Shows
Hotel Tech InsiderBOB Hotels Managing Partner on Elevating Budget Stays with TechBob Hotels converted 70% OTA reliance to nearly 50% direct bookings in under a year—partly by using an AI phone agent (GoodCall) to convert phone inquiries into instant SMS-driven bookings.Can a roadside motel really outperform the compset—and become the #1 value property in an entire city—within a year? In this episode, Janis Krums, Managing Partner at Bob Hotels, reveals how his team transformed a run-down Sleep Inn into a top-rated boutique brand using a fresh tech stack, street-smart branding, and startup-level hustle.This episode is for experienced hoteliers, GMs, and asset managers looking to rev...2025-07-2226 min
Hotel Tech InsiderGCP Hospitality's VP of Strategy on Automating Revenue Without Losing ControlWhat can Four Seasons Bora Bora and a New Zealand hostel teach you about building smarter hotel tech stacks? In this episode, Michael Belanger, VP of Commercial Strategy at GCP Hospitality, unpacks the unique challenges—and surprising advantages—of managing one of the most diverse hotel portfolios in the world.Takeaways: • Learn why small and independent hotels are often more agile than global brands when it comes to adopting new technology. • Get insider strategies for tech stack decisions across both luxury resorts and hostels—including tools like Mews, Triptease, and SiteMinder. • Discover how GCP is rethinkin...2025-05-2030 min
Hotel Tech InsiderCOO of Safestay on Redefining Hostel Hospitality with TechHow can hostels balance cutting-edge technology with the irreplaceable value of human interaction? In this episode, Peter Zilke, COO of Safestay Hostels, reveals the secrets behind creating a vibrant community experience while leveraging innovative tech solutions.Key Takeaways:Discover how Safestay uses social media not just for marketing, but as a vital communication tool that enhances guest interaction before, during, and after their stay.Learn about the importance of a robust property management system (PMS) in managing high transaction volumes and streamlining guest communication, especially in a hostel environment.Understand the role of AI in hospitality...2025-04-1528 min
Hotel Tech InsiderPECR Hotels CEO on Solving the Labor Problem with HumanoidsWhat if a humanoid robot could revolutionize the way your hotel operates? In this episode, Filip Linek, the innovative owner of two family-oriented hotels in the Czech Republic, shares how he's leveraging AI technology to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.Key Takeaways:Discover how Filip is integrating a humanoid robot, named Bea, to handle administrative tasks and improve communication between staff and guests, setting a new standard for hospitality.Learn about the unique compensation model that ties staff salaries to guest satisfaction scores, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.Explore the challenges and successes...2025-03-1825 min
Hotel Tech InsiderAccor’s Global SVP on Centralizing IT Support for 5,700 HotelsHow can a hotel chain with over 5,700 properties transform its tech support into a human-centered experience? In this episode, Tariq Valani, Global SVP of Support Services at Accor, reveals the innovative strategies that are reshaping the way hotel technology is delivered and supported.Key Takeaways:Discover how Accor centralized its support services from eight regional desks to a single global function, enhancing efficiency and user experience across its diverse portfolio.Learn about the importance of understanding user personas in tech support, and how prioritizing front-line staff needs can significantly impact guest satisfaction.Explore actionable insights on...2025-02-1830 min
Hotel Tech InsiderCapital Hotels' Group IT Director on Custom-Built Hotel Tech Use CasesHow can leveraging technology transform the guest experience and streamline hotel operations? In this episode, Jose Suarez, the IT Director for The Capital Hotel Group, reveals how his team is redefining the hospitality landscape through innovative tech solutions.Key Takeaways:Discover how The Capital Hotel Group built a hybrid system by integrating custom features into an off-the-shelf Property Management System (PMS), enhancing operational efficiency and guest engagement.Learn about the importance of data orchestration in personalizing guest experiences, from booking to post-stay communication, and how it can lead to higher satisfaction rates.Explore the role of...2025-02-1132 min
