No Vacancy Live!

The ultimate guide to extended stay with Glenn McFarland, VP at Choice Hotels' Extended Stay brand, and co-host Matt McElhare, VP and Segment Lead at Choice Hotels International. We're digging into the unique opportunities within the extended stay segment, sharing valuable lessons from industry pioneer the late Jack DeBoer, and discussing how to achieve success in this growing market. Whether you'...

It's back to school week here for me as I've got two kids off to college. So I spoke with Rachael Hood, Senior Editor of Travel at US News & World Report, who just named the 20 Best College Town Hotels to see what it takes to be a top college town in 2024. With a focus on location, traveler reviews, and real customer experiences, Rachael shares what makes these hotels stand out.  Key discussion po...

Wayne Tabor may be a hotelier, but we love he's also on a competition BBQ team in his home town of Memphis. Grab a drink and join us for some happy hour laughs and BBQ techniques and tipos.

Shane Green, Founder and President of SGEi, talks about how to inspire people and companies to move beyond the mundane and out of status quo to exceed the expectations of their employees and customers. What are ways that organizations can attract the right talent, retain that talent, and wow the customer?

I caught up with Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple Hotels Inc. during the Southern Lodging Summit, where she shared insights on optimizing hospitality operations through implementing cutting-edge technology and personalized guest experiences. Key highlights include: Optimizing Tech Stacks: Insights into Staypineapple's recent tech stack overhaul and the challenges of integration. Personalized...

Discover the secrets behind the success of LivAway Suites, an innovative upscale economy extended stay hotel. In this episode, COO Kevin Dailey and I explore the brand's unique approach to guest experience, technology integration, and property design. Learn how LivAway Suites is redefining the extended stay market with its focus on essential amenities, efficient operations, and strategic expansion...

We discuss current trends and challenges in the hospitality industry with Mitch Patel, CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, focusing on the rise of extended stay hotels, innovative development strategies, and the importance of creating memorable guest experiences. Mitch shares his expertise on: Extended Stay Success: Why extended stay properties have become a "darling" of the industry, and how Vision...

Scott Stevens, of HREC, and Glenn Bisping, Director of Franchise Services at Extended Stay America (ESA) on why major hotel brands are entering the extended stay segment, how the market has evolved, and why it's attracting investors.  Discover the benefits of partnering with brokers for hotel investments, how to navigate current lending challenges, and what to watch out for when investing in exten...

Glenn and Chirag Shah, American Hotel & Lodging Association's EVP, Federal and Political Affairs & Counsel, at LendingCon - Hospitality Investors Conference to explore the intersection of politics and the hospitality industry, especially with an election just around the corner. Episode Highlights: Election Impact: Discussing the potential effects of the upcoming election on the hospitality industr...

Today we discuss the current state of the hospitality industry, including challenges and opportunities in the market. Ryan Bosch, Principal of Arriba Capital, Glenn and Anthony discuss impact of interest rates on hotel deals, the evolving lending landscape, and insights into the booming extended stay sector. Discover strategies for securing financing, common pitfalls to avoid, and expert advice on...

Glenn talks with Congressman Darren Soto during LendingCon about the significant infrastructure investments in Central Florida and its impact on the economy and tourism industry. Episode Highlights: Infrastructure Investment: Insight into the $3.5 billion expansion of I-4, aimed at alleviating the worst traffic in the nation and boosting Central Florida's growth. Airport Expansion: $300 million in...

Congressman Aaron Bean and Glenn chat at at LendingCon in Orlando, Florida, discussing the latest issues and innovations in hospitality development. Episode Highlights: Event Overview: Reporting from LendingCon at the Rosen Center Hotel with 800 hospitality industry leaders. Human Interaction: Emphasizing the importance of personal connections in leadership and exceptional guest experiences. Acces...

Discover the essential strategies for optimizing revenue in extended stay hotels! In this episode   of ESLA's Experts & Icons, Ewa Kemper, VP Revenue Management at Dellisart and cohost Doug Artusio, ESLA's Founder,  share essential tips for revenue management and the importance of finding the right balance between extended stay and transient guests. Maximize profitability without compromising the...

