The Modern Hotelier

By David Millili & Steve CarranSociety & Culture Business Places & Travel Management

The Modern Hotelier episodes

June 23#291: Making Revenue Management Accessible to All Sizes of Hotels | with Anthony Vita
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Anthony Vita, VP of Global Partnerships at Revenue Analytics, to explore how modern revenue management is becoming more accessible to independent hotels and boutique operators.
Anthony shares his unconventional journey from e-commerce and luxury interiors into hospitality tech, and how that experience helped shape his perspective on data, pricing, and automation. The conversation dives into the launch and expansion of Climber in North America, and how it’s aiming to level the playing field between small independent properties and large hotel groups through affordable, intelligent revenue management tools.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why Climber is expanding into North America to support independent hotel operators
How Revenue Analytics is working to democratize revenue management tools that were once only available to large hotel chains
Why many independent hotels still rely on spreadsheets and “gut instinct” for pricing—and what’s changing
The importance of partnerships across PMS, CRS, and hospitality tech ecosystems in scaling revenue solutions globally
How accessibility and affordability are shaping the future of revenue management for small and mid-sized properties

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3vbrnUkyHaA

Links:
Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitaanthony/
Revenue Analytics: https://www.revenueanalytics.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/291
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.
11 min
June 23#290: The Hospitality Platform Improving the Guest Experience | with Will Gilbert
In this special episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, live from HITEC, to explore how hospitality technology is rapidly transforming hotel operations, guest experience, and revenue performance.
Will shares how Bodhi has achieved 10X growth since last October, and why the company is positioning itself not just as a product vendor—but as a true hotel operating platform designed to unify fragmented systems across the hospitality ecosystem.
The conversation dives deep into how Bodhi is helping hotels deliver measurable ROI through its powerful ROI calculator, which links operational improvements directly to revenue impact, guest satisfaction, energy savings, and operational efficiency.
Rather than bolting on features or claiming AI hype, Will explains Bodhi’s philosophy of building a purpose-built, fully integrated platform that improves over time and delivers tangible business outcomes. From housekeeping optimization and valet integration to work order management and predictive insights, Bodhi is redefining what “platform” really means in hospitality tech.
The discussion also covers:
Why most hotel “platforms” are actually disconnected products
How guest experience issues directly impact revenue and ratings
The importance of data security, including SOC 2 Type 2 compliance
What’s next for the future of hotel operating systems
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BF9nGmpAU-k

Links:
Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-gilbert-0348586/
Bodhi: https://www.gobodhi.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/290
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.
8 min
June 22#289: Helping Hotels Fight Predatory OTA's | with Tim Major
In this special HITEC edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Tim Major, CEO of Operto, to explore how AI is transforming hotel marketing, direct bookings, and operational efficiency.
Tim shares how Operto One's autonomous AI agents help hotels combat predatory OTAs, improve direct booking performance, and optimize visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered search experiences. The conversation dives into the role of agentic AI in hospitality, the balance between automation and authentic guest service, and how hotels can leverage AI without adding complexity to their existing technology stack.
Key topics include:
How AI agents protect hotel brands from predatory OTA practices
Increasing direct bookings through automated search and GEO optimization
The future of agentic AI in hospitality operations
Real-world success stories from hotels using AI-driven solutions
Preparing hotel websites and content for AI-powered search platforms
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zGLo-TaAMyk

Links:
Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majortm/
Operto: https://operto.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/289
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.
12 min
June 22#288: Hotel Technology that Makes Your Staff More Effective | with Ryan King
In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ryan King, SVP of the Americas at Shiji, live from the Shiji Cafe and Marketplace on the trade show floor. The conversation dives deep into how hospitality technology is evolving—and where it’s still falling short.
Ryan shares insights from over a decade of attending HITEC and explores the industry’s ongoing struggle with fragmented, siloed systems across PMS, POS, spa, and operations. While hotels rushed to adopt tech to solve staffing shortages, many ended up with disconnected tools that fail to deliver a unified guest experience.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why many hotels still struggle with fragmented, siloed technology—and how it impacts the guest experience
How rushed tech adoption during staffing shortages created operational inefficiencies instead of solving them
What it really means to “meet the guest where they are” and how these changes hotel operations in practice
How mobile and on-the-floor service models can increase speed, upsells, and guest satisfaction
Why cloud-based systems are key to connecting PMS, POS, spa, and other hotel platforms
The growing importance of clean, unified data in an AI-driven hospitality landscape

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qIkt3mlnx1U

Links:
Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-king-11083842/
Shiji Group: https://www.shijigroup.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/288
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.
18 min
June 18#287: How Aimbridge is Preparing for Hospitality's A.I. Future | with Eric Ettlin
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eric Ettlin, Senior Vice President of Brand, Marketing, and Digital at Aimbridge Hospitality, one of the largest hotel management companies in the world.
Eric shares his journey from early digital marketing roles in finance to leading global brand and digital strategy across hundreds of hotels. He discusses what it takes to scale marketing across complex, multi-brand hotel portfolios and how third-party management differs from traditional brand-side hospitality roles.
The conversation dives deep into the evolving hospitality landscape, including how Aimbridge balances brand standards, owner expectations, and guest experience. Eric also breaks down the creation of Second Wave, Aimbridge’s in-house marketing powerhouse, and how it enables faster, more agile marketing execution across its portfolio.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How Eric transitioned from finance and e-commerce into hospitality leadership
What it takes to scale marketing across 1,000+ hotels and multiple global brands
Why third-party hotel management creates unique marketing challenges and opportunities
How Aimbridge’s “Second Wave” team is redefining in-house hospitality marketing
The rise of AI in travel planning and how it’s changing SEO into GEO
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i_MR_lr1OVk

Links:
Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericettlin
Aimbridge Hospitality: https://www.aimbridgehospitality.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/287
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.
36 min
June 16#286: How Hotel Uniforms Impact the Guest Experience & Employee Performance | with Mia Liu
What role do uniforms really play in shaping a hotel’s brand experience, and why are they often overlooked despite being one of the first things guests notice?
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran are joined by Mia Liu, Creative Director of Drape & Stitch, a fashion-forward uniform brand redefining what hospitality teams wear and why it matters.
Mia shares her journey from growing up in China with a passion for fashion and design, to building an international career across design, production, sourcing, and marketing. With deep experience across the fashion and activewear industries, she eventually founded Drape & Stitch in 2022 to bring a more modern, functional, and brand-aligned approach to hospitality uniforms.
The conversation explores how uniforms are often overlooked in hospitality despite being one of the first visual touchpoints for guests. Mia breaks down why hotels should treat uniforms as part of the overall brand experience—not just an operational necessity—and how comfort, durability, and storytelling all play a critical role in shaping guest perception.
The episode continues with deeper industry questions, including:
The most common mistakes hotels make when selecting uniform vendors
Why luxury hospitality is moving away from generic uniform programs
How design details can reflect a hotel’s architecture, history, and identity
Real examples of custom uniform storytelling from luxury properties like Fairmont Washington, DC and Waldorf Astoria
Why comfort and functionality are just as important as aesthetics in modern uniform design
From fabric innovation to brand storytelling, this episode reveals how uniforms are becoming a strategic part of hospitality experience design—and why the future of hotel branding may start with what your team wears.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_YHLxYzRvWc
This episode is Sponsored by Drape & Stitch: https://drapeandstitch.com/

Links:
Mia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-l-b07ab326/
Drape and Stitch: https://drapeandstitch.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/286
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.
25 min
June 11#285: Inside the Operations of Hospitality Giant, MGM Resorts International | with Ayesha Molino
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ayesha Molino, Chief Operating Officer of MGM Resorts International, to explore the evolving landscape of hospitality, entertainment, and large-scale resort operations in Las Vegas.
Ayesha shares her unconventional path from law and government into hospitality leadership, and how her experience in policy shaped her approach to decision-making at one of the world’s largest resort companies. The conversation dives into MGM’s guest-centric operating model, the transformation of Las Vegas into an entertainment-driven destination, and how AI, data, and loyalty partnerships like Marriott Bonvoy are reshaping the future of travel.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:
How growing up in San Diego and Washington, DC shaped her leadership mindset
The transformation of Las Vegas into an entertainment-first global destination
Why modernizing legacy systems and moving to the cloud is critical for innovation
How the MGM–Marriott Bonvoy partnership is reshaping loyalty in travel and gaming
Traits of successful hospitality leaders in today’s data-driven environment

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eW8xZA-XK9U

Links:
Ayesha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesha-molino-a7581a84
MGM Resorts International: https://www.mgmresorts.com/en.html
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/285
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.
35 min
June 10#284: Fixing the Post-Booking Black Hole Most Hotels Ignore | with Michael Gahan
What is the “post-booking black hole” in hospitality, and how can hotels eliminate it to transform the guest experience using AI, destination intelligence, and modern engagement tools?
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Michael Gahan, CEO of Tongo, for a deep dive into how hotels can transform the guest journey by stepping into the “post-booking black hole.”
Michael shares his unconventional path from small-town California, professional MMA fighting, and wine tour entrepreneurship to building a hospitality tech company focused on redefining guest engagement through destination intelligence and AI-powered concierge experiences.
The conversation explores:
How early guest conversations shape travel decisions and hotel revenue
Why most hotels miss the critical pre-arrival planning window
What makes Tongo’s approach different from typical “AI concierge” tools
How personalized, scalable concierge experiences are now possible
The operational challenges and opportunities inside modern hotel organizations
Michael also discusses lessons from his MMA career, the importance of guest-centric thinking, and why the future of hospitality depends on owning the conversation before guests even arrive.

