The Modern Hotelier - Interviews with Hoteliers and Experts in Travel, Hospitality, Events & Food & Beverage

Join hosts Steve Carran and David Millili for the latest episode of The Modern Hotelier featuring special guest Bruce Jordan, the Managing Partner of Hotel Guest Management. This monthly show dives deep into the hottest topics in the hospitality industry.

In this September edition of Hospitality Hot Topics, our expert panel discusses:

• The recent acquisition of Motel 6 by OYO Hotels and its implications for the industry
• Record-breaking global GDP contributions from the travel and tourism sector
• The wave of housekeeping strikes across major U.S. cities and their potential impact
• Employee burnout in the hospitality sector and the need for better training
• The World's 50 Top Hotels list and surprising international rankings
• Jason Kelce's new role as a "fanbassador" for Marriott

Tune in for insightful analysis, industry trends, and engaging discussions that keep you up to date with the ever-evolving world of hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned hotelier or simply passionate about the industry, "Modern Hotelier Hospitality's Most Engaged" offers valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of hospitality.

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

OYO buys Motel 6 for $525M 

Travel Industry to Set New Record for Global GDP Contribution

Housekeepers Strike 

Worker Burnout

The World's 50 Best Hotels

Jason Kelce is a Fanbassador for Marriott 

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/97
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

How is Relay's technology improving cross-departmental communication in hotels?

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Derek Pando, Director of Product Marketing at Relay. They discuss Relay's innovative communication devices and how they're revolutionizing operations in the hospitality industry.

Derek shares insights from Relay's first-ever hospitality report, highlighting trends in personalized guest experiences and safety investments. He explains how Relay's technology is improving cross-departmental communication, enhancing safety measures, and breaking down language barriers in hotels.

The conversation covers how Relay's tools impact hiring and retention in a challenging labor market, with real-world examples of how their technology has empowered employees and improved efficiency. Derek also discusses Relay's exciting new hardware launch and their plans for future industry reports.

In this episode, you'll learn (key points/topics covered):

• Derek's background starting a lawnmowing business as a teenager
• His early career at Zoom when it was a true startup
• Derek's work at Relay
• How Relay's products improve guest experience and team efficiency
• Relay's usefulness for guest safety (passing out, physical violence) and allowing hoteliers to respond quickly
• Relay's impact bridging language barriers
• Leveraging Relay's location tracking power to make hospitality teams more efficient

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

Director of Product Marketing at Relay https://relaypro.com/author/derek-pando/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekpando

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/96
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

How has David Barry's journey from a ski instructor to President of Pursuit Collection shaped his approach to leadership in the hospitality industry?

In this engaging episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with David Barry, President of Pursuit Collection. Barry shares his unique journey from ski instructor to hospitality leader, offering valuable insights into creating exceptional guest experiences, fostering a strong company culture, and navigating challenges in the hospitality industry. The conversation covers a range of topics, from sustainable practices to innovative approaches in destination management, providing listeners with a comprehensive look at modern hospitality leadership.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The importance of authenticity in creating unique guest experiences
• How do hospitality businesses handle natural disasters and manage crises, as exemplified by the Jasper wildfires?
• Advice for young professionals entering the hospitality field
• The role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of hospitality
• The significance of honoring local cultures and environments in hospitality offerings

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-barry-3501901/

Pursuit Collection: https://www.pursuitcollection.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/95
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Curious about the intersection of luxury and wilderness? Ever wondered how a 37,000-acre ranch became a world-renowned resort? 

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran have an engaging conversation with Steve Hurst, the Managing Director at The Resort at Paws Up. They discuss Steve's career journey from his early days as a barista to managing luxury hotels and resorts, with a special focus on the unique guest experience at Paws Up. The resort, set on a 37,000-acre ranch in Montana, combines luxury with adventure, offering activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. They delve into the resort's personalized service, culinary excellence, and the importance of genuine, authentic experiences. Steve also shares insights on the importance of adaptability, the value of time, and the resort's mission to provide an extraordinary experience for guests. The episode concludes with valuable advice for those looking to pursue a career in hospitality.

This episode explores:

• The evolution of Paws Up from a family ranch to an award-winning luxury resort
• How Paws Up creates personalized experiences through extensive pre-arrival planning
• The resort's innovative approach to dining, offering up to 10 different restaurant experiences nightly
• How outdoor activities help families and couples reconnect in meaningful ways
• Paws Up's success in garnering industry accolades and recognition

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenhurst/

The Resort at Paws Up: https://www.pawsup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/94
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Ever wondered what it would be like to turn your childhood treehouse dreams into a thriving resort business?

Join hosts David Millili and Steve Carran as they sit down with Amanda Jensen, CEO and co-founder of Sanctuary Treehouse Resort, the world's largest treehouse resort. In this captivating episode, Amanda shares the inspiring journey of how a simple treehouse for her children blossomed into an innovative and immersive hospitality experience.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The origin story of Sanctuary Treehouse Resort and how it grew from a family project to a world-renowned destination
• Unique interactive features of the treehouses, including slides, secret ladders, and drink chutes
• Insights into sustainable building practices and preserving the natural environment
• How the resort balances luxury amenities with a playful, childhood-inspired atmosphere
• The impact of the business on family life and creating a legacy
• Partnerships with local attractions and the creation of the "Sanctuary Perk Card" for guests

Tune in to discover how Amanda and her family are redefining experiential travel, one treehouse at a time!

