Checking In with Anthony & Glenn

Are interest rate cuts about to shake up the hotel industry? Our latest podcast dives deep into this hot topic with Anthony and Glenn!

 📉 Here’s a taste of what we discussed:

Will a half-percent rate cut really change the game for hotels? How are rate cuts greasing the wheels for hotel deals and lending opportunities?

As we approach 2025, why are rising salaries, taxes, and expenses concerning hotel owners? The big question: What happens if transient demand softens, while group business thrives? 🏨 💡

Plus, we share thoughts on the future of flexible working models in hotels and how smart hoteliers are keeping talent by offering work-life balance. 🌍💼

Tune in to hear: Real insights on hotel profitability trends Expert takes on recession fears and what rate cuts signal for the industry Hilarious banter on headlamps, mine exploration, and a few pith helmet jokes! 😆🪖 📅

 Watch now on YouTube & LinkedIn! Don't miss out on valuable strategies and the latest industry forecasts.

Designer Paul Bishop shares his expertise on creating unforgettable hospitality experiences. From his work in Dubai's iconic developments to his latest projects, Paul discusses the power of design in shaping memorable guest journeys. Discover how he blends creativity, functionality, and storytelling to craft unique and captivating spaces. Learn about the latest trends in hotel design, the importance of immersive experiences, and the challenges and opportunities in the evolving hospitality landscape.

• The role of design in creating memorable hospitality experiences
• Insights into Paul Bishop's career and work in Dubai and beyond
• The importance of balancing functionality and aesthetics
• The impact of immersive experiences on guest satisfaction
• Trends and challenges in the contemporary hospitality design landscape

#hospitalitydesign #hoteldesign #designinspiration #travel #tourism #hospitality #interiordesign #experienceeconomy #innovation #creativity #Dubai #designthinking

Mike Stengel is back and he brings the new GM for the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center to talk about all the amazing things happening with this project.

Ignore vegans at your peril!!! Today we discuss the vegan cuisine trend in the hospitality industry. Meredith Marin, CEO of Vegan Hospitality, shares insights on how hotels can boost profitability and enhance sustainability by offering plant-based menu options.

Learn about the importance of menu engineering, overcoming guest hesitations, and creating a seamless dining experience for all guests.

Key Points:

• The rise of vegan cuisine as a profitable and sustainable trend in hospitality.
• How Resorts World in Las Vegas set a precedent with its plant-based restaurant, Crossroads Kitchen.
• The connection between sustainability and plant-based food, focusing on lower carbon emissions.
• Strategies for integrating vegan options into existing menus without compromising on taste or guest experience.
• The importance of training staff to understand and effectively communicate vegan options.
• How offering plant-based dishes can attract a wider audience, including traditional meat eaters.
• Overcoming the "veto vote" where one vegan guest influences the choice of dining venue for an entire group.
• The role of strategic planning in successfully implementing plant-based menus in hotels.

It’s RFP (Request for Proposal) season! Cesar Wurm, VP of Commercial and Premium Brands at IHG joins us to explore crucial topics you need to know to maximize success with group business.

Main Points:

• Understanding RFP Season: What it is, why it matters, and how it impacts the hospitality industry.
• Market Projections: Cesar discusses the anticipated 2-3% growth in the coming year and the factors influencing these projections.
• Customer Sentiment: How the general sentiment in the hospitality industry is surprisingly positive despite economic uncertainties.
• Impact of Work-from-Home: The role hybrid work models play in driving group business and the demand for meeting spaces in hotels.
• Evolution of RFP Processes: A look at how RFPs have evolved from static to dynamic pricing models and the importance of total revenue yield management.
• Sustainability and Well-being: Increasing focus on sustainability, well-being, and how these factors are becoming critical in RFP considerations.

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?

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 plans. From check-in kiosks to smart parcel lockers, this episode reveals the cutting-edge features defining LivAway Suites. 

Main Points: 

• Introduction to LivAway Suites, an upscale economy extended stay hotel

• Focus on guest needs over wants 

• Technology integration for enhanced guest experience and operational efficiency 

• Unique property design and layout for optimal guest comfort

• Expansion plans and franchising strategy 

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 Hospitality has leveraged this trend.

Development Challenges: Navigating construction cost volatility, labor shortages, and high interest rates in today's hotel development landscape. 

Lifestyle Select Service Hotels: The growing popularity of lifestyle select service hotels, combining boutique elements with efficient business models. 

Experiential Design: How hotels are prioritizing memorable guest experiences, from room design to public space activation. 

Profitability Beyond Room Rates: Innovative strategies to boost profit per available customer through food and beverage, rooftop bars, and more.

This episode offers valuable insights for hospitality professionals, developers, and anyone interested in the future of hotel design and operations. 

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 navigating the complex world of hotel investment.

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, to discuss the evolution and innovation in theme parks, hotels, and more. Discover the trends, stories, and creative processes that make experiences unforgettable. 

Key Highlights: 

• Creative Leadership: Insights from Ryan Harmon on leading creative projects at Zeitgeist Design and Production. 

• The Evolution of Theme Parks: Discussion on the current golden age of theme parks, including global expansions and major new developments like Epic Universe in Orlando. 

• Experience Economy: The shift towards immersive experiences in the post-Great Recession era and the rising demand for real-world escapism. 

• The Role of Emotions: The importance of evoking emotions in themed entertainment, from theme parks to retail environments. 

• Innovative Concepts: The idea of creating unique experiences like a haunted hotel and the integration of themed rooms in parks and other entertainment venues. 

• The Future of Hotels: How hotels can enhance guest experiences through themed environments and storytelling. 

• Behind the Scenes: A look at the creative process behind major attractions, including dark rides and themed retail centers. 

• Global Projects: A showcase of Zeitgeist’s work around the world and the unique challenges and opportunities in different markets.

Tune in to explore how creativity, storytelling, and a deep understanding of audience desires drive the world of themed entertainment. Whether you're a theme park enthusiast, hotel developer, or simply curious about the industry, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.