What does it really take to own a hotel, and how can more people gain access to hotel investing?

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, Davonne Reaves, founder and CEO of The Vonne Group and Vesterr, shares her journey from working on the front lines of hospitality to becoming a hotel owner, investor, entrepreneur, and advocate for greater access to hotel ownership.

Davonne explains how her grandmother’s hospitality influenced her career, what she learned at Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and how hotel consulting and asset management opened her eyes to the business of hotel ownership. She also shares why she created Vesterr to connect commercial real estate deal sponsors with investors.

David, Steve, and Davonne also explore the growing role of AI in hotel investing—and why some parts of the acquisition process still require a human touch.

Davonne shares candid advice for young entrepreneurs and women entering the industry: stay authentic, keep learning, find mentors, work hard, and never let someone else's “no” stop you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What working in hotel operations taught her about ownership
• How to evaluate a hotel investment opportunity
• Why the sponsor, location, brand, and operator matter
• Where human expertise remains essential in hospitality
• Advice for aspiring hotel owners and young entrepreneurs

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v4Ju_rdcVd8

Links:
Davonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereaves
Vesterr: https://www.vesterr.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/323

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with David Bowd, co-founder and owner of Salt Hotels, for a candid conversation about hospitality, leadership, design, service, and the future of independent hotels.

David shares how growing up in a small village in Staffordshire, England, and working in a local pub sparked his passion for hospitality. He also talks about leaving school at 16, discovering that the kitchen wasn’t for him, and building a career that would take him through some of the most influential lifestyle hotels in the world, including St. Martin’s Lane and Sanderson, as well as working alongside hospitality icons Ian Schrager and André Balazs.

David explains why he founded Salt Hotels and the philosophy behind combining thoughtful design, personalized service, and a strong sense of place. He also shares why memorable hotels are ultimately created by people—not just beautiful spaces—and tells a powerful story about turning a hotel disaster into an unforgettable guest experience.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The philosophy behind Salt Hotels
• Why people and service create memorable hotel experiences
• How independent hotels can build visibility and commercial success
• AI’s role in hospitality and the importance of human connection
• Why every hotel should feel connected to its location

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gB-NcS4Aj18

This episode is sponsored by Sip Tea: https://sip-tea-path.com/

Links:
David Bowd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbowd/
Salt Hotels: https://www.salthotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/322

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

How can hotels make smarter purchasing decisions, control costs, and use technology to work more efficiently?

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jesse Messitte, Vice President of Strategy and Business Operations at Avendra International, for a great conversation about the world of hospitality procurement.

Jesse shares his journey from working at Hyatt to spending more than two decades at Avendra, and how his background in data, technology, and hospitality shaped the way he approaches procurement.

Jesse talks about his career advice for hospitality professionals who want to make the move from hotel operations into technology.

It’s a practical conversation about procurement, technology, AI, and the behind-the-scenes work that can ultimately help hotels deliver a better experience for their guests.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How group purchasing organizations help hotels reduce costs and improve purchasing performance
• What hoteliers should consider when selecting procurement technology
• Why hotels should focus on business objectives before adopting new technology
• The best practices for creating consistent and efficient procurement processes

Whether you're a hotel owner, operator, management company, or hospitality technology professional, this episode offers practical insights into making procurement more strategic and using technology to help hotels thrive.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xhOk-Xcmzrc

This episode is sponsored by Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/en/us/
 

Links:
Jesse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-messitte/
Avendra International: https://www.avendra.com/en/us/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/321

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

In this special episode, David Millili sits down with industry leaders at the Hotel Data Conference in Nashville to explore the latest trends shaping hotel profitability, benchmarking, revenue management, and mega-event performance.

First, Amanda Hite, President of STR, shares how new P&L benchmarking capabilities within CoStar with STR Benchmark are helping hotel owners, operators, management companies, and asset managers better understand more than 100 revenue and expense line items. She discusses profit flow analysis, rising undistributed expenses, declining margins, asset profitability, and how AI-powered tools could help hoteliers identify the data that matters most for improving revenue and profitability.

Then, Jan Freitag of CoStar breaks down the hotel revenue impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and explains why its impact was closer to 30 Super Bowls rather than the 104 suggested by FIFA's president. He explores ADR growth, occupancy trends, international versus local demand, match-day pricing, minimum-stay restrictions, and the lessons hotel revenue leaders can apply to future mega-events, including the Olympics. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How P&L benchmarking can reveal opportunities to improve hotel profitability
• Why rising undistributed expenses are putting pressure on hotel margins
• What Could AI and Natural-Language Analytics Mean for the Future of Hotel Decision-Making?
• Why Did the World Cup’s Hotel Impact Differ from the Super Bowl?

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oepa3lq-EdU
 

Links:
Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janfreitag/
Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawattshite/
CoStar Group: https://www.costargroup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/320

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

What happens when hotel teams have plenty of technology but still struggle to work from the same information?

In this special HDC Nashville episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Kelly Popp, Vice President of Business Development, Americas, at Access Hospitality, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing hotel commercial teams today: the “toggle tax” created by disconnected systems and siloed departments.

Kelly explains how fragmented tech stacks can make it harder for revenue, marketing, and commercial teams to make informed decisions—and why better integration is becoming essential as hotels move toward AI-powered technology.

We explore what hotels need to get right before AI can deliver real business value, why clean and connected data matters, and how transparency can keep humans in control of AI-driven decisions.

