In today’s episode, David and Steve talk with Mark Keiser, President of Development at Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, about his journey from a suburban upbringing and a year abroad in France to leading the brand’s global growth. Mark shares early career lessons—including taking on a GM role with zero hotel experience—the evolution of luxury lifestyle hospitality, and Viceroy’s approach to creating authentic local experiences, from tequila tastings in Mexico to beekeeping in Portugal. They also ex...
Aug 14, 2025•38 min
In this Hospitality Hot Topics edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Ryan Rivett, President & CEO of My Place Hotels, to unpack July’s biggest hospitality trends. From the TSA finally ditching the shoe-removal rule, to the rise of micro-cations and adventure travel, to the luxury sleep experience movement, the trio explores how these shifts are shaping guest expectations and industry strategies. Ryan also gives an insider look at My Place Hotels’ ...
Aug 12, 2025•23 min
On today’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Michael Hirschler, Chief Growth Officer at Staypineapple, live from Staypineapple Chicago. Michael shares how the brand is redefining boutique hospitality through a combination of 'friend-style' service, a bold brand identity, and guest-focused innovation. They dive deep into Staypineapple’s growth strategy—from owner-operator beginnings to expanding through licensing and management—and how their flexible, cost-effective model prov...
Aug 07, 2025•14 min
Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chef David Fingerman, Corporate Executive Chef at Staypineapple, live from The Atwood in Chicago. From delightful afternoon treats to Chicago’s gritty, authentic food and dive bar culture, Chef David shares what makes Staypineapple’s F&B program pop, and why hospitality is more personal when the staff has a hand in the experience. In this episode, you’ll learn about: The signature 3PM pick-me-up featuring pineapple-shaped cookies ...
Aug 06, 2025•10 min
What happens when playful luxury meets bold hospitality? In this insight-packed episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Beth Anne King, Regional Director of Operations Staypineapple, to explore the playful luxury and deeply personalized service that define the brand. From high-end bedding that encourages you to sleep naked to surprise-and-delight moments that leave a lasting impression, Beth Anne shares the philosophy, backstories, and operational secrets behind Staypineapple...
Aug 06, 2025•15 min
Today's episode, we sit down with Daniel McGarry, the Regional Director of Revenue Management of Stonebridge, and an HSMAI Rising Leader. From mowing lawns in Lancaster to managing revenue strategy across historic Marriott tribute properties, Daniel shares his unique journey through hospitality — and the lessons he’s learned along the way. We dive into: The evolution of revenue management — from gut instinct to AI-powered strategy How to separate signal from noise in a data-saturated world The f...
Jul 30, 2025•24 min
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with industry veteran John Keeling, Executive Vice President of Valencia Hotel Collection. With over 40 years in hospitality, John shares the unexpected path that led him from Middle Eastern studies to becoming a pioneer in independent hotel development. You'll learn about: The story behind Valencia’s unique approach to upscale, one-of-a-kind hotels Why following trends isn’t always the answer—and how breaking the rules (strategicall...
Jul 29, 2025•5 min
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bill Graf, the visionary founder of ONDA Hotels, to uncover how a former finance exec traded spreadsheets for surf towns and is now building a hospitality brand for the modern traveler. Bill shares the bold story of how a sabbatical, a motorcycle, and a post-COVID pivot led to the creation of ONDA—a growing hotel brand designed to bring trusted, high-vibe stays to off-the-beaten-path destinations. From his first property in Cost...
Jul 24, 2025•6 min
Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association). Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent hoteliers across the country. He opens up about what makes independent hotels so memorable, the shift in guest expectations, and how AHLA is reshap...
Jul 23, 2025•5 min
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago. Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investment. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sage Hospitality's growing independent hotel platform, including exciting properties like the Stanley Hotel...
