No Vacancy Live!

943: True Hospitality: Emotional Connections, Industry Insights, and Concierge Secrets

Experience the future of hospitality in this thought-provoking deep dive with Elizabeth Harlow , Chief Brand Officer at Sonesta Hotels ! Discover how top brands are reshaping guest loyalty, exclusive experiences, and human connection—all while navigating the rise of AI. 🔥 What You'll Learn: - The power of human connection in hospitality—why tech should enhance, not replace it - How Sonesta is redefining loyalty beyond points—giving members brag-worthy access - Exclusive partnerships with Rollin...

942: Inside Delmonico’s: Secrets of the Legendary Steakhouse

Today we’re going back in time to the oldest fine dining restaurant in the U.S.; Delmonico’s. Managing Partner of DHG, Dennis Turcinovic shares its fascinating history, revival, and modern-day magic of this legendary steakhouse! 🍽️🔥 Also on hashtag#novacancynews we explore: • 🏛️ The incredible 186-year history behind Delmonico’s and its impact on American dining. • 🍷 How the new team is balancing tradition with fresh innovation. • 🥩 The secret behind their legendary steaks (yes, we asked!)....

941: True Hospitality: Emotional Connections, Industry Insights, and Concierge Secrets

We’re joined by Jamie Cooperstein , author of True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk. On this hashtag#novacancynews we talk: · Hospitality Industry Predictions: Anthony shares his take on upcoming challenges and opportunities. · The Power of Emotional Connections: Learn how creating genuine connections can transform guest experiences. · Concierge Stories Unveiled: Jamie shares jaw-dropping moments from her time as a concierge, including a Botox-saving wedding miracle! ·...

Transforming Hotel Restaurants: Secrets to F&B Success

📄 I’m joined by Steve Palmer, Founder of Indigo Road Hospitality Group, where we discussed rethinking hotel F&B to drive profitability and create unforgettable guest experiences. Recorded during the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference. 🔥 In this episode: 🍽️ Why "Hotel Restaurants" Are Outdated – Build restaurants inside hotels that locals love. 💡 Revolutionize F&B Profitability – Learn how some hotels see 50% of total revenue from food and beverage. 🧠 Break Free from Old Habits – Sto...

FNA 170: Coury Connection

Tonight we welcome the first father and son duo on the show, Paul Coury and Alex Coury of Coury Hospitality . They'll be sharing cocktails and stories with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. as we celebrate the end of the week.

From Guest Service to Smart Business: How Chris Green Shapes Hospitality Success

I was in Houston yesterday and chatted with friend and industry icon W Chris Green . We discuss the evolution of guest service and smart business practices in the hotel industry. We recorded this before we hit the stage for an event with the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston Greater Huston during their monthly membership meeting. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: How Chris Green’s leadership philosophy focuses on balancing exceptional guest experiences with operational excellence. Insights ...

940: Why Cash Flow is King in Today’s Hospitality Market

Today we’ve got Russ Flicker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of AWH Partners. He’s got the latest scoop on hotel investments, asset management, and market trends. From uncovering off-market deals to navigating high-interest rate environments, Russ offers real talk about what’s driving (and slowing) hospitality transactions today. 🔥 Highlights: • State of the Hospitality Market: Why some properties are thriving while others are struggling. • Investment Realities: Why high interest rates are for...

Unlocking Hospitality Success: The Power of Local Networking

Want to fast-track your hospitality career and be in the room where it happens? I’m chatting with Dorothy Roberts, President of the Long Island Hospitality Association and a hotel investor, to reveal how local industry associations can supercharge your career and strengthen your community. 📌 What You'll Learn: How networking with the right people can open unexpected doors 🚪 The real benefits of joining a local hospitality association 🤝 How Long Island's hospitality scene is evolving and growi...

RainesCo’s Big Moves: Growing, Innovating & Building New Deals | Hunter Hotel Conference

While at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference I spoke with Grey Raines and Kerry V. Ranson from Raines Company . They discuss how they’ve managed to scale their company, integrate new technologies, and keep momentum going while staying true to their values. ✅ Key Highlights: 📈 Added 23 new hotels in 2024, including ground-up developments and third-party management. 💡 Leveraging technology and accounting system alignment to maximize efficiency. 🏨 Innovative deal structures using historic ada...

Navigating the Year of Hospitality Whiplash

📚 While at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference I chatted with Todd Felsen Felson, President & CEO at OTH Hotels Resorts , an expert hotelier and management company leader, about the wild ride the hotel industry is on in 2025. From fluctuating group demand to unpredictable business travel, this conversation dives deep into strategies for staying ahead. 🔥 Key Takeaways: 📉 Volatility in the Market: Why 2025 feels like the "year of whiplash" and how to stay agile. 🎯 Strategic Revenue Mana...