Hotel Tech InsiderMinor Hotels' Chief Commercial Officer on Automating 2 Million Daily Rate ChangesHow can a hotel chain leverage cutting-edge technology to redefine revenue management and enhance guest experience? In this episode, Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer at Minor Hotels, reveals the transformative strategies that are setting his organization apart in the competitive hospitality landscape.Key Takeaways:Discover how Minor Hotels utilizes a proprietary forecasting system to automate pricing and optimize revenue management across over 400 properties in Europe and the Americas.Learn about the strategic partnership with Duetto that has enabled Minor Hotels to implement dynamic pricing and open pricing models, allowing for unprecedented flexibility and responsiveness to market...2025-02-0432 min
Hotel Tech InsiderSchulte's VP of Ops Strategy on The Future of Digital Tipping in HotelsWhat if embracing digital transformation could unlock new revenue streams for your hotel? In this episode, Jason Jackson, Vice President of Operational Strategy and Integration at Schulte Hospitality, reveals how innovative technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape.Key Takeaways:Discover the impact of digital tipping software on employee satisfaction and guest experience, with over $120,000 in tips distributed in just seven months.Learn about the critical role of business intelligence tools like ProfitSword and Hotel Effectiveness in optimizing labor management and financial performance across a diverse portfolio of nearly 200 hotels.Understand the importance of adaptability and engagement...2025-01-2824 min
Hotel Tech InsiderLark Hotels' SVP of Operations on Scaling a $1B Boutique Management CompanyHow can technology enhance the human touch in hospitality without losing the essence of personal connection? In this episode, Scot Hopps, Senior Vice President of Operations at Lark Hotels, reveals the delicate balance between leveraging technology and maintaining genuine guest interactions.Key Takeaways:Discover how Lark Hotels is revolutionizing the guest experience by integrating technology that enhances service without replacing the human element.Learn about the critical role of an effective accounting system, specifically HIA (Hotel Investor Apps), in driving operational success and improving financial reporting.Understand the strategic decision-making process behind migrating to a new...2025-01-2131 min
Hotel Tech InsiderTime Hotels' COO on Building Flexible Tech Stacks for Rapid GrowthHow can technology enhance genuine human connection in hospitality? In this episode, William Costley, COO of Time Hotels, reveals how the right tech stack can empower teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining a strong service culture.Key Takeaways:Discover the critical role of a Property Management System (PMS) in integrating various hotel operations and enhancing guest interactions.Learn about Time Hotels' innovative approach to expanding their brand portfolio, including the launch of lifestyle brands focused on sustainability and wellness.Understand the importance of a robust Request for Proposal (RFP) process in selecting a revenue...2025-01-1428 min
Hotel Tech InsiderMews CEO on Lessons from Building a Hotel Tech UnicornIs your hotel technology stuck in the past? In this episode, Matthijs Welle, founder and CEO of Mews, reveals how innovative property management systems can revolutionize the guest experience and streamline operations.Key Takeaways:Discover how Mews is breaking down barriers between hoteliers and guests to create personalized experiences that enhance customer satisfaction.Learn about the pivotal role of tokenized payments and open APIs in modernizing hotel operations and driving revenue growth.Understand the importance of leveraging AI to transform guest data into actionable insights, enabling hoteliers to deliver tailored experiences that keep guests coming back.2025-01-0729 min
Hotel Tech InsiderEdwardian Hotels' VP on Tech's Role Ultra LuxuryHow can luxury hotels redefine the guest experience by transforming check-in and check-out into a more personalized journey? In this episode, Kris Leszczynski, Group GM at London based Edwardian Hotels, reveals innovative strategies that blend technology with exceptional service.Key Takeaways:Discover how Edwardian Hotels leverages technology to create a seamless guest journey, from pre-arrival communications to personalized in-stay experiences.Learn about the importance of integrating CRM and PMS systems to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, allowing staff to focus on building relationships rather than administrative tasks.Explore the surprising role of technology in maintaining...2024-12-1734 min
