Andrew Wintner, Founder at Cassette, A Music Curation Agency , guests on A HOTEL PODCAST for a deep dive on soundtracking hotels, restaurants, and more. Wintner speaks on providing music curation services to clients like Fontainebleau Las Vegas , Graduate Hotels , Lettuce Entertain You , and more. The music expert also details his Off The Record newsletter collaboration with the Hotels Above Par Substack , and offers a 20% off discount for Cassette clients who listen to A HOTEL PODCAST ....
Feb 12, 2026•28 min•Ep. 52
Studio 11 Design Owner and Principal Kellie Sirna guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to speak on the firm's service offerings and offer insights into notable hospitality client projects. Sirna revisits working with the Hutton Hotel in Nashville on both the hotel's Analog music venue and the creator-friendly Writers Studios , the latter project involved working with talent like Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and Dierks Bentley . The design Principal also reveals what went into activating rebranding work on an...
Jan 30, 2026•20 min•Ep. 51
Julie Wagner, Chief Executive Officer at the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau , checks in on A HOTEL PODCAST to shine light on all things Beverly Hills. Wagner speaks on the reality of Beverly Hills and what the city has to offer beyond the version of the city that people think of from TV and movies, and offers her tips for dining, shopping, and lodging in Beverly Hills. The tourism professional also reflects on how Beverly Hills' past connects to its present and future, and speaks o...
Jan 12, 2026•33 min•Ep. 50
Dean Dr. Michael Cheng guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to offer insights into the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Miami’s Florida International University . Dr. Cheng details the school's Programming On Demand course offering, which allows for current developments across hospitality, technology, and more to be added to the Chaplin School's curriculum in a timely fashion. The dean also shares how students gain professional hospitality industry experience across Miami hotels...
Dec 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 49
In the second of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago , GM Tamas Vago offers insights into the hotel's tenth annual tree lighting ceremony. Vago speaks on hosting and overseeing all elements of the tree lighting ceremony, from speaking at the event to managing the delivery and placement of the tree in the center of the hotel's courtyard. The GM also opens up about sharing the stage with a young leukemia survivor named Ella and her family when lighting up the tree, and shares wh...
Dec 15, 2025•25 min•Ep. 48
In the first of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago , Director of Sales and Marketing Ashley Ochse speaks on the hotel's tenth annual tree lighting ceremony. Ochse shares insights into the level of planning that went into activating this year's tree lighting festivities. The Director of Sales and Marketing also details how the French Noël theme, inspired by Christmastime in Paris, was felt at this year's tree lighting, and emphasizes the impact of the hotel's partners, includi...
Dec 15, 2025•16 min•Ep. 47
Rachel Ayotte, CEO and Founder at travel PR powerhouse bread & Butter , visits A HOTEL PODCAST for a deep dive into the editorial vertical she founded, Late Checkout . Ayotte speaks on Late Checkout's evolution from a LinkedIn feature to a daily newsletter and standalone web destination. The founder also details Late Checkout's mission to be like an in the know friend in your inbox, covering F&B, travel, culture, and more....
Oct 09, 2025•34 min•Ep. 46
Hotels Above Par founder Brandon Berkson returns to A HOTEL PODCAST in an interview recorded at Chicago Athletic Association . Berkson delves into HAP's Substack strategy, and the different but aligned objectives of the site's two newsletters: Hotel Espresso and Hotels Above Par Weekly (aka Happenings). The HAP EIC also speaks on the site's print pocket guides , detailing what a specialized print publication can offer to a hotel or hospitality brand....
Sep 09, 2025•29 min•Ep. 45
A HOTEL PODCAST checks into ARRIVE Palm Springs to interview Chris Frago, Regional Director of Operations at Palisociety . Frago reveals how ARRIVE Palm Springs is designed to feel like visiting a friend's home, and shares what separates the ARRIVE experience from other Palisociety offerings. The Regional Director of Operations also speaks on the hotel's Mid-Century design, and details how the heated pool is the centerpiece of the guest experience at ARRIVE Palm Springs....
Aug 11, 2025•11 min•Ep. 44
A HOTEL PODCAST visits The Manchester in Lexington, KY to talk to GM Gabe Isaac about the hotel's bluegrass hospitality. Isaac sheds light on The Manchester's Rickhouse Revival design style, speaks on the influence of Lexington's equestrian and bourbon cultures on the hotel, and shares his thoughts on The Manchester being recognized as one of TIME's World's Greatest Places 2024 .
