Hospitality Daily Podcast

In this episode, Michael Escalante , former Global Vice President of Hilton’s Center of Operational Excellence, shares how his team delivered 6–12% savings on labor across more than 600 hotels, while improving both guest service and employee satisfaction. Michael explains the methodology behind Hilton’s approach: observing processes instead of people, quantifying human behavior, and modeling work...

Michael Escalante took an unexpected path from aerospace engineering to hospitality, eventually serving as Hilton’s Global VP for the Center of Operational Excellence and the President of Operational Effectiveness at Hotel Asset Value Enhancement (hotelAVE). Today, he's the CEO and founder of R5 Hospitality Solutions. In this conversation, he shares how scientific thinking and people-first le...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie and Sloan Dean explore the concept of "AI psychosis" - how people's over-reliance on AI tools can cause them to lose touch with reality and critical thinking skills. They discuss the evolution of leadership from physical strength to IQ to emotional intelligence, and examine how the hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to preserve human conn...

In this episode, Sloan Dean shares why he stepped down as CEO of Remington Hospitality after eight transformative years, walking away to bet on himself as a founder and disruptor. He discusses enrolling in MIT AI courses, his philosophy on taking calculated risks, and why becoming CEO was never meant to be his "summit." Resources mentioned: Not Done with Sloan Dean Culture Creates Room T...

In this episode, Sloan Dean shares why curiosity and the willingness to keep learning might be the most important leadership trait in hospitality today. In a candid conversation, Sloan shares his view on the flat state of RevPAR, the generational gap slowing AI adoption, and why the industry risks falling behind if it only experiments on the fringes. Drawing on his own deep dive into AI education...

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares how she’s thinking about the role artificial intelligence could play in the future of hospitality forecasting. Recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference, this conversation explores why STR’s 40 years of proprietary hotel data remain its greatest advantage, how her team is cautiously testing AI tools without risking data integrity, and the opportun...

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares why benchmarking still matters in a hospitality market that feels like it changes every month. Recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference, this conversation explores the “golden rule” of benchmarking, why consistency matters more than the specific numbers, and how hotel leaders can grow market share even when overall demand is flat. You’ll hear how...

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite joins us to discuss the profitability pressures shaping hospitality in 2025, and what leaders can do about them. She explains why margins are shrinking despite strong demand, from ADR lagging behind inflation to rising labor costs, PIPs, and debt service challenges. Amanda also shares how STR’s new tools and global benchmarking capabilities are helping ow...

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares the latest forecast for the hotel industry on August 7, 2025.  A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here .  You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free ....

In this episode recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference in Nashville, Josiah Mackenzie speaks to STR President Amanda Hite about the leadership lessons that have shaped her career. She recalls what she learned from STR founder Randy Smith’s humility, clarity, and ability to empower others — setting guardrails while encouraging smart risk-taking. Amanda then shares how she applies these principl...

Saar Shai , co-founder of Wanderland , returns to share how a simple idea—born from watching his own kids on vacation—is changing the way hotels welcome families. (See our first conversation here. ) Since our last conversation, Saar has been working with leading hotel brands to introduce “Screener,” a modular, themed room divider that gives kids their own space while improving the stay experience...

David Tart , Managing Partner at Raines , joins us to discuss The Lantern Hotel, an innovative hospitality project dedicated to creating inclusive employment opportunities. David explains how The Lantern not only transforms an old fire station in Columbia, South Carolina, into a vibrant hotel but also empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hospitality leaders will gain insights into...

David Tart , Managing Partner at Raines , shares how the practice of visibility drives the culture at his rapidly growing hospitality company. He dives deep into how Raines maintains its close-knit, relationship-driven culture through intentional leadership practices, especially during growth periods and acquisitions like the integration of HP Hotels. Listen in to discover how visibility, internal...

David Tart , Managing Partner at Raines , entered the hospitality industry by turning family farmland into his first Hampton Inn. Today, he leads development at Raines, an integrated hospitality company known for both branded and independent hotels. In this conversation, David shares key lessons from his career—particularly around risk-taking, relationship-building, and why trust is foundational i...

In this episode, our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith , speaks with Hector Hughes , co-founder of Unplugged , who shares how they have achieved the remarkable with 100% direct bookings and nearly full occupancy year-round -- all without relying on OTAs. Hector discusses Unplugged's unique approach to organic growth, the creative use of social media, and how building a movement rat...

In this episode, our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith , speaks with Hector Hughes , co-founder of Unplugged : a hospitality concept transforming wellness travel through digital detox experiences. Hector shares why merely offering digital detox as a hotel amenity rarely succeeds, and reveals how Unplugged has built its entire guest experience around the power of disconnecting.  A few mo...

Chris Gilbert , CEO of Springfield Township in Hamilton County, Ohio, and founder of Municipal Hospitality Advisors , shares how he's applying hospitality principles to transform local government. Chris reveals what inspired him to shift civic leadership from transactional interactions to meaningful moments of hospitality, highlighting practical ways he's building a people-focused cultur...

In this episode, Danica Smith , Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX , breaks down Zara's innovative "Travel Mode" initiative, demonstrating how hospitality leaders can draw inspiration from retail to rethink guest experiences. She highlights the importance of creative, cross-industry collaborations and addresses critical debates surroundi...

Danica Smith , Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX , returns to dive deeper into her innovative framework, The Four Ps of Guest Experience: Personal, Purposeful, Playful, and Participatory. In this episode, Danica breaks down each pillar with actionable insights, exploring why personalization must move beyond superficial data points, how travel can serv...

Danica Smith , Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX , returns to share what she's learned from recent conversations with industry leaders and her consultancy work. She explains why guest expectations are evolving so rapidly, discusses key trends shaping guest experiences today, and provides real-world examples of personalization at its best. Danica...

Scott Roby , President of Pacifica Hotels , joins us to share the keys to building a workplace culture that reduces turnover and boosts hotel performance. He reveals Pacifica's innovative approach, from personalized employee experiences and thoughtful leadership retreats to candid, empathetic communication that leads to true employee engagement. Hospitality leaders will gain actionable insigh...

Scott Roby , President of Pacifica Hotels , shares how he's navigating the current economic environment by strategically cutting costs without sacrificing quality or guest experience. You'll learn about Pacifica’s innovative approach to profitability, including leveraging technology, creatively driving domestic travel demand, and uncovering overlooked operational savings. This episode of...

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Reset Hotel , the first new hotel built in Joshua Tree in over 15 years. Co-founder Adam Wininger and investor Shannon Ching of HP Investors share candid insights and practical lessons from their experience bringing this ambitious, outdoor-focused hotel concept to life. You'll hear why they chose hotels over Airbnb, how trust shaped their partnershi...

In this episode, Sage Hospitality Group ’s Chief Creative Officer, Jessica Werner , shares her approach to finding fresh creative inspiration by looking beyond the hospitality industry. She explains why seeking inspiration from art, nature, music, and even wine-making can unlock powerful new ideas for hospitality leaders. If you're looking to stay inspired, avoid creative burnout, and bring t...

In this episode, Jess Werner , Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group ,  explores how AI is reshaping hospitality without losing its essential human touch. Jess explains how Sage integrates AI to enhance operational efficiency and brand consistency, from refining marketing strategies to maintaining impeccable guest experiences. Yet, she emphasizes that technology must complement, not rep...