investors, and hospitality professionals! Thanks to Unifocus for supporting this video.

One thing every hotel wants to do is create a positive, memorable experience for their guests. Every hotel has its unique challenges to accomplish this goal. Ashley Ewing Parrott, Principal at AEP Hospitality Consulting & The Saturday Crowd, has helped hotels accomplish just that and she is here to share some of her tips.

During The Lodging Conference, I finally spoke with legendary hotelier Bakulesh "BUGGSI" Patel to discuss how shifting markets are creating new hospitality industry opportunities. Buggsi shares his investment strategies and offers advice on finding under-the-radar hotel deals that can generate significant returns.  🔥 Buggsi Patel’s investment strategy: How he's capitalizing on institutional assets and market shifts  💡 CapEx insights: Why some hotels are primed for renovation and profit 📈 8-9 cap returns: The financial sweet spot for maximizing profitability 🌍 Targeting the right markets: Buggsi reveals his focus on under-the-radar deals  🏨 Legacy brands resurgence: How neglected hotels can stage a comeback with the right investment 💼 Building relationships: The role of trust in securing high-value deals 🚀 Bright future for hospitality: What Buggsi sees as the biggest opportunities in the industry today Learn more about Buggsi’s strategy and get expert tips on staying ahead in today’s hospitality landscape. Thank you to our sponsor, Unifocus . Streamline your hotel operations and enhance your profitability at unifocus.com. #HospitalityInvesting #HotelierInsights #CapExStrategy #LegacyBrands #LodgingConference #HotelProfitability #HospitalityIndustry #RealEstateInvesting #Unifocus #GlennHaussman #BuggsPatel #lodgingconference

Continued coverage from The Lodging Conference 2024 where I chatted Joseph Bojanowski, President of PM Hotel Group. We discuss key strategies hoteliers are usong to combat rising costs and labor shortages by leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and improve the bottom line. Learn how the PM team are navigating industry challenges with innovative approaches to drive profitability.  *Hotel margins are under pressure due to rising labor costs and declining RevPAR. *Strategies to enhance profitability through guest experience and technology.  *How PM Hotel Group is using automation and robotics to free up staff for guest interactions.  *Innovative learning platforms, including TikTok-style training for younger employees.  *Preparing for the future of hospitality amidst labor shortages and economic uncertainty.    #LodgingConference2024 #HospitalityTech #HotelManagement #GuestExperience #HotelIndustry #HospitalityInnovation #HotelProfitability #PMHotelGroup #GlennHaussman

More from The Lodging Conference 2024. Rob Smith, the newly appointed CEO of Stonebridge Companies, shares his thoughts on state of the hotel business, his vision for Stonebridge, how he plans to lead the company, and the challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry today. Key Points: • Rob Smith discusses his first 90 days as CEO of Stonebridge Companies. • Insights on focusing on the people, process, and ownership expectations. • Key strategies for improving top-line performance and managing rising expenses. • The impact of mergers on expanding geographic reach and gaining new talent. • How the hospitality business model has evolved post-COVID. • Rob's thoughts on the industry sentiment from the Lodging Conference 2024. #HospitalityLeadership #StonebridgeCEO #LodgingConference #HotelIndustryInsights #HospitalityGrowth #HotelManagement #MergersAndAcquisitions #TopLinePerformance #GlennHaussman #RobSmith #NoVacancy   Thansk to Unifocus for supporting this video.

At The Lodging Conference I spoke with Sloan Dean, CEO of Remington Hospitality to discuss key hospitality trends. We talk labor costs, AI’s impact on the workforce, and the future of foreign travel in the US. Key Takeaways: 2024 Outlook: Interest rates are falling, and wage inflation is cooling, providing relief for hotel operations. Labor Costs: Wage growth is slowing, which is crucial since labor is the biggest expense in hospitality. AI & Productivity: AI is not yet job-eliminating in hospitality but is improving productivity, allowing hotels to operate with fewer staff. Foreign Travel Recovery: Foreign inbound travel, particularly from Europe and Asia, is rebounding, offering exciting growth opportunities for 2025. US Travel Trends: While domestic leisure travel has stabilized, outbound US travelers are spending more than ever in foreign markets. What’s Next: Sloan Dean is optimistic about business transient and foreign travel recovering fully by 2025. Sponsored by Unifocus: Streamline your hotel operations and elevate guest satisfaction with innovative technology solutions. Learn more at Unifocus.com.