Hospitality Daily Podcast

Take the State of the Hotel Industry Survey now In this episode, David Arraya , the Founder of Conscious Hospitality Unlimited , host of the Conscious Hospitality Podcast , and a former hotel general manager, shares insights from the State of the Hotel Industry Survey and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing hoteliers today. Listeners will learn: The biggest day-to-day challenges for...

In this episode, Rob Blood , founder of Lark Hotels and now chairman of the combined company with Life House, shares insights into their recent joint venture and the future of independent hospitality. Read the announcement Listen to previous episodes with Rob: How We Created An Award-Winning Boutique Hotel Management and Development Company - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels Intro to Lifes...

In this episode, Danica Smith , Founder of MorningStar GX , shares her insights on the evolving role of technology in enhancing guest experiences in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about: The future of online hotel guest reviews and their relevance in a highly personalized booking journey. The impact of influencers on online reputation and guest feedback. The concept of "micro f...

In this episode, Danica Smith , Founder of MorningStar GX , shares her insights on using technology to enhance guest experience in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn: The importance of focusing on guest satisfaction as the ultimate goal of implementing new technology. The significance of simplicity and clarity in technology adoption and project goals. The value of beta testing and ensur...

In this episode, Danica Smith , Founder of MorningStar GX , shares her insights on the enduring power of focusing on guest experience in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn: The true meaning of "guest experience" and why it matters. Common hesitations and obstacles hotel companies face in improving guest experience. The impact of digitalizing the guest journey and the importanc...

In this episode, Justin Rodriguez , General Manager at the Shashi Hotel , shares insights on how technology is transforming the hospitality experience at their hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley. Listen to learn: How Shashi Group is using technology to create a customizable room experience for guests. The impact of technology on the hotel's staff and operations. The benefits and challenges...

In this episode, Maria Loleyt , CEO of Plurana , shares her insights into what makes luxury hotels exceptional based on interviews with dozens of hotel leaders and analysis of over 1.2 million guest reviews. She explains how hotels can go beyond merely providing clean and beautiful spaces to creating emotional connections that delight sophisticated travelers. What You’ll Learn: How luxury hotels c...

In this episode, Teddy Albertson shares how blending creativity with practicality can transform spaces, revitalize cities, and create unique, memorable experiences that drive foot traffic and engagement. What you’ll learn by listening: How art and immersive experiences can revitalize urban areas and hospitality spaces. The unique collaboration between Teddy and artist Mike Bennett to create public...

In this episode, Eric Jafari , founder of AENDRE Group , shares how stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new experiences can spark ideas that transform the way that you provide hospitality. We talk about: How blending ancient traditions with modern design can drive innovation in hospitality. The importance of immersing yourself in different cultures to challenge and expand y...

In this episode, Eric Jafari , founder of AENDRE Group , shares insights into the evolution of hospitality innovation and how it can shape the future of the industry. You'll learn about: The origins of the lifestyle hotel movement in the 1980s. How Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager transformed the Executive Hotel in New York. The role of status and self-worth in the success of lifestyle hotels. T...

In this episode, Eric Jafari , founder of AENDRE Group , shares the story of an eye-opening experience that redefined his understanding of wellness and innovation in the hospitality industry. You'll learn about: The historic role of alcohol as a "social lubricant" and its impact on social interactions. How the Gen Z consumer's reduced alcohol consumption is influencing new soci...

In this episode, Eric Jafari , founder of AENDRE Group , shares his journey from a stable career in real estate investment to redefining hospitality through innovative concepts.  You'll learn: Why predictability stifles innovation in the hospitality industry. How culture shapes risk-taking and the importance of embracing trial and error. The disconnect between traditional hotel investments an...

In this episode, Adele Gutman , the former head of sales, marketing, and revenue at The Library Hotel Collection, shares her journey of driving guest satisfaction to the top of the charts through team empowerment and operational excellence - and the impact that had on demand and revenue. You may also enjoy these with Adele: Stop Fighting Fires: Building a Culture of Problem Solvers in Your Hotel (...