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-jensen-a6b358236/

Sanctuary Treehouse Resort: https://www.treehouseresort.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/93
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Kyle Hughey, CEO of Charlestowne Hotels, to discuss the independent hotel management landscape and Hughey's journey in the hospitality industry.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The appeal and challenges of managing independent hotels
• Charlestowne Hotels' approach to creating unique guest experiences
• Industry challenges, including staffing and recruitment
• The impact of hotel brand consolidation on independent operators
• Adaptive reuse projects in the Charlestowne Hotels portfolio
• Future outlook for the hospitality industry in 2025-2026

Hughey shares insights on the importance of continuous learning, the value of creating tailored experiences for each property, and the advantages of remaining an independent management company in an era of increasing consolidation. He also discusses how Charlestowne Hotels approaches adaptive reuse projects and the importance of storytelling in creating memorable guest experiences.

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-hughey-969350168/

Charlestowne Hotels: https://www.charlestownehotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/92
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

How would your travel experience change if you knew exactly how welcoming a hotel is to your furry friends?

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran interview Guise Bule, the founder of Ranked by Roch and the Roch Society. Guise shares his journey from cybersecurity to creating the first dog-friendly certification and ranking process for the hotel industry. Driven by personal frustrations with misleading "pet-friendly" claims, Guise explains how Ranked by Roch uses a data-driven approach to evaluate hotels on their dog-friendly policies, amenities, and services.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The inspiration behind Ranked by Roch
• How hotels are ranked and certified as dog-friendly
• Issues with current pet-friendly hotel awards and listings
• Trends in dog-friendly hospitality across different countries
• The importance of transparency in pet policies for travelers

Guise also critiques major travel platforms' pet-friendly awards and discusses the growing importance of catering to dog owners in the hospitality industry. This episode offers valuable insights for hoteliers, dog owners, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of pet-friendly travel.

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guisebule/

Ranked by Roch: https://rochdog.com/en

The Roch Society: https://rochsociety.com/

The English Breakfast Society: https://www.englishbreakfastsociety.com/

English Breakfast Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/English-Breakfast-Handbook-Guide-Traditional/dp/1984168711

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/91
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

The Modern Hotelier is a dynamic podcast that explores the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the hospitality industry. Hosted by Steve Carran and David Millili and featuring expert guest hosts, this show delivers insightful discussions on hot topics affecting hoteliers and travel professionals.

In this episode, "August Hospitality Hot Topics," Steve and David is joined by guest host Jasmine Seliga from Affixify and regular contributor David Millili.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The resurgence of group business in the hospitality sector
• Projections for the hotel industry in 2025 and beyond
• Potential impacts of hotel worker strikes
• Innovative marketing through hotel-curated Spotify playlists
• Luxury car brands entering the hospitality space
• A surprising list of top boutique hotels in the United States

Tune in monthly for the latest hospitality hot topics and expert perspectives.

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

Group Business expands in Q2: https://hotelbusiness.com/u-s-group-business-delivers-seven-consecutive-quarters-of-growth/
Looking ahead to 2025: https://www.costar.com/article/1741863595/why-2025-could-be-a-pivotal-year-for-us-hotels
Hotel workers going on strike: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2024/08/14/travelers-expect-hotel-workers-strike/74741787007/
Hotel's Spotify Playlists: https://www.insidehook.com/travel/hotels-spotify-playlist-best-souvenir
Mercedes-Benz Skyscrapper: https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/usa/2024/07/miami-home-to-mercedes-first-branded-skyscraper-in-north-america
USA Today 10 Best Boutique Hotels: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-boutique-hotel-2024/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/90
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Are you curious about what it takes to build a successful boutique hotel company from the ground up?

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran interview Ethan Orley, Founder and Managing Partner of Oliver Hospitality. Ethan shares his journey from environmental studies to real estate and hospitality, discussing how he and his partner built Oliver Hospitality from the ground up.

The conversation covers:

• Ethan's background and early career experiences
• The founding and growth of Oliver Hospitality
• Insights into boutique hotel development and management
• Creative strategies for activating properties
• Advice for aspiring independent hoteliers
• The importance of local partnerships and community integration
• Ethan's perspective on the Detroit hospitality scene

You will gain valuable insights into the boutique hotel industry, creative problem-solving in hospitality, and the entrepreneurial journey of building a successful hotel management company.

Sponsor spot:

This episode is sponsored by ReactMobile

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanorley/

Oliver Hospitality: https://www.oliverhospitality.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/89
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jason Craparo, CEO of Hovr, a technology company revolutionizing guest engagement in the hospitality industry. Jason shares his fascinating journey from dishwasher to successful entrepreneur, including his experiences as a Sonic Drive-In franchisee and his time at Babson College.

The conversation dives deep into how Hovr is transforming the way hotels showcase their amenities and drive direct bookings. Jason explains how their innovative video content solution helps hotels increase conversions by 20-40 times the industry average. He discusses the importance of reducing risk and increasing excitement for potential guests during the booking process.

You'll gain insights into:

• The power of reusing existing hotel content to engage website visitors
• How Hovr's technology speeds up the booking process and increases revenue
• The future of personalized content experiences in hotel marketing
• Advice for entrepreneurs looking to break into the hospitality tech space

Sponsor spot:

This episode is sponsored by Hovr

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncraparo/

Hover: https://gethovr.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/88
Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...