Hotel Tech InsiderLamington Group's MD on Aligning Tech for Extended StayHow can a hotel brand leverage technology to enhance guest experience while maintaining a personal touch? In this episode, Stuart Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group, reveals the innovative strategies that have helped his company achieve over 50% direct bookings.Key Takeaways:Discover how Lamington Group's unique Room 2 product combines the best features of serviced apartments, Airbnb, and traditional hotels to cater to a diverse range of guests.Learn about the importance of a user-friendly booking engine and how it can significantly reduce friction in the booking process, encouraging direct bookings over OTAs.Explore the newly launched...2024-12-1022 min
Hotel Tech InsiderOlive Living CEO on the Future of Remote Hotel ManagementWhat if you could manage 100 hotel receptions with just two staff members? In this episode, Kahraman Yigit, co-founder and CEO of Olive Living, reveals how innovative technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape and enhancing the human touch in service.Key Takeaways:Discover how Olive Living transitioned from co-living to a tech-driven hotel operator, leveraging AI and video conferencing to streamline operations and improve guest experiences.Learn about the unique implementation of remote reception management, allowing a single team to oversee multiple properties, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining high service standards.Explore the integration of AI-enabled...2024-12-0229 min
Hotel Tech InsiderPro-invest Group Director of Digital on Hiring Tech TalentAre your hotel’s technology systems holding you back from achieving growth? In this episode, Howard Phung, Group Director of Digital at Australia's Pro-invest Group, reveals how a strategic tech stack can transform your hotel operations and drive significant growth.Key Takeaways:Discover the critical importance of selecting the right Property Management System (PMS) and how ProInvest successfully reduced their PMS from eight to three, with plans to consolidate further.Learn about the role of AI in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency, and why it’s essential for hoteliers to prioritize AI in their tech stra...2024-11-2532 min
Hotel Tech InsiderCloudbeds CEO on Multimodal AI in Hotel TechIs the hospitality industry truly ready for a technology revolution? In this episode, Adam Harris, co-founder and CEO of Cloudbeds, reveals how innovative tech solutions are reshaping the guest experience and operational efficiency in hotels worldwide.Key Takeaways:Discover how Cloudbeds' multimodal AI is transforming data into actionable insights, enabling hoteliers to optimize revenue and enhance guest journeys.Learn about the five essential pillars of hotel operations that can streamline processes and improve staff efficiency, from guest acquisition to operational intelligence.Understand the surprising gap in customer engagement within the hospitality sector, as Adam shares his...2024-11-1932 min
Hotel Tech InsiderYotel's COO on Tech Forward Low Touch HospitalityHow can embracing change and technology redefine the future of hospitality? In this episode, Sven Goosen, Chief Operating Officer of Yotel, reveals the transformative power of tech in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency.Key Takeaways:Learn about the importance of a holistic tech stack and the role of customer interaction platforms like Zendesk in improving communication and satisfaction levels.Understand the balance between automation and personalized service, and how Yotel is leveraging AI to enhance guest interactions while maintaining a human touch.Regular tech stack reviews ensure alignment with business needs. Yotel's approach involves cross-departmental...2024-11-1333 min
Hotel Tech InsiderStrawberry's SVP of Tech on Building a Culture of Innovation in HotelsWhat if the key to enhancing your hotel’s guest experience lies not just in technology, but in empowering your staff? In this episode, Kariana Fiskvik, Senior Vice President of Technology at Strawberry, reveals how focusing on employee support can revolutionize the hospitality industry.Key Takeaways:Discover how Strawberry is leveraging generative AI to streamline employee training and enhance operational efficiency, ultimately improving guest interactions.Learn why prioritizing staff well-being and training can lead to a more authentic and engaging guest experience, challenging the conventional focus on customer journey alone.Explore the innovative partnership between Strawberry an...2024-11-0431 min
Hotel Tech InsiderKasa CEO on Using Tech to Reimagine the Hotel P&LWhy it matters: Kasa Living, led by CEO Roman Pedan, is revolutionizing hospitality with a tech-centric approach, enhancing profitability and guest experience.Key Points:Tech Integration: Kasa has developed proprietary systems, including a PMS, trust and safety system, and self-check-in technology, to streamline operations and reduce costs.Operational Efficiency: Their labor-light model, driven by centralized services and AI, achieves a 70% gross operating profit margin, significantly higher than the industry average.Flexible Living: Kasa addresses the growing demand for flexible living arrangements, converting vacancies into cash flow and future-proofing properties.Strategic Partnerships: Trusted by major real estate...2024-10-2932 min