This episode is sponsored by Tongo: https://letstongo.com/

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xYXa6iH6qfE

Links:
Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gahan/
Tongo: https://letstongo.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/284
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.
25 min
June 04#283: What We've Learned from Hoteliers So Far in 2026
In this special highlight episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran take a look back at the first half of the year, revisiting standout moments from over 40 conversations with leading voices in hospitality.
Across these curated clips, hoteliers, developers, and industry leaders share what it really takes to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape—from building authentic guest experiences and strong team cultures to rethinking branding, revenue strategy, and the future of hotel development.
Guests explore key themes including the importance of curiosity, staying authentic in design and operations, empowering teams as the true “secret sauce” of hospitality, and how technology, data, and shifting traveler expectations are reshaping the industry.
Featuring insights from leaders across boutique hotels, global brands, luxury operators, and innovative developers, this episode offers a powerful snapshot of where hospitality is headed—and what continues to stay timeless: people, purpose, and experience.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why genuine success in hospitality starts with a simple but powerful principle: truly liking and prioritizing people
How curiosity, alignment, and shared goals across teams create stronger hotel cultures and better performance
Why authenticity—not checklists or trends—is the foundation of memorable hotel experiences and strong brands
The key strategies for legacy properties to evolve with changing guest expectations without losing their identity
How mindset, attitude, and culture directly impact long-term success in hospitality organizations
Why experience-led pricing strategies can sometimes outperform short-term revenue maximization
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cb1YFk2a_Sk

Links:
Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-pohl-8214205/
WorldHotels and International Operations for BWH Hotels: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US.html
Alpha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpha-midiaou-barry-42a6b014/
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sandy-courtyard-san-diego-downtown-little-italy/overview/
Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-steward-7b829a23/
Caravan Outpost: https://caravanoutpostojai.com/
Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-harmon-2184851/
Auberge Resorts: https://auberge.com/
aka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aka/posts/?feedView=all
aka: https://www.stayaka.com/
Kristie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiegoshow
Loews Hotels & Co.: https://www.loewshotels.com/
Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskanderson/
Cornell University: https://www.cornell.edu/
Dr. Sharmin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmindharas/
Hotel ZAZZ: https://www.hotelzazz.com/
Bashar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/
Intersection Development: https://intersectiondev.com/
Atari Hotels: https://invest.atarihotels.com/
Roman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-pedan/
Kasa: https://kasa.com/
Dondra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondra-ritzenthaler-a09158406/
Azamara Cruises: https://www.azamara.com/home
Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-a-581b02183/
Ashburton Hospitality: https://www.ashburtonhospitality.com/
Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-luersen-20839113/
Coral Tree Hospitality: https://www.coraltreehospitality.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/283
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.
31 min
June 02#282: Uber Partners with Expedia, Spirit Shuts Down, Hotels Prepare for AI | Hot Topics with Tom Luersen
What should hoteliers be doing right now to stay ahead of these rapid changes?
In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Tom Luersen, President of CoralTree Hospitality, for a fast-paced breakdown of the biggest hospitality and travel industry developments from May.
The conversation dives into major shifts in the tech and distribution landscape, including new partnerships like Uber with Expedia and Mews, Airbnb expanding into hotels and car rentals, and the rise of TikTok as a hotel booking channel. The panel explores what these changes mean for hotels, direct bookings, and the future of distribution strategy.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
What growing tech consolidation means for hotels, pricing power, and direct bookings
Why the collapse of Spirit Airlines signals deeper trends in airline consolidation and pricing pressure
How rising travel costs are influencing consumer behavior—but not stopping summer travel plans
Why experience-driven travel continues to dominate consumer priorities across generations
This episode is a must-listen for hospitality leaders looking to understand where travel, technology, and consumer behavior are heading next—and how to stay ahead in an increasingly connected and competitive landscape.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c9CqYWcsMRQ

Links:
Consumer Tech Partners with Travel & Hospitality
Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations
Americans are Cutting Costs, but Not Their Travel Plans
Hotel Execs Prepare for AI to Change the Booking Journey
What is New at CoralTree

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/282
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.
27 min

About The Modern Hotelier

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Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.