Why Dual-Branded Hotels Are Changing the Game: Insights from Hilton Leaders

While at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference I chatted with Rick Colling , Global Brand Leader Homewood Suites by Hilton and Kevin Morgan , Global Brand Head - Tempo by Hilton with Hilton , to discuss the explosive growth and benefits of dual-branded hotels. Learn how pairing brands like Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton creates incredible value for owners and unforgettable experiences for guests. 🔍 Key Highlights: Booming Growth: 20% of Homewood Suites’ pipeline is now dual-branded, with ...

Scaling Smart: How Naples Hotel Group Leverages Tech & Strategy to Grow Rapidly

I’m with Ryan Rivett , CEO of My Place Hotels of America , at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference ! We discuss how My Place is carving out a unique space by focusing on smaller markets and building strong relationships with franchisees and communities. 🔑 Highlights You Won't Want to Miss: 🎯 Loyalty Driven by Listening: Discover how My Place leverages guest feedback to refine and grow their loyalty program. 🛏️ What Guests Love Most: A focus on quality, clean rooms, and comfortable stays kee...

Why My Place Hotels is Thriving in Secondary Markets

Hotel Equities CEO Rahinsky on Unlocking Hotel Growth: Tech, Talent & Industry Trends

Today I’m at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference where I cornered Brad Rahinsky , President and CEO of Hotel Equities , to discuss challenges facing hotel developers, owners, and operators. Don’t miss this one!!! 🔍 Key Highlights: State of the Industry: Why 2024 feels like “Groundhog Day” with a push for stability. Development Insights: Capital loosening up, sidelined money ready to flow, and new projects on the horizon. Tech’s Role in Profitability: How smart hoteliers are leveraging techno...

Mastering Hotel Leadership: The Art of Remote Team Management

What does it take to orchestrate a hotel like a maestro leading an orchestra—especially when your team is spread across the country? In this insightful conversation I had during Remington Hospitality 's THRIVE conference with Guy Bittner, Msc. , Area General Manager Senna House Hotel Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton , we dive deep into the challenges and strategies of modern hotel leadership. 🔹 Key Takeaways: 🎼 The "Hotel Orchestra" Effect – Why managing a hotel is like conducting a symp...

Mastering Hotel Strategy: Insights from Hall of Fame GM

🚀 How do top hotel GMs stay ahead in a constantly shifting market? Sherri Cooper, CHA , Area General Manager with Remington Hospitality , shares real-world insights on navigating group declines, adapting to shifting business trends, and making the most of every revenue opportunity. 🔹 Recorded live at Remington Hospitality’s THRIVE Conference in Sugar Land, Texas! 🔹 Key takeaways from this episode: Adapting to Market Shifts: How federal job cuts impact government per diem travel and what hotel...

🔥 The Secret to Sales Success: Attitude, Aptitude & Thinking Differently! 🔥

🚀 Want to know the secret sauce behind successful hotel sales teams? In this episode, we chat with Jamie Grittman , EVP of Sales at Remington Hospitality , about how investing in people, shaking up hiring strategies, and next-level training can transform a sales team from good to unstoppable! 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ Hire for Attitude AND Aptitude – It’s not just about personality; it’s about the drive to learn and excel. ✅ Think Outside the Box – Work-from-home policies, sign-on bonuses, and indust...

Revolutionizing Hotel Staffing: Remington Hospitality’s Game-Changing Approach

The hospitality industry is facing a staffing crisis, but Remington Hospitality has a bold strategy to turn the tide. I’m at Remington’s annual Thrive Conference where I chatted with Rick Badgley , Chief Human Resources Officer, to discuss innovative solutions that are redefining how hotels attract and retain top talent. 🔹 Key Takeaways: ✅ No-Cost Education for Employees – Remington offers free certifications, ESL courses, and career development, with over 150 participants in just two weeks sin...

939: Exclusive inside look at the $1 BILLION Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center

🚨 Get an exclusive inside look at the $1 BILLION Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center as it nears its soft opening! 🚨 Join me as I chat with: 🔥 Michael Stengel – Founder & CEO, MJS Hotels Consulting 🔥 Scott Siebert – General Manager, Gaylord Pacific 👉 What You’ll Discover: 🏗️ 16 Years in the Making: How this massive project came to life 🎉 The Hiring Frenzy: 29,000 job applicants & the wildest job fair ever 🌊 Unmatched Resort Amenities: Five pools, waterfront views &...

Mastering Hospitality in Uncertain Times | Glenn Haussman & Cesar Wurm @ CLIC

Today I chat with Cesar Wurm from IHG Hotels & Resorts at the California Lodging Investment Conference & [CLIC] Connect Podcast ! From navigating economic uncertainty to seizing growth opportunities, this conversation is packed with insights for hotel pros. 🔹 What You’ll Learn: How IHG is adapting to government travel shifts 🔄 Why group & events business is a major bright spot ✨ Pricing pressure vs. guest experience – striking the right balance 💰 How emotional connections can just...