Jul 22, 2025•6 min
In this episode, hosts welcome back Jeremy Wells, author, brand strategist, and co-owner of The Ozarker Lodge and the newly reimagined Parker Hotel in Colorado. Jeremy shares what it’s been like since opening The Ozarker Lodge—lessons learned, community wins, and how indie spirit fuels every project. He also dives into his second book, Indie Hotels , a heartfelt blend of memoir and hospitality insights that's already making waves across the industry. Joining the conversation is Stephen Chan, co-...
Jul 17, 2025•11 min
In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality. She opens up about what makes ILC truly special—from building real partnerships with host properties to curating events where business gets done, but fun is never far behind. ...
Jul 16, 2025•4 min
In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast , David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025. From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares their favorite memories, biggest surprises, and what it really takes to keep the podcast (and media company!) running at full throttle. Highlights inc...
Jul 15, 2025•15 min
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel truly one of a kind. What you'll hear about in this episode: How Michael accidentally fell into hospitality—and stayed for 32 years Why the Presidenti...
Jul 10, 2025•6 min
In this episode, we sit down with Executive Chef Patrick McElroy of Landmark Prime Rib inside the iconic Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas. Chef Patrick shares his journey from a small island in South Jersey—where fresh seafood was caught just minutes from home—to his rise through French and Italian kitchens across the Northeast, and eventually his return to the place he now calls home: The Melrose. We talk about the unique character of the Warwick Melrose, the revival of prime rib as an everyday ...
Jul 09, 2025•6 min
In this episode, we sit down with Mahwish Saleem, Head of Sales at FCS Solutions, to explore how hotels can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve guest satisfaction—all by simplifying their tech stack. Mahwish shares her first impressions of HITEC, what excites her about the future of hotel tech, and how FCS is helping hoteliers stay ahead in an increasingly complex digital landscape. What you’ll learn in this episode: Mahwish’s first HITEC experience and why it's more than just...
Jul 03, 2025•5 min
Today, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Tony Ross, Director of Sales at Craftable, to talk about how technology is helping operators tackle today’s biggest hospitality challenges — especially rising costs and profit pressure. Tony brings decades of industry experience and shares how Craftable is streamlining operations, cutting down bloated tech stacks, and helping hotels make smarter, faster decisions with AI and automation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why “profit pressure” i...
Jul 03, 2025•4 min
In this live episode of The Modern Hotelier , Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jason Jenkins, Vice President & Managing Director of the Americas, HRS, to talk all things hotel tech—from AI-powered upselling to seamless system integration. Whether you’re a HITEC veteran or a tech-curious hotelier, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how HRS is streamlining operations and enhancing the guest experience in a rapidly evolving landscape. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Jas...
Jul 03, 2025•5 min
In this special episode of The Modern Hotelier , we’re live from the Dallara IndyCar Factory at HITEC—and yes, the cars are as fast as the tech talk. We’re joined by Phil Crawford, Head of Hospitality at Adyen, who dives into how they're reshaping the future of payments for the hotel industry. From solving the chaos of fragmented systems to leveraging true AI (not just buzzword fluff), Phil breaks down how Adyen’s unified commerce approach is creating seamless, data-driven guest experiences. He ...
Jul 02, 2025•5 min
In this episode, we’re joined by a hospitality tech powerhouse: Robert Dawson, Chief Strategist and Product Officer at IRECKONU. Robert shares his journey from front desk college job to C-suite, how he fell in love with the hotel industry, and why solving fragmented data problems became his mission. We talk all things AI, automation, data management, and CRM evolution — and what’s making waves at HITEC this year. We talk about: Why the entrepreneurial section at HITEC is the place to be The real...
Jul 02, 2025•8 min
Today’s episode features hosts Steve Carran and David M., broadcasting from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis with special guest Jason Craparo, CEO of Hovr—the company revolutionizing hotel websites with video storytelling. We dive into: How Hovr helps guests' book with confidence through seamless video integration The power of generative AI to supercharge marketing decisions How easy it is to implement Hovr with just one line of code Why video storytelling boosts engagement, CT...
