In this episode, Nathan St Cyr, co-founder of Howzit Hostels, shares how focusing on guest connections and rethinking traditional models can create extraordinary experiences and scalable success.

Listen to learn:

• How Nathan transitioned from a successful sales leader in hospitality to co-founding Howzit Hostels.
• The importance of questioning traditional hospitality models and listening intently to guests.
• The impact of Nathan's childhood travel experiences on his approach to hospitality.
• The significance of community spaces and design in fostering guest connections.
• How Howzit Hostels integrates into the local Maui community and contributes positively.
• The rationale behind requiring proof of travel and a maximum stay policy.
• The role of guest feedback in continuously improving the hostel experience.
• The importance of creating a strong company culture and aligning values.
• How Howzit Hostels uses systems and processes to ensure consistent guest experiences.
• The evolving preferences of Gen Z travelers and the rise of female solo travelers.
• Future growth plans for Howzit Hostels and the importance of responsible scaling.

Also see:

• Nathan's story on Growth House
• Nathan's story on REL Freedom
• The Hotel Investor Playbook podcast

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 hotel owners and operators, including revenue generation and profitability.
• The leadership implications of focusing on revenue and profitability versus nurturing and supporting staff.
• The importance of corporate support in enabling property teams to take care of their people.
• The excitement around innovating guest experience delivery and how it contrasts with cost-cutting measures.
• The role of AI-based technologies in improving efficiency and enhancing guest services.
• The industry's mindset towards staffing challenges and the importance of training and developing employees.

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 Lifestyle Hotel Development and Management - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels
• Road Trips & Revelations: Fresh Ideas for Hospitality - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 feedback" and its importance in guest interactions.
• The balance between guest intelligence gathering and guest touchpoints.
• Innovative approaches in payment disruption and loyalty programs.
• Emerging travel trends such as sleep retreats and water-centric travel.
• Creative ways for traditional city center hotels to offer unique and memorable experiences.

If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy:

• Danica's LinkedIn post about the Santa in Andorra
• Guest Experience Tech: What I Learned Building, Selling, and Using It - Danica Smith
• Beyond Buzzwords: The Truth about Guest Experience - Danica Smith
• A Road Trip with James Lemon with Career and Innovation Lessons from his Journey from IHG Strategist to Global Technology Leader (James Lemon, Stripe)
• Hard Truths on Hotel Tech: Unfiltered Insider Advice - Josiah Mackenzie
• More episodes on technology and guest experience

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 ensuring the basics of guest experience are covered before implementing advanced tech solutions.
• The importance of viewing hotel tech providers as partners (instead of vendors) and the importance of transparency and authenticity in those relationships.
• The impact of industry acquisitions on open API strategies and integration challenges.
• Practical advice on evaluating potential tech partners and ensuring effective integrations.

If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy:

• Beyond Buzzwords: The Truth about Guest Experience - Danica Smith
• Hard Truths on Hotel Tech: Unfiltered Insider Advice - Josiah Mackenzie
• More episodes on technology and guest experience

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 importance of on-property experiences.
• The role of guest feedback and online reputation in shaping guest expectations.
• How to effectively use guest data to empower hotel teams and improve operations.
• The importance of a strong management response strategy to guest reviews.
• Examples of creative solutions to common operational challenges in hotels.

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 of implementing new tech in a hospitality setting.
• How the hotel uses guest data to enhance service and improve guest interactions.
• Examples of unique services and amenities enabled by technology.
• The importance of flexibility and adaptability in meeting guest preferences.
• Insights into the future of hospitality and the role of technology in shaping guest experiences.

You might also enjoy: This Hotelier is Next to Google, Sees The Future, and Shares What He’s Doing About It (Dipesh Gupta, Shashi Group)

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 create emotional connections with guests through personalization and cultural integration.
• Why both exclusive access and simple joys are critical to exceptional hospitality.
• The rise of the sophisticated traveler and how their expectations are reshaping the industry.
• How cultural elements and storytelling within hotels can elevate the guest experience.
• Practical examples of how hotels are integrating art, history, and local culture into their offerings.
• The role of technology in creating immersive, culturally rich experiences for hotel guests.
• How focusing on small, thoughtful touches can differentiate a hotel and build guest loyalty.

Download the report: Beyond the Suite - Cultural and Market Trends in European 5-Star Hotels

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 joy in Portland.
• Why "attainable joy" is a key factor in creating inclusive, repeatable experiences.
• The importance of meeting people where they are with accessible and family-friendly activities.
• Lessons hospitality leaders can apply to create one-of-a-kind guest experiences.

Resources:

• Mike Bennett Art
• Follow Mike on Instagram at @MikeBennettArt
• Learn more about Wonderwood Springs
• Watch a video about Wonderwood

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 your reality.
• The idea of merging different traditions and experiences, such as Scandinavian saunas and cold immersion with music and breathwork.
• The potential of creating natural, immersive experiences within urban settings.

In this conversation, Eric and I also talk about Apple, Da Vinci, Elon Musk, Othership, Onsens (Japanese hot spring), Aman and Six Senses,

Send Josiah a text

Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today.

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.
• Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together.

If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!

Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands