Checking In with Anthony & Glenn

Luxury is booming, but so are guest complaints. Today, hashtag#novacancynews discusses the return of Starwood Hotels, the explosive growth of ultra-luxury hotels, and systemic service failures plaguing the hotel industry.

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.

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!

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! ·      Finding Passion in Hospitality: From sports journalism to hotel lobbies — Jamie's journey proves life can surprise you. ·      Practical Advice for Hospitality Pros: How to navigate uncertainty, adapt, and excel in this ever-changing industry. Special thanks to our sponsor, Actabl— giving hoteliers the power to profit. Visit actabl.com today Find Jaime's book: https://lnkd.in/eSnWsRbQ Don't miss this thought-provoking, fun, and insightful conversation! Like, subscribe, and share to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. hashtag#Actabl hashtag#truehospitality

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.

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.  

Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the world of luxury river cruising in Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar with John Nguyen, CEO of Heritage Line!

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.

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?

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.

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:

Step into the heart of Santa Cruz, where hospitality, design, and surf culture collide! Join Glenn Haussman as he chats with Michael Moskowitz and Kam Babaoff, co-founders of Ensemble, a company focused on hotels, offices and more. Today, we're in a van discussing the iconic Dream Inn in Santa Crfuz and their latest luxury venture, La Bahia Resort.

Hotel deals don't happen overnight, and today, we're pulling back the curtain!

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.

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.

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.

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: o Reeco secures $15M in Series A funding, totaling $25M raised to date. o Discover how this investment will supercharge sales, marketing, and branding efforts. • AI-Driven Innovation: o Automates procure-to-pay processes for hotels. o Upload invoices to instantly compare vendor prices, manage recipes, and optimize menus. o Maximize savings with cross-menu utilization and dynamic vendor comparisons. • Simplifying Hotel Operations: o Streamlined vendor management with plug-and-play integration. o Supports existing contracts, rebates, and GPOs without manual data entry. • James Hansen's Journey: o From hotel management to leading business development at Reeco. o Why AI and technology are the future of hotel operations. • Why Hoteliers Should Care: o Save time and money while improving efficiency. o Stay ahead of the curve with technology that simplifies decision-making.

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 story of sourcing sustainable toilet paper from a local, minority- and woman-owned business. Building a supplier ecosystem that drives community growth and supports underrepresented groups. Insights into Impact Hospitality, a handbook for balancing profitability and social impact. The role of mentorship and entrepreneurship in fostering vibrant local communities. Strategies for operationalizing social impact in hospitality without compromising quality or consistency. Why Watch? Discover how hospitality can go beyond serving guests to becoming a force for good in the community. Dontae and Jason share actionable insights, inspiring stories, and a roadmap for hotels to make a lasting difference.

Welcome to part one of our four-part series exploring the exciting transformation of entertainment in hospitality!

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.”

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.

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?

Last month I hosted a cool event (Anthony was a judge) for the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association during their Tech Conference dubbed the Shark Pool, a hospitality innovation competition. So many great teams but only one could win. Today we have that winner, Rich Sloan of WAVR Technologies, to tell us how atmospheric water harvesting technology could revolutionize places like Las Vegas but transform communities throughout the globe. This is crazy cool!

We're kicking off 2025 with Daniel Lesser of LW Hospitality Advisors who shares his thoughts on the financial state of hospitality and where to make money in 2025.

Anthony & Glenn are here to wrap up 2024. We talk about their favorite moments of the year, highlights of the show, and what to expect in 2025.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Clark Hanrattie, Partner at HEI Hotels & Resorts, as we explore how creative thinking, bold investments, and a deep understanding of hotel operations are reshaping the hospitality industry.

Santiago Leon, COO and Managing Partner of Spearhead Hospitality, is here to define what is a "Hospitality Underdog" and why Spearhead Hospitality prides itself on taking on projects no one else wants.

David Lund, the Hotel Financial Coach, talks about how he's helping some of the largest companies with their financial literacy. How can people improve in one of the most important parts of the industry and how is the financial field evolving within the industry?