Jul 10, 2025•23 min•Ep. 43
Design and architecture innovator Martin Brudnizki, founder of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio , visits A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about notable projects from the firm's impressive portfolio, as well as reveal how his creative process has evolved over the past quarter century. Brudnizki shares insights into MBDS' work on hospitality projects like Beekman Hotel , Soho Beach House Miami , and Fouquet's New York , shares how technology has impacted the agency's approach to design, and more....
Jun 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 42
Peoplevine 's Chris Lindsey (Co-Founder & Head of Product Marketing) and Jordan Gilman (Co-Founder, CTO, and Software Architect) check in with A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about technology in the hospitality experience. The tech co-founders go into detail about how Peoplevine removes pain points across hotels, restaurants, members clubs, and more, for hospitality operators, members, and guests alike.
Jan 21, 2025•40 min•Ep. 41
Tiffany Townsend, EVP, Global Communications at NYC Tourism + Conventions , checks in with A HOTEL PODCAST in support of NYC Hotel Week 2025 . Townsend speaks on how the program helps travelers discover hotels across multiple NYC boroughs, as well as how the promotion, which offers 25% off stays at participating hotels, also benefits the city's hospitality operators. The EVP, Global Communications also shares her recommendations for a world class NYC stay, including Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg a...
Jan 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 40
A HOTEL PODCAST visits the Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, where Events Manager Drew Brant speaks on the design of the hyper-pink property, including the glamorous outdoor pool at the center of the motel, as well as the vivid and vibrant guest rooms , each with their own creative identity. Brant also delves into the creative visions of multi-hyphenate drag star Trixie Mattel and TV producer David Silver in developing the motel, and shares insights into Trixie Motel's event partnerships and parties...
Dec 03, 2024•14 min•Ep. 39
bread & Butter 's Sarah Jacober Spitzer (Vice President, Travel) and Samantha Markiewicz (Chief Digital Officer) guest on A HOTEL PODCAST to share insight into the PR firm's approach to client offerings. The hospitality professionals also speak on influencer marketing and media partnerships, share their travel recommendations, and more.
Nov 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 38
A HOTEL PODCAST heads to Indianapolis, IN to visit Ironworks Hotel Indy . General Manager Andrew Burns details the hotel's striking design concept, mixing industrial purposeful industrial elements with plush touchpoints. Burns also shares his feelings on the boutique hotel winning numerous awards, including recognitions from Tripadvisor and Condé Nast Traveler ....
Nov 01, 2024•27 min•Ep. 37
A HOTEL PODCAST visits Life House , Palm Springs for an interview with Stephany Wilder, Director of Sales and Marketing at Life House. Wilder speaks on the Palm Springs hotel's diverse design influences, ranging from Desert Migration to Japanese minimalism and more. The Director of Sales and Marketing also outlines the hotel's connection to the local community and details Life House, Palm Springs' Coachella Music Festival -adjacent programming....
Sep 11, 2024•20 min•Ep. 36
In the second of two episodes showcasing The LINE LA , Jennie Wright, Brand Experience Manager at The LINE & Saguaro , checks into A HOTEL PODCAST to share insights into the hotel's numerous innovative event spaces, including Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Break Room 86 , in addition to detailing how The LINE LA collaborated with other LINE properties for the hotel's recent 10 year anniversary and more....
Jul 30, 2024•28 min•Ep. 35
In the first of two episodes showcasing The LINE LA , Stefan Merriweather, Head of Creative at The LINE, The Ned (US), & Saguaro , visits A HOTEL PODCAST to speak on the The LINE LA's recent 10 year anniversary , the hotel's collaborations with talent like Koreatown Run Club , Shepard Fairey , and more, and the crucial role LA's Koreatown community plays in the hotel's programming and partnerships....
Jul 30, 2024•24 min•Ep. 34
Kristin Moller, Senior Vice President at J/PR , checks in on A HOTEL PODCAST. Moller speaks on J/PR's impressive record of developing client relationships that last for five years or longer, details successful agency-client campaign activations, and shares her expert hotel and travel recommendations.