In this episode, they cover:

• Why disconnected tech stacks create silos
• The importance of integrated hotel technology
• How EVO is changing the way hoteliers work
• Why hotel content and personalization matter

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RgkxqJEWExo
 

Links:
Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-popp-b5404a6/
Access Hospitality: Hotels & Casinos Americas: https://www.theaccessgroup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/319

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

What happens when you combine hands-on hotel experience, OTA expertise, hospitality technology, and a test-and-learn mindset? 

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili sits down with Nick Farrell, Senior Vice President and Head of Sales at Phunware, to explore his journey from working on-property to Expedia and into the world of hospitality technology.

Nick explains why hotels should embrace a test-and-learn mentality, how AI can turn guest data into actionable insights, and why technology should ultimately give hotel employees more time to focus on what matters most: creating meaningful human connections with guests.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What working at Expedia taught him about distribution, digital marketing, and demand
• Why a test-and-learn mindset is critical for hotels
• How AI and guest intelligence can transform the hotel experience
• The opportunities hotels are missing between check-in and check-out
• How AI Concierge technology can personalize recommendations for guests

If you're interested in hotel technology, AI in hospitality, guest experience, hotel revenue, hospitality innovation, hotel distribution, ancillary revenue, and the future of the hotel industry, this episode is a must-watch.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XXWIowhCp8Q
 

Links:
Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nfarrell1/
Phunware Hospitality: https://www.phunware.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/318

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

The hotel industry is undergoing a major transformation—and hotels that continue operating the way they always have may struggle to keep up.

In this episode, David Millili sits down with Kathleen Cullen, Executive Vice President of PTG Consulting, to unpack the major shifts disrupting hospitality today. From the rise of AI and changing distribution models to B2B discount stacking, revenue management, technology, and evolving sales strategies, Kathleen shares what hotel leaders need to understand to stay competitive.

Kathleen explains why hotels must rethink how they approach revenue, sales, marketing, PR, distribution, and technology—and why profitability, not simply top-line revenue, should be the ultimate goal. She also discusses how AI is changing the way travelers discover hotels, why fast and accurate responses to RFPs are becoming critical, and how independent hotels can use their flexibility as a competitive advantage.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How B2B distribution and discount stacking are disrupting hotel rates
• Why AI is becoming a new audience hotel must be discoverable through
• Should Hotel Leaders Prioritize Profitability Over Revenue
• The hotels can rethink sales and RFP response strategies
• Why creating a unique hotel story and customer experience matters

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uBEODwtL2xY

Links:
Kathleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-cullen-ptgconsulting/
PTG Consulting: https://www.ptgconsulting.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/317

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

Robert Marusi shares the leadership principles, technology strategies, and commercial mindset that have helped him lead some of the world's most iconic luxury resorts, including Hotel del Coronado and Grand Wailea.

In this episode, Steve and David speak with Robert Marusi, Commercial Director of Hotel del Coronado and Grand Wailea, about how AI, personalization, and data are transforming the hospitality industry. He also explains why human connection remains at the heart of delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Robert reveals why agility, continuous learning, and a growth-focused mindset are essential for today's hotel leaders. He also explains how luxury hotels can prepare for AI-powered search, create unforgettable guest experiences through recognition, and leverage technology without sacrificing the personal touch that defines hospitality.

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  How luxury hotels are using data to personalize every stay 
•  The importance of recognition in creating loyal guests 
•  How LLM search is changing hotel websites and digital marketing 
•  Why agility is the ultimate competitive advantage in hospitality

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QSZA_bDu-z8

Links:
Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-marusi-b6267739/
Hotel del Coronado: https://www.hoteldel.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/316

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

What does it take to lead one of New York City's most iconic hotels? 

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with David Salcfas, General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel New York, to explore his remarkable journey from washing tables and filling ice bins at a racetrack with his father to leading one of hospitality's most recognizable lifestyle brands.

David shares the leadership principles that have guided his career through 34 years with Marriott and into Hard Rock—leading from the front, building trust through action, creating unforgettable guest experiences, and empowering teams through empathy, accountability, and open communication.

We also dive into what makes the Hard Rock brand unique, from its music-driven culture and immersive guest experiences to its people-first philosophy. Whether you're an aspiring hotel leader, a seasoned hospitality professional, or simply passionate about exceptional service, this episode is packed with practical leadership lessons and inspiring career insights.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How leading by example builds stronger teams
• Why empathy and accountability go hand in hand
• The importance of mentorship and networking in hospitality
• What makes Hard Rock Hotel New York a one-of-a-kind guest experience
• How to create a culture employee genuinely want to be part of

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UWc6X8U_-9U

Links:
David Salcfas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsalcfas/
Hard Rock Hotel New York: https://hotel.hardrock.com/new-york/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/315

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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 of Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Dean Compoginis, the iconic voice of The Modern Hotelier, to break down the biggest hospitality stories from July.

They discuss how the World Cup boosted hotel revenue across the U.S., why food and beverage experiences are becoming a major factor in hotel bookings, and how the rapid expansion of AI data centers is creating new opportunities for extended-stay hotels. The conversation also explores how travelers are adapting their summer vacation plans despite rising costs and what these trends mean for the future of the hospitality industry.

The episode concludes with an inspiring conversation about Dean's remarkable career—from commercial radio and hospitality technology marketing to becoming one of the industry's most recognizable voiceover artists.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How the World Cup increased hotel occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR
• Why hotel restaurants and food experiences are influencing booking decisions
• The impact of AI data centers on extended-stay hotel demand
• How travelers are adjusting vacations amid higher travel costs

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zl1b8tGGjSk

Links:
Website: http://www.deancompoginis.com/
Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deancompoginis/
 

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/314

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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