938: Luxury River Cruising in Vietnam: The Heritage Line Experience

937: Inside the Stunning Le Meridien Fort Worth – A Must-See Adaptive Reuse Hotel Tour!

Step inside Le Meridien Fort Worth with Glenn Haussman and General Manager Chase Chasteen for an exclusive tour of this beautifully transformed historic building. From a 1928 auto garage to a modern luxury hotel, this property is packed with unique design, thoughtful touches, and a rich history you won’t want to miss. 🔥 What You’ll Discover: Historic Transformation – Learn how a 1928 parking garage became a stunning hotel while preserving its roots. Hidden Design Details – From custom Hermes ar...

FNA 168: FNA'S First (and maybe last) Awards Show

Welcome to Friday Night Audit, the show that takes hotel industry networking, adds tequila, and lets the chaos unfold! This week, we’re hosting our first-ever Friday Night Audit Awards, where we recognize the most questionable achievements in our show’s history. 🏆 👀 What’s in this episode? 🍹 Worst Cocktail of the Year – A drink so bad, it deserves an intervention. 🎣 Best Remote Episode – Because fishing in NYC led to something legendary. 🤡 Glutton for Punishment Award – For that one guest w...

936: 💰 Chaos, Cash & The Hospitality Rollercoaster – Michael Schindler Returns! 🎢

The hospitality investment world is a whirlwind, and no one knows it better than Michael Shindler, ISHC of Four Corners Advisors. In his 11th (!) appearance, we tackle the biggest mysteries in the industry today. Is money really coming off the sidelines? Are interest rates going anywhere? And what’s up with tariffs shaking up the market? 🤯 In This Episode: 🔥 Executive orders, lawsuits, and the chaos factor in hospitality 💵 Why everyone keeps saying there’s money on the sidelines—do we believe...

935: From Old Mills to Stunning Hotels: The Art of Adaptive Reuse in Hospitality Design

Join No Vacancy Live host Glenn Haussman as he explores the magic behind adaptive reuse and hotel design with industry leaders Sharon Bilbeisi AIA LEED AP (SVP of Design, IIG Design) and Jocelyn Lurie (VP of Procurement, Throughline by IIG ). This episode uncovers how old structures—from historic mills to outdated hotels—are being turned into extraordinary hospitality experiences. 📌 What You’ll Discover in This Episode: The Art of Adaptive Reuse – How IIG Design transforms overlooked spaces int...

934: 🎙️The Hotel Dining Revolution with José Andrés Group’s CEO Bakhshandehpour

Today’s a special one! I’m talking to Sam Bakhshandehpour, CEO of one of the most influential hotel restaurant companies, José Andrés Group. He shares insights on pricing, expansion strategies, and why restaurants inside hotels are thriving again. Plus: 🔹 Why upscale hotel dining is facing both growth and headwinds 🔹 The impact of rising food prices and how some restaurants are pricing themselves out 🔹 Why hotel restaurants are making a comeback as destination dining 🔹 The secret to balancin...

933: Mid-Century Modern Vibes & Hospitality Innovation at the Dream Inn! 🏨

Today’s a special one! I’m talking to Sam Bakhshandehpour , CEO of one of the most influential hotel restaurant companies, José Andrés Group . He shares insights on pricing, expansion strategies, and why restaurants inside hotels are thriving again. Plus: 🔹 Why upscale hotel dining is facing both growth and headwinds 🔹 The impact of rising food prices and how some restaurants are pricing themselves out 🔹 Why hotel restaurants are making a comeback as destination dining 🔹 The secret to balanc...

932: Inside the Mind of a Hospitality Design Legend: Adam Tihany on Innovation, Struggles & Success

🚀 What does it take to revolutionize restaurant and hotel design? Find out as we sit down with the legendary Adam Tihany, the creative force behind some of the most iconic hospitality spaces in the world! From working with Thomas Keller and designing world-class restaurants to shaping the future of luxury cruise ships, Tihany shares an unfiltered look at his journey, creative process, and the struggles behind the success. 🔹 Highlights from this can't-miss episode: ✔️ How a chance encounter at ...

Getting to Know AHLA’s New President & CEO Rosanna Maietta

FNA 167: The Berkey to Excellence

In this high-energy, laugh-filled episode of Friday Night Audit, Glenn Haussman and Craig Sullivan welcome hospitality executive, keynote speaker, and podcaster Bart Berkey, host of Most People Don’t… But You Do. Buckle up for a wild ride filled with ridiculous banter, thought-provoking insights, and, of course, cocktails. 🔹 Inside This Episode: The power of doing what most people don’t—how small actions can set you apart in business and life. 🚀 Why bubble-wrapping your windows (or your cats?)...