HOTEL-PODCAST x MEININGER HOTELS

How do you drive digital transformation across a growing hotel company without losing the human touch?

In this episode of our HOTEL-PODCAST x MEININGER HOTELS series, we speak with Rick Medford, VP Change Management & Technology at MEININGER Hotels.

We discuss his journey from IT consulting into hospitality, the key digital transformation initiatives that have shaped MEININGER Hotels over the past years, and the challenge of operating a unique hybrid hospitality model that serves groups, families, and individual travelers alike.

We also explore change management, company culture, data-driven decision-making, and the real impact of artificial intelligence on the hospitality industry.

Rick shares why successful digital transformation starts with people, not technology, how data can become one of a company’s most valuable assets, and what hospitality leaders should focus on when navigating constant technological change.

For the latest episode of the “HOTEL-PODCAST x MEININGER Hotels”, we visit the new MEININGER Hotel Barcelona Fira Gran Via ahead of its official opening. Together with General Manager Mariluz Alvarez, we talk about the hotel chain’s first property in Spain — from the challenges of a pre-opening to shaping a newly built hotel into a place with real personality. Located next to Fira Barcelona, the city’s main exhibition and congress centre, the hybrid hotel features vibrant design, generous public spaces, plenty of natural light, and a rooftop terrace, with a strong focus on international guests, groups, business travellers and families.

Mariluz also shares insights into her career in hospitality, her passion for Barcelona, and why attitude, openness and team culture are becoming more important than perfect résumés. The conversation further touches on sustainability, MEININGER’s expansion with upcoming openings in Madrid and Porto, and the unique energy that defines both the city and the brand. An episode about modern hospitality, growth, and what it means to rethink hospitality today.

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