No Vacancy Live!

I just had a fantastic conversation with Emily Wright , VP & Global Brand Leader at Hyatt, along with my buddy Anthony Melchiorri. Emily's been with Hyatt for nearly 20 years, and the passion she brings to the role is clear. We covered a lot of ground, but here's what really stood out to me: Hyatt has grown from 4 core brands to a wide-reaching portfolio—and they're still expanding. The launch of...

What's really happening in the global hotel pipeline? Glenn Haussman sits down with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, to break down the numbers, trends, and transformations shaping hospitality development worldwide. From luxury's evolution into intimate, multi-gen-friendly resorts to the rise of dual-brand properties and strategic conversions, this episode delivers insights that matter to o...

New Orleans isn't just about beignets and brass bands—it's a test case for how hotels handle unpredictable demand. I spoke with Ken Jacques, GM of Le Meridien New Orleans , which is operated by Stonebridge, about how he's planning for 2026 and what it really takes to run a hotel in a city built on events. Here's what stood out: Hotels can't just copy last year's budget — they're recalibrating dail...

What's shaping the future of hotel development beyond the U.S.? In this hashtag # NoVacancyNews , Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics and I break down the latest pipeline data across EMEA—and what it means for owners, operators, and investors. 🔑 Key insights: Why conversions are becoming the biggest story in Europe after a decade of limited activity How unique land and building lease structures sh...

How can hospitality education keep pace with the evolving workforce, shrinking attention spans, and the rise of AI? In this # NoVacancyNews , I'm joined by Dr. Suzanne Bagnera and Dr. Peter Ricci. We're tackling one of the most pressing issues in our industry: attracting and preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders. 🔑 What we cover: Why enrollment in hospitality programs is dropping—a...

From Aspen in the 1970s to Maui today, CoralTree Hospitality has been shaping the residential resort and vacation rental space long before it was trendy. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn and Anthony sit down with Mike Cuthbertson , Managing Director of the CoralTree Residence Collection, to talk about: How CoralTree blends hospitality standards with vacation rental flexibility The unique challenges o...

The Peabody Memphis is more than a luxury hotel — it's a living piece of history. From its famous duck march to welcoming presidents and celebrities, this property continues to set the standard for Southern hospitality. In this episode, I talk with Doug Browne, President of The Peabody Memphis , about what it takes to run a century-old icon while keeping it fresh and profitable. 💡 What you'll lea...

Asia Pacific is driving nearly half of the world's hotel construction — but the trends look very different when you separate China from the rest of the region. I'm joined by Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, to break down the numbers and explain what they mean for the hospitality business. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode: Why China is finally seeing a wave of upscale and boutique hotel...

Boutique hotels are more than just design statements — they're lifestyle-driven businesses that can transform communities and create powerful guest loyalty. In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Stephen Wendell , CEO of Mountain Shore Properties, talks about what makes #boutiquehotel projects work — and how his company approaches development in unique markets. 📌 Key takeaways: • How boutique hotels...

Timeshare isn't what it used to be — and that's exactly the point. In this episode of No Vacancy Live , I'm joined by co-host Anthony Melchiorri and Jason Gamel, President & CEO of ARDA, for a fast-moving and surprisingly eye-opening discussion on the state of vacation ownership. 🏖️ Whether you're a hotelier, investor, or curious traveler, you'll want to hear this: • How the reputation of timeshar...

In this episode of No Vacancy Live , Anthony Melchiorri and I sit down with Charlie Lopez, VP & Managing Director of ETC Hotels, the group behind the iconic Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Together, we explore what true luxury means in today's hospitality climate — and why it's more relaxed, more local, and more personalized than ever. 🌴 Here's what you'll get from this hi...

The luxury travel market isn't slowing down — it's evolving. At Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, I sat down with Misty Belles , VP of Global Public Relations at Virtuoso, to uncover what's really happening in high-end travel and how hotels can adapt to meet shifting guest expectations. 📌 Key takeaways: • Virtuoso's latest research shows 12% year-over-year growth in luxury travel for the first h...