Lloyd Mathiesen, chairman of the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, joins to talk about the opening of he Chicken Ranch Casino Resort. Earlier this year, Chairman Mathiesen spearheaded the efforts in the Chicken Ranch Rancheria v. California lawsuit, which resulted in the Department of the Interior approving secretarial procedures for the Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California. This lawsuit has long standing implications and Chairman Lloyd will explain it.

On this special episode we're honoring the memory of world class hotelier Harris Rosen, who passed away yesterday at age 85. He joined us a few times on No Vacancy, but my first interview with him was back in 2017 when we were audio only. It was episode #43 for those wanting to  hear the entire show that does not include Mr. Rosen.  I chose this show because it focuses on his history, success and philanthropy.  He may be the most renowned figure in the Orlando hospitality industry who has significantly shaped that market's hotel landscape. We discuss his incredible career, starting with his instrumental role in developing Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Village Resort. Discover how his innovative ideas and relentless focus on operational efficiency contributed to the success of these iconic properties. He shares his experiences from working at Disney to becoming an independent hotelier in 1974. Learn about the challenges he faced, the strategies he employed, and the remarkable growth of Rosen Hotels on International Drive. Harris also reveals some of his unique contributions, such as the "chirping" telephones at the Polynesian Village Resort and the creation of Disney's central reservation office. Rosen also shares heartwarming stories of kindness, the growth of his hotel portfolio, and his decision to focus solely on the Orlando area. He also discusses the development of the Shingle Creek Resort, his dream resort property, and future expansion plans. Harris also opens up about his dedication to his associates, treating them like family and offering comprehensive healthcare, free college tuition, and more. Learn about his philanthropic efforts through the Rosen Foundation, which has transformed underserved communities by providing free preschool and college education. Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with insights and anecdotes from one of the most influential figures in the hospitality industry. May this amazing man rest in peace. 

In 2012 sisters Stephanie and Lisa Karvellas embarked on building a private event business at their family's property. Since its inception, Cedar Lakes Estate has grown into the premier wedding and retreat venue on the East Coast, known for its exceptional hospitality and culinary program, as well as its spectacular, bucolic setting. Lisa joins us to talk about what it takes to run the award winning property.

In this bonus episode I chat with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, about the latest global pipeline numbers. We're exploring hotel development trends across various regions, including Europe, the Middle East, India, China, and here in the USA. From Romania's emerging market to Israel's active pipeline and the evolving landscape of hotel conversions in Europe and new builds in the Middle East, Bruce provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of the global hotel industry. Key Points: • Romania's Growth

Chris Green is back to talk about what he's been up to in retirement, how he's been staying connected to the industry, what he feels 2025 will bring, and more! This is an episode you have to see.

Big show today as we have Brad LeBlanc, Chief Development Officer and Amy Hulbert, VP, Boutique and Upscale Brands of BWH Hotels. We're talking soft brand development and more!

Today I am chatting with Ankit Panchal from Macrotech, he's a seasoned hotelier who's managed multiple properties. We're focused on how Macrotech is pushing innovation in the hotel industry with advanced AI-driven solutions, from keyless entry systems to efficient front desk operations. • AI-Driven Innovation: Learn how Macrotech's AI solutions are enhancing the guest experience and operational efficiency. • Sustainable Smart Locks: Discover the keyless lock system with QR code functionality, saving $700+ monthly on key replacements and reducing plastic waste. • Live Monitoring for Hoteliers: Macrotech's smart locks and Wi-Fi solutions provide real-time access for property managers, enhancing security and guest satisfaction. • Plug & Play Wi-Fi: Streamlined installation and live connectivity tracking make Wi-Fi management seamless. • ID Scanners with OCR: Speed up check-in with optical character recognition, eliminating tedious manual data entry. • AI-Enhanced Phone System: Handle guest requests and FAQs with virtual agents, freeing staff to focus on personal guest interactions. • Interactive Check-in Kiosks: Offer self-check-in options while still connecting guests to live support for a smooth, friction-free experience. Dive into the ways Macrotech is reshaping the hospitality landscape and the exciting potential AI holds for the future of hotels.

