🚀 Big news! Still a bit more ALIS 2025 coverage! Here, Glenn chats with Christopher Hartley , CEO of Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), to discuss their record-breaking year, new brands, and the future of global travel. 🎉 Key Takeaways: GHA’s Best Year Ever! 💰 $2.7 billion in loyalty program revenue—up 17% from 2023. Hotels Cashing In! 💸 $400 million in cross-brand bookings, proving the power of independent hotels uniting. Global Expansion! 🌍 New brands in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, Malaysia 🇲🇾, Dubai 🇦�...
Feb 14, 2025•4 min
Las Vegas isn't just about casinos and bright lights—it's also home to a game-changing way to stay! On this episode of No Vacancy Live, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri sit down with Laura Goldberg of Ariva Serviced Residences, Las Vegas to uncover why long-term travelers, business professionals, and even poker players are choosing this extended-stay experience over traditional hotels. 🚀 What You’ll Learn: 🏡 What Ariva Serviced Residences Are Really About – More than just an apartment, it...
Feb 13, 2025•27 min•Season 9Ep. 931
Luxury travel is evolving, and WorldHotels is leveraging this trend. A couple weeks ago I spoke with Gregory G. Habeeb , Chief Development Officer with WorldHotels during ALIS 2025. We discussed: 🔹 Five years after Best Western's acquisition—how has WorldHotels grown? 🔹 Soft brands & the power of choice—why travelers are loving unique, story-driven experiences 🔹 The rise of alternative hospitality—from glamping to luxury Airstream retreats in Tennessee 🔹 $1.7 trillion in luxury travel sp...
Feb 13, 2025•5 min
Hotel deals don’t happen overnight, and today, we’re pulling back the curtain! 🏨💰 Join Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri as they sit down with David Johnstone , a hotel investment legend, to talk about: ✅ Hotel Investment Realities: Why development is stalling and where the real opportunities are. ✅ Luxury Boom: Why high-end hotels have more profit potential while mid-tier properties struggle. ✅ The $10,000 Martini Proposal: A story so wild, it made headlines. ✅ How to Succeed in Hospitali...
Feb 12, 2025•44 min•Season 9Ep. 930
📢 The hotel investment world is buzzing with cautious optimism—but what does that really mean for deals, transactions, and the future of hospitality? I’ve still got more from ALIS, and for today I chatted with Adam Suleman of Equinox Hospitality and Equinox Hotels to break it all down! 🔹 The Investment Climate: With inflation cooling and market stability improving, is it finally time for sidelined capital to flow? 🔹 Deals on the Horizon: Why properties that have been sitting idle may soon hit...
Feb 12, 2025•3 min
🚀 AI isn’t replacing hospitality — it’s enhancing it! In this episode of No Vacancy Live, Susan Graves (CEO, Experience Alive ) discuss how AI and machine learning are reshaping hotel operations while keeping the human in hospitality. 💡 Key Takeaways: AI as a Companion, Not a Replacement – Let tech handle the repetitive tasks so humans can create extraordinary guest experiences. Conversational AI is Here – No more outdated phone menus! AI-driven customer service means guests get instant answer...
Feb 11, 2025•28 min•Season 9Ep. 929
Yup, we still have more coverage from ALIS 2025. Today, I’m speaking with Brian Hughes of Twenty Four Seven Hotels and we’re breaking down the state of hotel transactions, management shifts, and what’s really happening behind the scenes in hospitality investment. 🔹 What’s the mood in the industry? Is optimism peeking through, or is everyone just waiting for a breakthrough moment? 🔹 Hotel deals are tough right now – but what factors are finally working in our favor? 🔹 How hotel transactions cr...
Feb 10, 2025•4 min
Welcome to another unfiltered, unhinged, and undeniably hilarious episode of Friday Night Audit ! This time, we’re tackling the most important issues of the day, like: Super Bowl Hype or Snooze Fest? 🏈 Is this year's big game the least exciting ever, or is Glenn just salty about it? Party Food Smackdown! 🍗 Who’s bringing the best game-day snacks, and who’s just showing up with sad chips? Snowpocalypse Survival Guide! ❄️ Heated debates over the sacred (or illegal?) act of saving a dug-out parki...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Tiffany Cooper, Head of Development for the Americas at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, joined us at ALIS 2025 to share her journey, the brand’s expansion plans, and the exciting future of luxury hospitality. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into developing ultra-luxury hotels, this episode is packed with insights! 🔹 Tiffany’s journey with Mandarin Oriental – From a dream at 23 to leading development in the Americas 🔹 Where Mandarin Oriental is expanding next – Ambitious and achievable growth ...