On this episode of Friday Night Audit, we welcome back the incredible Matt Hostetler, CDO at Red Roof to join us for some laughs, drinks and more. Watch at your own risk!!

📍 Myrtle Beach has more golf courses than you can count — but the real story is how former tourists are becoming full-time residents, and how hoteliers are adapting. On this #NoVacancyNews, I speak with Patrick Norton, CMO of Brittain Resorts & Hotels, about how they're navigating market shifts, driving demand, and building loyalty in one of the country's fastest growing cities. Here's what you'l...

The extended stay category just got its first-ever national ad campaigns — and Choice Hotels is leading the way. In this episode of hashtag # NoVacancyNews , I speak with Matt McElhare , VP & Segment Lead for Extended Stay at Choice Hotels International , about why now was the moment to go big on marketing, how the campaigns are shifting guest perception, and what it all means for owners and guest...

Ben Rafter, President & CEO of Springboard Hospitality, doesn't pull punches. In this #NoVacancyNews, we get into the real conversations hoteliers should be having — not just about technology, but also leadership, workforce strategy, and making the numbers work. We cover a ton of ground, including: • Why getting your financials out on time is a non-negotiable • How to use AI where it matters — thi...

A&O Hostels CEO Oliver Winter shares how he built one of Europe's largest hostel brands—and why it's resonating with Gen Z, solo travelers, and digital nomads. From one property in Berlin to 42 locations across Europe, A&O Hostels has become a leader in affordable, sustainable hospitality. In this episode of No Vacancy News, Glenn Haussman and Dr. Suzanne Bagnera talk with Oliver about:  ✅ Why so...

In this episode of No Vacancy News, Glenn Haussman heads to IHG's Design Center in Atlanta to explore the evolution of Candlewood Suites, Atwell Suites, and Staybridge Suites with IHG brand leaders Karen Gilbride and Justin Alexander. 🔍 What's inside: The $19B+ suite segment opportunity—and why IHG is doubling down How "Smart Studios" reduce room size while maximizing functionality Flexible layou...

Edward Mady has led some of the most iconic hotels in the world. Now, he's turning decades of experience into a leadership blueprint that blends purpose, accountability, and human connection. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn and Anthony chat with the longtime GM of The Beverly Hills Hotel and author of Honing the Human Edge to talk about what it takes to build high-performing teams and lasting cultur...

The data is in—and it's not just about pipeline volume, it's about what the numbers really mean. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman sits down with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics. They're breaking down the latest U.S. #hotelconstruction pipeline data and uncovering the trends shaping where and how hotels will renovate and build next. 📊 Highlights include: • Why older hotels from 2005–...

Loyalty matters—but only if it's worth something to the traveler. In this episode of # NoVacancyNews , Glenn Haussman sits down with Elizabeth Von Tersch , Senior Travel Editor at U.S. News & World Report , to reveal he just-released rankings of the best hotel rewards programs for 2025–2026. 💳 Here's what you'll learn: Why Choice Hotels International 's Choice Privileges earned the top spot — and...

Friday Night Audit champion Kate Burda rejoins to go toe to tow with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. Join us for soem happy hour fun and laughs as we kick off the weekend!

From awkward dress codes to overstuffed agendas, meetings needed a reset — and Hilton listened. On this episode of # NoVacancyNews , Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Kelly Knowlen , VP of Sales Engagement & Special Events at Hilton , about how her team is rewriting the rules of modern events based on feedback from 10,000+ attendees. 📋 What you'll take away: • Why # GenZ isn't "frag...

With new labor mandates, interest rate pressure, and legal complexity at an all-time high, hotel development is no longer a game of instinct — it's about precision. In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Guy Maisnik , Vice Chair of the Global Hospitality Group at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell , about what today's hotel owners need to understand to sta...