In the very first episode of The Owner’s Lounge, Sandip Patel and Gennaro Di Luigi dive straight into the big questions hotel owners are asking: what’s really happening with the major hotel brands, and how do franchisees make sure they’re getting a fair shake? From stock price rollercoasters to the everyday realities of building, financing, and maintaining hotels, the conversation balances industry-level strategy with on-the-ground owner perspective.

What happens when franchisors keep raising standards while franchisees shoulder the costs? What’s the impact of new hotel brands entering already saturated markets? And how do organizations like AAHOA and AHLA step in to level the playing field for owners? Think of this episode as both a crash course and a call to action for anyone invested in hospitality.

Whether you’re a first-time hotel owner, a seasoned investor, or just fascinated by the inner workings of this industry, you’ll walk away with new insights, real numbers, and some candid laughs.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Why investing in hotels isn’t always as straightforward as buying Hilton or Marriott stock
• How franchise agreements can feel more like marriages—and sometimes divorces
• The 12 Points of Fair Franchising and why they matter to every owner
• Vendor exclusivity headaches
• Why stronger franchisee protections could benefit not just owners, but travelers too

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