No Vacancy Live!

Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director of Luxury and Lifestyle for IHG is here to talk about all things L&L including the current state of the portfolio, future outlook, and how she got in the position she has, leading this amazing collection of hotels. We mostly focus on the new uber luxury Regent Santa Monica.

We're at San Antonio's Riverwalk where I'm chatting with Brian Venable from HBO about HBO's pivotal role in hotel entertainment. Who doesn't remember blinking neon HBO signs beckoning travelers to stay in an air cooled room and watch a movie?

From classic cable to modern streaming, discover how HBO and Max are reshaping the in-room experience for hotel guests. We're looking into the latest hospitality trends and how Max is making it easier for travelers to access top-notch content right in their rooms.

Whether you're a hotelier or a fan of HBO's iconic shows, this conversation offers insights into the future of in-room entertainment!

In this episode, we cover:

• HBO's transformation from cable to the streaming era with Max
• The shift in guest expectations for on-demand, in-room entertainment
• Why seamless streaming in hotels depends on the right tech infrastructure
• Linear vs. streaming: How hotels balance both for diverse guest needs
• HBO's legacy of groundbreaking shows and what's new with House of the Dragon and The White Lotus
• How Max brings HBO, Warner Bros., and Discovery content to one platform
• What makes HBO a unique experience that guests recognize and value
• The importance of frictionless, passive entertainment in a hospitality setting

Don't miss these insights on creating memorable guest experiences and making high-quality content accessible!

#HBO #MaxStreaming #HospitalityTech #InRoomEntertainment #HotelTrends #GlennHaussman #StreamingServices

Unlock the secrets of local SEO and more for extended stay for hotels!

We're joined by Gordon Liametz, founder and CEO of Digital Escape, who breaks down actionable steps to make your hotel stand out in local searches. Whether you're managing an independent property or a branded hotel, this conversation reveals how small changes can drive big visibility.

Tune in and learn how to position your extended stay property as a top choice in your area!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Local SEO Basics – What is local SEO, and why it matters more than you might think.

• Google Algorithms Explained – Discover the 5 algorithms impacting your hotel's visibility.

• The Power of Local Searches – 46% of mobile searches are local intent-based, not brand-focused.

• 20-Step Self-Audit Checklist – Start improving visibility with Gordon's proven checklist.

• Google Business Listing Essentials – Tips to maximize your hotel's Google Business profile.

• Star Ratings & Photos – Why accurate ratings and quality images can transform booking rates.

• Effective Use of Keywords – How to use keywords, geo-marking, and latitude/longitude for a boost.

• Video and Photography Tips – Balance authenticity and professionalism to attract guests.

• Seasonal Tips for Visibility – Update your listing images and hero photos for the best impact.

Get insider insights to improve your online presence and outshine competitors in local search results!

Today's episode is sponsored by ESLA's inaugural regional event, taking place Wed. Dec 4 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. Learn more at ESLA.org.

Also, sposnored by Dellisart Hospitality (www.dellisart.com), the leader in the third-party management of Extended Stay hotels.

#HotelSEO #LocalSEO #HospitalityMarketing #DigitalEscape #HotelVisibility #HotelMarketing #SEOExperts

In a recent study hospitality was shown to have the highest rates of addiction across any industry. Cesar Wurm is back to share his struggle with addiction and how he has overcome them. He is aiming to help other people struggling with his book "The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom in Recovery"

🎙 I'm at The Hospitality Show floor with special guest Scott Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts!

They discuss Wyndham's cutting-edge technology, aimed at improving guest experiences and boosting franchisee profits. From AI-driven interactions to new loyalty rewards, Scott reveals how Wyndham is setting a new standard for hotel technology and customer connection.

Thanks to Entegra -- unmatched purchasing, unlimited performance. Explore more at EntegraPS.com

🔑 Main Highlights: AI-Powered Guest Experience: Discover how Wyndham Connect lets guests request upgrades, early check-ins, and answers to FAQs – all through AI!

Franchisee Profit Boost: Wyndham's AI tools are generating additional revenue with early and late check-in options, with over 50% of hotels earning $1,500+ monthly.

Customizable Experiences: Learn how AI-driven technology creates personalized stays based on guest preferences, from room temperature to lighting.

Loyalty Program Evolution: Scott shares exciting upgrades to Wyndham's award-winning loyalty program, offering points for stays at dream locations worldwide.