Tonight on the Friday Night Audit Happy Hour Extravaganza, we're immersing ourselves in the future of hospitality experiences. Glenn, Craig Sullivan and Doctor Producer Suzanne Bagnera, PhD, CHA are focused on the secret TipTech lab – or is that Batcave? We drink, laugh and discuss their cutting-edge technology and unique approaches to enhancing hospitality experiences. Here's what we covered: Spe...

Dive into the world of immersive experiences and the future of themed entertainment with this episode. Join myself and Suzanne Bagnera, PhD, CHA as we sit down with Ryan A. Harmon, President and Chief Creative Officer of Zeitgeist Design & Production (OFFICIAL), to discuss the evolution and innovation in theme parks, hotels, and more. Discover the trends, stories, and creative processes that make...

Today we're seeing how one amazing couple – Karie Brittano and Julian Brittano -- is bringing their dream project to life, with a little help from Choice Hotels International's John Lancaster. This episode covers: Supporting Owners Access and Representation (SOAR) Program: Transitioning from the Emerging Markets Program to a new initiative focused on providing education and opportunities for aspir...

We're delving deep into the root challenges of employee engagement and retention in the hospitality industry. Our guest, Szilvia Olah, Employee Experience Designer from The Strengths Company, joins us from Dubai. Key Highlights: Common Complaints: Discussion on the prevalent issues of low employee engagement and high turnover rates in hospitality. Root Causes vs. Symptoms: Identifying the differen...

Join us for a special episode as we celebrate the incredible career of one of the most respected figures in the hospitality industry. Phil shares his journey, from his early days as a bellman to becoming a key player in the industry, and reflects on the evolution of hospitality over the past 41 years. Key Points: Career Beginnings: Phil's start as a bellman and front desk agent, and his early care...

Today we have Rick Colangelo, EVP of Pivot Hotels, part of Davidson Hospitality Group. Topics discussed include: Guest Experience: The significance of delivering exceptional guest experiences in hotels and resorts. The Pivot Vibe: Introduction of the "Pivot Vibe" concept, focusing on guest journey, music, lighting, scents, and design. Experience Economy: The shift towards an experience-driven econ...

Today we delve into the latest developments at Coury Holdings and their exciting new ventures. Paul Coury  special guest shares insights on their innovative approach to hospitality and strategic growth. Key Points Covered: •    Overview of Coury Holdings: o    Coury Holdings' history and evolution over 38 years. o    Transition from developer and asset manager to hotel consulting and development....

Join Glenn as he takes you on an exciting tour of the Virgin Hotel Las Vegas with special guest Cliff Atkinson, the President of Virgin Hotel Las Vegas.  In this episode, you will explore the remarkable changes and improvements made to the property. Walk along with Glenn and Cliff to learn about: • The integration of various elements to create a cohesive and vibrant resort experience. • The reimag...

Join us as we dive into the world of casino resort design with two industry experts! Discover Winstar, an incredible casino resort project in Thackerville, Oklahoma, led by the Chickasaw Nation and designed by HBG. We interview Rob Juergan, Principal and Architectural Designer at HBG Design and Ray Mabry, Principal and Dallas Office Leader Project Highlights: • 6,500-seat performance venue: Lucas...

Glenn and Craig welcome back Amy Montgomery for her yearly appearance. Grab a drink and have a lugh along with us!

Elizabeth Mullins is COO of Flâneur Hospitality is a seasoned hotelier with a passion for luxury hospitality. She shares her journey from the Ritz-Carlton to leading a new boutique hotel in NYC. Discover what sets her hotel apart and her unique approach to creating unforgettable guest experiences at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. • Dive into the world of luxury hospitality with Elizabeth as she talks abo...

Nezar Akeel is Founder & CEO of MAXPRO Fitness and shares insights around the importance of in-room workout options for travelers. It's so easy, even i coiuld do it! Plus, MAXPRO has partnered with Shaquille O'Neill too so this is legit.