Michael Koch, Co-Founder and CEO of The Michael Koch Group, joins to talk about how his company is changing the real estate landscape through cutting-edge physical and digital experiences. They've created spaces such as Apple Stores and Ritz-Carltons.

In a recent study hospitality was shown to have the highest rates of addiction across any industry. Cesar Wurm is back to share his struggle with addiction and how he has overcome them. He is aiming to help other people struggling with his book "The Powers of Addiction: Finding Freedom in Recovery"

How are client experiences curated across different industries? How can the brand experience and market positioning be effectively reflected? What are the key ingredients for a successful client experience? Jochen De Peuter, from EHL Advisory services, is here to answer these questions and more for a jam packed show.

One thing every hotel wants to do is create a positive, memorable experience for their guests. Every hotel has its unique challenges to accomplish this goal. Ashley Ewing Parrott, Principal at AEP Hospitality Consulting & The Saturday Crowd, has helped hotels accomplish just that and she is here to share some of her tips.

Are interest rate cuts about to shake up the hotel industry? Our latest podcast dives deep into this hot topic with Anthony and Glenn!  

Designer Paul Bishop shares his expertise on creating unforgettable hospitality experiences. From his work in Dubai's iconic developments to his latest projects, Paul discusses the power of design in shaping memorable guest journeys. Discover how he blends creativity, functionality, and storytelling to craft unique and captivating spaces. Learn about the latest trends in hotel design, the importance of immersive experiences, and the challenges and opportunities in the evolving hospitality landscape. Main Points: The role of design in creating memorable hospitality experiences Insights into Paul Bishop's career and work in Dubai and beyond The importance of balancing functionality and aesthetics The impact of immersive experiences on guest satisfaction Trends and challenges in the contemporary hospitality design landscape #hospitalitydesign #hoteldesign #designinspiration #travel #tourism #hospitality #interiordesign #experienceeconomy #innovation #creativity #Dubai #designthinking

Mike Stengel is back and he brings the new GM for the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center to talk about all the amazing things happening with this project.

Ignore vegans at your peril!!! Today we discuss the vegan cuisine trend in the hospitality industry. Meredith Marin, CEO of Vegan Hospitality, shares insights on how hotels can boost profitability and enhance sustainability by offering plant-based menu options. Learn about the importance of menu engineering, overcoming guest hesitations, and creating a seamless dining experience for all guests. Key Points: The rise of vegan cuisine as a profitable and sustainable trend in hospitality. How Resorts World in Las Vegas set a precedent with its plant-based restaurant, Crossroads Kitchen. The connection between sustainability and plant-based food, focusing on lower carbon emissions. Strategies for integrating vegan options into existing menus without compromising on taste or guest experience. The importance of training staff to understand and effectively communicate vegan options. How offering plant-based dishes can attract a wider audience, including traditional meat eaters. Overcoming the "veto vote" where one vegan guest influences the choice of dining venue for an entire group. The role of strategic planning in successfully implementing plant-based menus in hotels.

It's RFP (Request for Proposal) season! Cesar Wurm, VP of Commercial and Premium Brands at IHG joins us to explore crucial topics you need to know to maximize success with group business. Main Points: Understanding RFP Season: What it is, why it matters, and how it impacts the hospitality industry. Market Projections: Cesar discusses the anticipated 2-3% growth in the coming year and the factors influencing these projections. Customer Sentiment: How the general sentiment in the hospitality industry is surprisingly positive despite economic uncertainties. Impact of Work-from-Home: The role hybrid work models play in driving group business and the demand for meeting spaces in hotels. Evolution of RFP Processes: A look at how RFPs have evolved from static to dynamic pricing models and the importance of total revenue yield management. Sustainability and Well-being: Increasing focus on sustainability, well-being, and how these factors are becoming critical in RFP considerations.