The Hotel Growth Podcast

Hospitality is under pressure like never before. Rising costs. Shrinking margins. Increasing uncertainty. And at the same time, a wave of AI and technological change reshaping how the industry operates. In this episode, Adam is joined by Robert Richardson, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes — and what it means for the future of hosp...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , Adam Hamadache is joined by Wendy White , Director of Sales & Marketing at Kew Green Hotels, to unpack the real-world pressures facing branded hotels in today’s market. Wendy shares her journey from glass collector to group sales leader and gives a candid take on what it really takes to grow in 2025 – including how to compete with luxury experience...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , Adam sits down with Eugene Leonard , General Manager at the iconic Hotel Café Royal , to explore the future of luxury hospitality—and the operational reality behind delivering it in 2025. Eugene shares his journey from dishwashing to directing global openings, and offers rare insight into how a legendary brand stays relevant in an ever-evolving market....

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I sit down with Ryan Haynes —host of Travel Market Life and a leading voice in hotel tech strategy—to talk about why so many hotels get their technology decisions wrong… and what to do about it. Ryan doesn’t sugarcoat it. From the madness of managing 20+ contracts to the cost of integrations that don’t actually integrate, he shares what’s really going...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , Adam Hamadache sits down with hospitality veteran Tudor Hopkins —owner of Sleeping Bear Hotels and founder of The Hospitality Coach . Tudor shares the story of how he turned a struggling 3-star hotel in Dorchester into a lean, 30% profit machine—without breakfast, without a restaurant, and without cutting corners on guest experience. But this conversat...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I sit down with Brian Gore — Group Marketing & Communications Director at Arora Group —to unpack what real brand building looks like in modern hospitality. We cover a lot of ground: → Why luxury hotels must stay authentic in the age of AI → How to turn brand storytelling into commercial growth → The tech shifts marketers can’t afford to ignore in 2...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I’m joined by Catt McLeod , Vice President at Elegant Hotel Collection, to unpack the realities of growing an independent hotel brand in 2025. We cover everything from the overuse of AI in marketing to the power of going hyper-niche with your audience. Catt shares how hotels can stand out—not by chasing trends, but by doubling down on clarity, connecte...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I’m joined by Dan Visser—Commercial Director of the Langdale Estate and Chair of Cumbria Tourism—for a conversation packed with sharp insights and refreshing honesty. We dig into the real challenges facing hotels today: from rising costs and noisy digital channels to the talent shortage and what it really takes to stand out. Dan shares why cutting thro...

What does it take to lead a hotel through a brand transition without losing its soul? In this week’s episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I sat down with Stefan Micevski, General Manager of The Elm Bank Hotel in York—now part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. Stefan’s journey is proof that hospitality careers don’t have to follow a straight line. From bartending in Amsterdam to managing award-winn...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I’m joined by Allison Knapp , sales leader at Marriott and founder of The Millennial Hotelier . Allison brings energy, insight, and a deep understanding of what hospitality could be—if we actually listened more. We unpack: Why the industry still struggles to attract and keep great people How AI is reshaping the booking journey if hotels are brave enoug...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I sit down with Nick Davies , owner of The Cottage in the Wood , to talk about running a high-performing independent hotel in one of the UK’s toughest trading environments. Nick shares how rising costs, staffing pressures, and national insurance hikes have forced innovation — from rethinking his F&B model to trimming trading days without sacrificin...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , I sit down with Sukh Dhaliwal, Director of Sales & Marketing at DoubleTree by Hilton Ealing and Monarch House Apartments. We dig into Sukh’s refreshingly honest take on hotel sales, service apartment strategy, and why he’s “begrudgingly” embraced the DOS title. Sukh shares his no-nonsense approach to revenue management (including why their rate sys...

Right opposite Windsor Castle, Sam Goss runs one of the UK’s most iconic hotel locations. But what’s most impressive isn’t the postcode, it’s how he leads. In this episode, Sam shares what it takes to run a high-profile hotel with real purpose and clarity. We talk about: ✅ Balancing heritage with modern guest expectations ✅ Empowering your team by removing unnecessary process ✅ Creating guest l...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , Adam Hamadache sits down with Zoe Monk, Managing Editor of Boutique Hotelier , to unpack the real state of independent hospitality today. Zoe shares her unique perspective on the growing challenges facing hoteliers — from rising operational costs and squeezed margins to the evolving guest demand for richer, experience-led stays. They discuss the innova...

In this episode of the Hotel Growth Podcast, host Adam Hamadache sits down with Paul Hunter, General Manager of the extraordinary Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire. With a career spanning Premier Inn, London’s boutique scene, and now a 20,000-acre luxury estate, Paul shares how he’s adapted his leadership for a complex operation that includes a castle hotel, glamping site, cookery school, spa, and...

In this episode of the Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam Hamadache sits down with the ever-insightful Petra Clayton – CEO of Custard and long-time champion of hospitality PR – to unpack the real challenges (and hidden opportunities) facing hotel marketers in 2025. From leadership support and marketing misperceptions to AI’s growing role in travel planning and why your PR budget is more than just press fl...

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Media, shares his wealth of knowledge from decades in the hospitality industry. We discuss the current challenges facing hotel operators, from rising employer costs and business rate reform to the ongoing battle for talent retention. Simon also dives into the role of AI in streamlining operations, and how hotels ca...

In a world where hotels are competing for attention, Joanne Reeves , Sales & Marketing Director at Thornbury Castle Hotel , shares a key insight: Your hotel’s uniqueness is your greatest marketing asset. On The Hotel Growth Podcast , Joanne emphasised that luxury travellers aren’t just booking rooms—they’re seeking experiences . At Thornbury Castle, the centuries-old history, grand architectur...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , host Adam Hamadache is joined by Joseph Farrar , General Manager of Owston Hall, to explore the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the hospitality industry. With costs rising and guest expectations evolving, Joseph shares his strategies for staying ahead—covering everything from pricing tactics to the latest AI advancements....

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , host Adam Hamadache sits down with Warren Elliott , Head of Marketing & Communications at Elite Hotels, to discuss the key strategies that drive success in luxury hospitality. With 17 years of experience in the industry, Warren shares how Elite Hotels navigates the ever-changing marketing landscape while maintaining strong brand consistency and pro...

In this insightful conversation on The Hotel Growth Podcast , Adam Hamadache interviews Hamish Kilburn about the evolving landscape of PR in the hospitality industry. Hamish shares his journey from hotel design journalism to PR, emphasising how editorial and PR have merged in the digital age. We discuss the importance of storytelling in brand positioning, how hoteliers can engage with the media, a...

In this inspiring episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast , Adam Hamadache sits down with Ben Harper, the visionary CEO behind Watergate Bay and Another Place. Together, they delve into Ben’s innovative approach to running successful hotel businesses while staying true to their lifestyle brand ethos. Ben reveals the strategies behind creating destination experiences that resonate deeply with guests, f...

We dive straight in to the lessons and insights Robin Sheppard FIH, President of Bespoke Hotels, has from 50 years working in the hotel industry.

I’m joined this week by Rosie Radwell, Managing Director of Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth, Chair of the Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association and Chair of the BCP Coastal Bid. Rosie shares the successes she’s enjoyed by embracing diversity in her recruitment, and how investment into accessibility has opened up new markets.

Mark Yates is an experienced hospitality General Manager, having trained with Relais & Châteaux and worked his way up from front office management at The Savoy to holding General Manager positions for properties such as Ashdown Park, The Atlantic Hotel and Careys Manor. In this wide-ranging episode, Mark explains how the General Manager role has changed since we emerged from the COVID years an...