Hotel Tech InsiderRoyal Orchid President on the Driving Grassroots Hotel InnovationArjun Balji, President of Royal Orchid Hotels, shares insights on leveraging technology to drive growth and efficiency in a competitive market.Key Points:Tech Stack Integration: Royal Orchid uses a combination of tools to create a cost-effective, seamless tech ecosystem.Cloud Migration: Initiated four years ago, the shift to cloud-based PMS has enabled real-time monitoring and daily P&L accounts for each hotel.Guest Experience: Implementing a web app for concierge services and exploring AI voice tech to cater to India's diverse linguistic landscape.Rewards Program: Offers 2-4% cashback, instant rewards, and integrates with the booking...2024-10-2230 min
Hotel Tech InsiderSchani Hotels' Group Technology Manager on Inheriting a Tech StackHow can embracing technology not only streamline operations but also enhance the personal touch in hospitality? In this episode, Christian Müller, Group Manager of Technology at Schani Hotels, reveals how innovative tech solutions are reshaping the guest experience.Key Takeaways:Discover how Schani Hotels transitioned from a traditional app-based check-in system to a seamless digital guest journey, achieving a remarkable 70% adoption rate for mobile check-ins.Learn about the importance of a flexible tech stack that integrates various systems, allowing for automation of 85 operational tasks, ultimately freeing staff to focus on guest interactions.Understand the surprising s...2024-09-3038 min
Hotel Tech InsiderThe Hotels Network Founder on Optimizing Your Hotel WebsiteAre you truly maximizing your hotel’s direct booking potential? In this episode, Juanjo Rodriguez, founder of The Hotels Network, reveals the secrets behind driving revenue through innovative technology and personalization strategies.Key Takeaways:Discover how personalization can significantly enhance the booking experience, leading to higher conversion rates on your hotel website.Learn about the importance of benchmarking your hotel’s performance against competitors to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.Explore actionable insights on how to leverage AI and data analytics to optimize your marketing strategies and enhance customer engagement.2024-09-2432 min
Hotel Tech InsiderBill LeGrand on Building the $1B Vai Resort's Tech Stack from ScratchHow do you build a cutting-edge tech stack for a luxury resort from the ground up? In this episode, Bill LeGrand, Executive Director of Commercial Applications at Vai Resort, shares his insights on creating a guest-centric technology ecosystem that enhances the overall experience.Key Takeaways:Discover the importance of selecting the right vendors and technologies to create a seamless integration across various systems, including PMS, CRM, and booking engines.Learn about the unique challenges of operating a resort with a built-in music venue and how immediate financial transactions are crucial for ticketing and reservations.Explore the...2024-09-1730 min
Hotel Tech InsiderPandox's Director of Distribution Breaks Down How to Analyze the True Cost of DistributionAre direct bookings always the best choice for hotels? In this episode, Jens Egemalm, Director of Distribution at Pandox, reveals the surprising truth about distribution costs and channel management.Key Takeaways:Discover why understanding the true cost of distribution is crucial for maximizing net revenue across various booking channels.Learn how to effectively analyze and compare the performance of direct bookings versus third-party channels to make informed decisions.Explore the importance of utilizing technology, like BI tools, to gain real-time insights into distribution efficiency and optimize revenue strategies.2024-09-1032 min
Hotel Tech InsiderThe Neighborhood Hotel's Director of Ops on the Aparthotel Tech PlaybookWhat if you could combine the reliability of a hotel with the unique charm of an Airbnb? In this episode, Matt Shanley, Director of Revenue and Operations at The Neighborhood Hotel, reveals how technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape.Key Takeaways:Discover how The Neighborhood Hotel merges the best aspects of traditional hotels and Airbnb experiences to create a unique guest offering.Learn about the critical role of technology in streamlining operations, from property management systems to revenue management tools.Explore the importance of guest communication and automation in enhancing the customer experience, ensuring seamless check-ins...2024-09-0434 min