In this episode, Adele Gutman shares insights on effectively responding to hotel guest feedback to prevent future issues and improve guest satisfaction and team morale. Watch Us Build an AI Bot to Answer Hotel Reviews (YouTube) 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 ge...

In this episode, Ken Barber , founder of Wildhaven , shares his journey of building a thriving nature-based hospitality brand that helps guests slow down, reconnect, and escape the chaos of daily life. Listen now to learn: How Wildhaven has evolved from its early days to a thriving hospitality brand with locations in Sonoma and Yosemite. The importance of blending comfort with the beauty of the ou...

In this episode, Mark Fancourt , founder and principal of TRAVHOTECH , shares insights into the evolving landscape of hospitality technology, drawing from his extensive experience leading technology for both hospitality companies and solution providers.  Chapters: Takeaways from ILHA & How Mark Learns About Tech and Innovation (01:40) Why Work in Hospitality? (05:47) Why Luxury Hospitality Is...

In this episode, Sophie Hulgard , Chief Sales Officer at Accor, shares insights on the power of providing hospitality through meetings, the economic impact of face-to-face events, and how hotels can maximize these opportunities. Listen now to learn about: The impact of the pandemic on the meetings and events industry. The value of face-to-face meetings versus digital interactions. Key findings fro...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech , Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton, shares his insights on AI's underestimated power in hospitality and technology's role in enhancing luxury experiences. Listen now to learn about: The importance of innovation and the rapid pace of AI in hospitality. How AI can alleviate administrative burdens for hospitali...

In this episode, Josiah Mackenzie reflects on what he learned building an AI bot in ChatGPT and Claude with Adele Gutman to help answer online hotel reviews. Watch Us Build an AI Bot to Answer Hotel Reviews on YouTube Listen to our other episodes with Adele: How to understand guest review scores “Good isn’t good. Only great is good.” How The Library Hotel Collection reached #1 in the world A few m...

In this episode, Lou Zameryka , founder of Alively and partner at Ventures Hospitality , shares insights on the creative use of artificial intelligence in the commercial functions of hospitality - sales, marketing, and revenue management - from a recent HSMAI event. Listen now to hear about: The importance of understanding different types of AI and their applications in the hospitality industry. H...

In this episode, Ryan Mann , a partner at McKinsey, shares insights on the growing trend of Travel Tuesday and its implications for the travel and hospitality industry. Listen now to learn: What Travel Tuesday is and how it compares to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The types of travel deals available during Travel Tuesday and how consumers can take advantage of them. The benefits for the hospital...

In this episode, Victoria Gordon, Front-of-House Manager at Timber Cove Resort, shares her journey from front desk agent to manager and offers her unique perspective on the role of technology in hospitality. Listen now to learn about: Victoria's career path from a front desk agent to a manager at Timber Cove Resort. The importance of community and collaboration in a remote hospitality setting...

In this episode, Joli Barfield , founder of New York City Women in Hospitality , shares her inspiring story of starting the organization and offers valuable insights on building genuine relationships in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about: The importance of relationships in achieving success in hospitality. How New York City Women in Hospitality was founded - and its evolution. The...

In this episode, Joli Barfield , Cluster Director of Learning at Montage International, shares her insights on managing burnout in the hospitality industry and maintaining personal well-being. Listen now to learn about: The prevalence of burnout in the hospitality industry and its impact on career decisions. Strategies for maintaining mental and physical health in a demanding work environment. The...

In this episode, Oral Muir , Vice President of Partnerships, Experiences, and Distribution at Hilton , shares insights into how Hilton leverages creative partnerships to enhance hospitality experiences and stay relevant to evolving traveler trends. How Hilton's 20-year partnership with McLaren Racing delivers unique benefits for both brands and their customers. The importance of long-term par...