Jun 27, 2024•36 min•Ep. 33
Brandon Berkson, founder at Hotels Above Par , guests on A HOTEL PODCAST . Berkson recalls the social media origins of Hotels Above Par, starting as an Instagram account and developing into an ever-expanding website and newsletter focused on travel and hospitality. The founder also speaks on the team that brings the hotel features to life and shares his favorite travel destination.
Jun 19, 2024•22 min•Ep. 32
A HOTEL PODCAST visits Manhattan's Theater District to talk with David Lopez, Managing Director and Project Management at the CIVILIAN hotel. Lopez speaks on the theatrical touchpoints found throughout the hotel, including the Olio Collection of theatrical memorabilia found in the Blue Room lounge. Lopez also details Jason Pomeranc ( SIXTY HOTELS ) and David Rockwell's ( Rockwell Group ) visions for the hotel, and more....
Jun 10, 2024•26 min•Ep. 31
Caroline McKay, Founder at boutique creative studio Caro , guests on A HOTEL PODCAST . The publicity specialist shares the story of launching Caro after years at doing PR in the agency and hotel worlds. McKay also speaks on Caro's work for notable hospitality clients like Casa Hormiga , Equinox Hotels , and the Starlite Motel , and reveals how the philosophy of quality over quantity informs her client work and agency operations....
May 02, 2024•31 min•Ep. 30
A HOTEL PODCAST visits Manhattan's Gild Hall , where General Manager Marshneil Bharadwaj and Director of Sales & Marketing Sang Choi share insights into the upscale Financial District hotel. Bharadwaj and Choi speak on the hotel's design work by Jim_Walrod and photography throughout the property by Slim Aarons . Bharadwaj and Choi also detail how the Gild Hall experience is intended to give visitors a home away from home during their stay....
Apr 22, 2024•19 min•Ep. 29
Practice Hospitality Partner and Vice President of Brand + Development Kate Buska guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to share insights into the hospitality firm's individualized approach to hotel management. Buska also speaks on two standout properties from the agency's portfolio, Flagstaff, AZ retro roadside destination Americana Motor Hotel and Oregon coastal escape The Drifthaven at Gearhart ....
Apr 01, 2024•28 min•Ep. 28
A HOTEL PODCAST host Jaime Black checks in with Brent Hall, Director Of Sales & Marketing at The Alexander , about the hotel's extensive art collection that extends throughout the property. Hall shares insights about a number of The Alexander's most prominent installations, including flying birds made out of vinyl records found in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Director Of Sales & Marketing also details the hotel's beehive-based sustainability efforts and shares his picks for a ...
Mar 13, 2024•19 min•Ep. 27
A HOTEL PODCAST visits The LaSalle Chicago to connect with hotel GM Stefan Gruvberger. The General Manager speaks on the hotel's mission to provide time as a luxury to its guests. Gruvberger also details The LaSalle's wellness -focused offerings like yoga and meditation, as well as Grill On 21 's sustainability efforts across their menu. Finally, the GM credits the hotel team for the property's designation as CS Magazine 's Best New Hotel in 2023....
Feb 28, 2024•18 min•Ep. 26
A HOTEL PODCAST connects with Dr. Vanja Bogicevic , Clinical Associate Professor of Hospitality Marketing at NYU 's Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality . Dr. Bogicevic speaks on the mission of the Tisch Center of Hospitality, and how the division of NYU 's School of Professional Studies utilizes emerging tech, professional mentors, and entrepreneurial projects to educate the next generation of hospitality industry leaders. She also delves into her role heading up the Hospitality Innovation H...
Feb 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 25
A HOTEL PODCAST visits Short Stories Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, where Leo Grifka, Owner and CEO at real estate development company Grifka Group , gives Jaime Black the story behind the boutique property. Grifka tells the story of developing and opening Short Stories Hotel at the former site of the Farmer's Daughter Hotel. The hotelier also details why a personalized hospitality experience for all guests is a priority for Short Stories in an age of ever-increasing automation....
Jan 29, 2024•23 min•Ep. 24
Jeremy Selman, Principal at asset management company HN Capital Partners , guests on A HOTEL PODCAST . Selman details the history behind LA's Hotel Per La , including the building's earliest days as the Bank of Italy and then the Bank of America a century ago. The hotelier also shares how 649 S Olive St pivoted from NoMad Los Angeles to its current Hotel Per La identity, and reveals his ambition for the property to be the hotel of Downtown Los Angeles....
Jan 11, 2024•30 min•Ep. 23