Jul 02, 2025•7 min
In this special HITEC 2025 edition of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality's Most Engaged Podcast, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dan Bell, VP of Hotels and Resorts at Agilysys, for an energized and insightful conversation straight from the show floor. Dan shares his journey from his blue-collar roots in Easton, Pennsylvania, to leading hospitality tech innovation at Agilysys. He opens up about what drives him, his favorite city in the world, and the lessons he still carries from...
Jul 01, 2025•14 min
In this episode of The Modern Hotelier , we’re live from the iconic Dallara IndyCar Factory in Indianapolis, joined by Tristan Gadsby, CEO of Alliants, and Alberto Santana, CRO of Alliants. Together, we explore how hospitality is shifting gears from clunky, fragmented tech to seamless, guest-first experiences. From reinventing contactless solutions post-COVID to ditching plastic key cards in favor of NFC technology, Alliants is helping hotels rediscover what true hospitality feels like—personal,...
Jul 01, 2025•19 min
Today, we sit down with Will Gilbert, co-founder of Bodhi, a groundbreaking platform transforming hotel operations through AI, automation, and integration. With over 25 years of system integration experience, Will shares how Bodhi acts like a virtual technician , working 24/7 to ensure every device in a hotel—regardless of brand—is functioning flawlessly. From a universal guest app that requires no downloads to a powerful AI "Super Agent" processing hundreds of thousands of data points every sec...
Jun 30, 2025•6 min
In this episode recorded live at HITEC, we sit down with Estella Hale from Zucchetti North America to talk all things innovation, automation, and integration in hotel tech. With more than 15 years of HITEC experience under her belt, Estella shares insider insights into how Zucchetti is reshaping the hospitality tech landscape in North America. In this episode, we cover: How Zucchetti brings European tech excellence to North American hotels How generative AI is being used for translations, chatbo...
Jun 30, 2025•8 min
Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with the powerhouse women behind the movement, including Mercedes Blanco and Silvia Camarota, the co-founders of Women in Travel Thrive. They share the inspiring story of how a grassroots idea born during the pandemic became a global nonprofit that’s transforming the travel and hospitality industry — one Day of Impact at a time. You'll also hear from participants like Rachel Kooyman, who found community and purpose through volunteering, and guest speakers...
Jun 28, 2025•24 min
Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with Noelani Schroy, VP of Global Territory Sales at Onyx CenterSource. Broadcasting from the bustling trade show floor in Indianapolis, Noe shares how Onyx is transforming the often-complicated world of hotel commission payments into a seamless experience for both hotels and travel agencies. They dive into: Why HITEC feels like a “dysfunctional family reunion” (in the best way) How Onyx removes the friction from B2B commission payments The role of travel...
Jun 27, 2025•6 min
In this episode, we’re coming to you from the floor of HITEC in Indianapolis, where Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Kevin Bidner, CEO of Hotel Communication Network (HCN). Kevin shares the incredible journey from being a serial tech entrepreneur to disrupting the hospitality industry with an innovative, guest-centric solution: in-room tablets that redefine hotel communication. Discover why HCN’s technology is quickly becoming the global standard , how it’s solving the decades-old pr...
Jun 27, 2025•11 min
In this HITEC Trade Show edition, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down at the MeetingPackage booth with Tania Sidokpohou, Partnerships Director at MeetingPackage. With a rich background in digital marketing and hospitality tech—from Cloudbeds to APO—Tania shares how she’s helping redefine the group booking space. We unpack: The power of partnership ecosystems: How tech and distribution partners each play a role MeetingPackage’s focus on ease of integration and API-driven scalability How hotel...
Jun 26, 2025•9 min
Live from the buzzing HITEC trade show floor, The Modern Hotelier sits down with Darien Long, SVP of Specialty Access Control at dormakaba — and trust us, this isn’t your average corporate interview. From growing up in small-town Texas with a love for sunsets and strong coffee to running a 250-person team in a global powerhouse, Darien’s journey is packed with grit, charm, and game-changing insights. In this episode, you'll discover: The best advice she ever got (spoiler: it’s about money vs. ex...
Jun 26, 2025•17 min