Feb 07, 2025•4 min
💡 How can hotels boost profits in 2025? Aperture Hotels ' CEO Charles Oswald joined Glenn during ALIS 2025 to break it all down. From securing management contracts to finding hidden revenue streams, this conversation is packed with real insights hotel owners and operators can use today. 📌 Key Takeaways: 📉 Hotel transactions are slow, but asset managers are laser-focused on bottom-line results. What does this mean for management companies? 🔑 Aperture’s secret sauce: Big experience, small pack...
Feb 06, 2025•4 min
What happens when Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri go off-script with no guests? A raw, unfiltered conversation about the biggest trends in hospitality, from high-stakes investments to industry predictions you won’t hear anywhere else. 🚨 Inside this episode: ❄️ The brutal cold snap: Why even seasoned travelers are feeling it 🏨 ALIS Conference breakdown: What REALLY goes down behind closed doors 💰 Hotel investments in 2024: Who’s bullish, who’s nervous? 🏗️ New builds vs. conversions: Wha...
Feb 05, 2025•28 min•Season 9Ep. 928
Glamping? Independent hotel booms? The next generation ditching mobile phones?! 🤯 Brad LeBlanc , Chief Development Officer of Best Western Hotels & Resorts , joins Glenn live-ish (that means recorded) from ALIS 2025 to talk about the MAJOR shifts happening in hospitality. 🔹 The Next Big Thing in Hotels? → Outdoor hospitality is exploding! Best Western’s new Wildflower Resort at Zion is just the beginning. 🔹 Why the “Locked Up” National Park Market Isn’t So Locked → There’s space for more ...
Feb 05, 2025•5 min
🏝️ Ever wonder what makes a luxury resort unforgettable? In this episode, we sit down with Nikheel Advani, co-founder and COO of Grace Bay Resorts, to uncover the secrets behind creating world-class guest experiences in Turks and Caicos and beyond. But this isn’t your typical business pitch, this is a deep dive into passion-driven leadership, the power of hospitality, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌍 From Dishwasher to Luxury Hotelier – How Nikh...
Feb 05, 2025•36 min•Season 8Ep. 927
I’m with Mark Hope of Coast Hotels during ALIS to discuss the company’s strategic expansion plans, market insights, and the economic factors shaping the hotel industry today. 🔹 Key Takeaways: ✔️ West Coast Growth Strategy – Why Coast Hotels is focusing on major U.S. West Coast cities like Seattle, LA, and San Francisco. ✔️ Economic Factors at Play – How the Canadian dollar and Japanese yen impact expansion decisions. ✔️ Profitability in a Challenging Market – The importance of rate increases wh...
Feb 03, 2025•3 min
Join Glenn as he catches up with Jeff Wagoner , CEO of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group , during ALIS 2025! This episode is packed with incredible insights on Outrigger’s latest moves, from game-changing entertainment to stunning hotel renovations and Hawaii’s tourism comeback. 🎙️ What’s Inside This Episode? Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group Hits Hawaii! 🌟 Outrigger’s custom built 20,000 sq. ft. showroom is now home to 'Auana', a breathtaking Hawaiian-centric show. A Show for Locals & Touris...
Feb 03, 2025•5 min
🔹 How is Best Western evolving in 2025? 🔹 Why is brand expansion key to success? 🔹 What role does AI and technology play in reshaping hospitality? Join No Vacancy Live host Glenn Haussman as he chats with Larry Cuculic , President & CEO of BWH Hotels during ALIS 2025! This conversation covers: ✅ Best Western’s 2025 Strategy – Growth, guest experience, and revenue optimization ✅ Brand Expansion & Development – New construction, soft brands, and repositioning assets ✅ Market Challenges ...
Jan 29, 2025•6 min
Sloan Dean , CEO of Remington Hospitality , and I break down the key trends shaping the hospitality industry in 2025 at during ALIS. 🔑 Key Takeaways: "Reserved Optimism" in the industry: What does it mean for hotel owners and operators in 2025? Economic impact on hotel performance: How inflation and wage growth affect different hotel categories. Group business is booming: Why group pace is up 9% and continues to drive the industry's recovery. Urban hotels are back: Discover why cities like New ...
Jan 29, 2025•4 min
Glenn spoke with Raul Leal , CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts , during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS). We’re discussing global expansion, brand innovation, and sustainability, all set against the backdrop of an evolving hotel landscape. And even a company name change!! Highlights: 🌍 Global Growth: New openings in Tokyo, Melbourne, Copenhagen, Manchester, Silicon Valley, Seattle, Dubai, Florence, and Rome. 🌿 Sustainability Focus: How eco-conscious values drive the vision behind 1 H...