Streamlined Purchasing for Franchisees: Wyndham's upcoming portal will offer franchisees cost savings on essentials like mattresses and linens, driving down operational costs.

Don't miss out on these insights that could transform your view on hotel technology and guest service!

Watch, subscribe, and stay updated with our latest hospitality trends! Text HOTEL to 66866🔔

#WyndhamHotels #HospitalityTech #GuestExperience #HotelIndustry #HotelTrends #AIinHospitality #LoyaltyProgram #WyndhamConnect #NoVacancy

Ian McClure CEO, Gulf Development in Dallas, Texas oversees and directs a group of affiliated real estate development and management companies with assets in fourteen states employing approximately 450 associates.

He's now betting big on extended stay, sharing his journey from retail and multifamily development into hospitality. He shares the story of developing a 30-property portfolio with Wyndham's new Echo Suites brand. In fact, he recently opened the first one!

Get an inside look into why Ian believes extended stay hotels are the future of hospitality, his strategic partnership with Wyndham, and how the operating model is transforming the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Ian McClure is leading the charge with 30 extended stay hotels across the U.S.
• Extended stay's robust performance during the Great Recession and COVID.
• How operational efficiency drives their hotel design, reducing labor and increasing speed.
• The importance of standardized room design for scalability.
• The benefits of brand power: why Ian chose to align with Wyndham for global reach and distribution.
• Insights into creating a new hotel prototype from the developer's perspective.

Plus

· Location strategy

· Site selection criteria:

· interest rates and how that effects long-term confidence

· and Advice for investors

This episode is brought to you by EchoSuites from Wyndham. Learn more about Wyndham Echo Suites here: https://development.wyndhamhotels.com/brand/echo-suites-extended-stay-by-wyndham/

Also, thanks to our sponsor sponsored by Dellisart Hospitality (www.dellisart.com), the leader in the third-party management of Extended Stay hotels.

#HospitalityIndustry #ExtendedStayHotels #WyndhamEchoSuites #HotelDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #HotelOperations #FutureOfHospitality #PodcastInterview

David Millili seemingly does it all as CEO of LodgIQ, GAIN Chairman of the Board and Host of the Modern Hotelier Podcast. Sadly, it all comes to end tonight as he stoops to the lowest level possible by joining Glenn, Craig and Dave for some cocktails and laughs on Friday Night Audit.

How are client experiences curated across different industries? How can the brand experience and market positioning be effectively reflected? What are the key ingredients for a successful client experience? Jochen De Peuter, from EHL Advisory services, is here to answer these questions and more for a jam packed show.

Last week at The Lodging Conference, Kevin F. Dailey, COO of LivAway Suites, and I discussed the rapid growth of this new extended stay brand 🏨 aginst the context of LivAway Suites, developed by West77 Partners. They're planning nationwide expansion.

Plus, the sold-out success of their first hotel in Salt Lake City to the strategic expansion across the U.S., this conversation offers invaluable insights for investors, developers, and hospitality pros alike! Key discussion points:

The incredible growth of Live Away Suites with 12 hotels open or under construction 🏗️

The success of their first hotel in West Jordan, Salt Lake City 🏙️

What makes LivAway Suites different from traditional corporate hotels 🏢

Expansion plans: From Salt Lake City to Richland, Washington, Smyrna, Georgia, and beyond 🌍

The strategic focus on extended stay properties with fast stabilization ⚡

Franchising plans and how West 77 is behind building a national brand 🏆

Key demand drivers: military bases, hospitals, infrastructure projects, and more 🏥

How LivAway Suites is leveraging demand from infrastructure projects like the Chips Act 🛠️

Lisa Lombardo, MPA is President at ARK, where she's passionate about creating a thriving, people-first culture in hospitality. Lisa shares how focusing on team happiness and growth not only improves relationships but also enhances business performance. 💡 People-First Leadership: How ARK focuses on people for better relationships, reputation, and returns 🔥 Culture in Practice: Why it's important to define, program, and measure company culture 📊 Growth in 2024: Expanding the team, portfolio, and leadership at ARK Hospitality 🏨 Career Development: Exposing employees to new roles and career paths within the industry 🌟 Success Stories: From property-level roles to C-suite positions – the amazing career trajectories in hospitality 🚀 ARK Hospitality Academy: A unique program that trains employees in leadership and operations Discover how to build a positive workplace culture and unlock growth in the hospitality industry. Thank you to our sponsor, Unifocus – streamline your hotel operations and empower your team at unifocus.com.