Jan 29, 2025•4 min
James Hansen may be new to Reeco, but he's been in the industry for a while. Glenn, Craig and producer Dave attempt to get him to share stories that put his new gig in danger. Grab a drink and join us for some laughs as we kick off the weekend with Friday Night Audit!
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 164
James Ferguson, author of "The Confetti Culture Playbook" gives updates on how his career journey has progressed over the last few years from being a GM to taking over as Corporate Director of Culture with Wurzak Hotel Group. In this role, he has taken the company from 2.5 on Glassdoor to 4.3! Find out how he was able to do this and what new projects James is coming out with.
Jan 23, 2025•28 min•Season 8Ep. 926
🎙️ Unlocking the Future of Hotel Access Control with Ed Sullivan On this episode of ESLA Icons & Experts we’ve got Ed Sullivan, Chief Strategy Officer at EntryReady. Glenn and Ed unravel the surprising complexities of hotel access control. It's not just about unlocking doors — it’s about guest experience, operational efficiency, and risk management in the digital age. 🚪🔒 🔑 What You'll Learn: Why access control is the backbone of a modern hotel tech stack. How digital keys and NFC technol...
Jan 23, 2025•19 min
In this episode, we delve into the world of award-winning interior design with Yasmine Mahmoudieh, founder of Yasmine Mahmoudieh Design. Yasmine shares her unique approach to design, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and global travels. Discover how she translates these global influences into stunning and innovative spaces that have garnered critical acclaim. Get ready to be inspired by Yasmine's creative journey and learn how she pushes the boundaries of interior design.
Jan 22, 2025•42 min•Season 8Ep. 925
I’m chatting with James Hansen, VP of Business Development at Reeco and we’re discussing how this groundbreaking AI-driven platform is simplifying hotel procurement and transforming the industry. Learn how Reeco is using cutting-edge technology and fresh funding to help hoteliers save time, cut costs, and maximize efficiency. And be sure to catch up with hem during ALIS too! Key Highlights: Big Moves in Funding: Reeco secures $15M in Series A funding, totaling $25M raised to date. Discover how t...
Jan 22, 2025•6 min
In this episode of No Vacancy Live , Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri sit down with Donte Johnson and Jason Bass, hoteliers and co-authors of Impact Hospitality , to explore how purpose-driven leadership is revolutionizing the hospitality industry. Dive into this compelling conversation about intentional decision-making, community impact, and the power of aligning values with action. Key Takeaways: How shifts in values over the past five years are shaping hospitality leadership. The unique ...
Jan 21, 2025•30 min•Season 8Ep. 924
Welcome to part one of our four-part series exploring the exciting transformation of entertainment in hospitality! 🎥 I’m talking with Brian Venable, VP of Partner Management at Warner Bros. Discovery, to discuss the differences between HBO and Max so I can finally understand how hotel guests are looking to use these services. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The evolution of HBO from its iconic linear service to the introduction of Max streaming. Why streaming is becoming a must-have for hote...
Jan 21, 2025•1 min
Mark Irgang is the Opening General Manager of the Marriott New York JFK and has known Glenn for some time. He's also the newly elexted President of SKAL USA. Yet, somehow he still wants to have drinks and swap industry war stories with Glenn, Craig, Producer Dave and maybe even Dr.Producer Suzanne! Plus, Glenn gets hited as the new coach of the Dallas Cowboys?!
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 163
Steve Palmer founded The Indigo Road Hospitality Group five years ago, a restaurant forward hospitality concept. We discuss how that strategy is working for his company as well as his bestselling book “Say Grace: How the restaurant business saved my life.”
Jan 16, 2025•31 min
I'm chatting with Noha Abdallah, Chief Marketing Officer at Choice Hotels International, about their new ad campaign featuring the hilarious and relatable Keegan-Michael Key. Learn how this marketing campaign is reshaping travel experiences and connecting with guests in meaningful ways. Key Takeaways: Why Keegan-Michael Key? Learn how his incredible relatability and humor (with a 98-100% recognition score!) make him the perfect spokesperson for Choice Hotels. The Vacation Maximizer Campaign: How...
Jan 16, 2025•6 min
The American Hotel and Lodging Association Foundation continues to do work on helping grow leaders within the industry. Anna Blue, President, of AHLA Foundation discusses the great opportunities the AHLA Foundation is providing in 2025.
Jan 16, 2025•31 min•Season 8Ep. 922
Dina Belon , President of Staypineapple Hotels Inc. is here to talk about dynamic brand building leveraging the hospitality pineapple symbol. How is the company differentiating itself from the major hotel companies and what are the exciting things happening for them in 2025?
Jan 15, 2025•39 min•Season 8Ep. 921
