Episodes

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares why benchmarking still matters in a hospitality market that feels like it changes every month. Recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference, this conversation explores the “golden rule” of benchmarking, why consistency matters more than the specific numbers, and how hotel leaders can grow market share even when overall demand is flat. You’ll hear how to cut through the noise of rapid change, focus on what you can control, and use performance data t...

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite joins us to discuss the profitability pressures shaping hospitality in 2025, and what leaders can do about them. She explains why margins are shrinking despite strong demand, from ADR lagging behind inflation to rising labor costs, PIPs, and debt service challenges. Amanda also shares how STR’s new tools and global benchmarking capabilities are helping owners, operators, and brands align on data, make faster decisions, and protect the bottom line. This ...

Episode Overview In this episode, recorded August 7, 2025, STR President Amanda Hite shares the latest U.S. hotel performance forecast based on fresh market data. Speaking at the Hotel Data Conference, Hite explains why RevPAR growth in 2025 is projected to remain flat at –0.1%, with slightly negative demand growth and slowing ADR, particularly in upscale, upper midscale, and mid-tier select service hotels. Luxury remains a bright spot, but most chain scales face a turbulent six months ahead. ...

In this episode recorded at the 2025 Hotel Data Conference in Nashville, Josiah Mackenzie speaks to STR President Amanda Hite about the leadership lessons that have shaped her career. She recalls what she learned from STR founder Randy Smith’s humility, clarity, and ability to empower others — setting guardrails while encouraging smart risk-taking. Amanda then shares how she applies these principles today, balancing a calm, thoughtful presence with the need for speed and decisiveness in a fast-c...

Saar Shai, co-founder of Wanderland, returns to share how a simple idea—born from watching his own kids on vacation—is changing the way hotels welcome families. (See our first conversation here.) Since our last conversation, Saar has been working with leading hotel brands to introduce “Screener,” a modular, themed room divider that gives kids their own space while improving the stay experience for parents. We explore how this innovation solves a common operational challenge—limited connecting r...

David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, joins us to discuss The Lantern Hotel, an innovative hospitality project dedicated to creating inclusive employment opportunities. David explains how The Lantern not only transforms an old fire station in Columbia, South Carolina, into a vibrant hotel but also empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hospitality leaders will gain insights into how intentional employment practices can impact communities and the hospitality industry as a whole. ...

David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, shares how the practice of visibility drives the culture at his rapidly growing hospitality company. He dives deep into how Raines maintains its close-knit, relationship-driven culture through intentional leadership practices, especially during growth periods and acquisitions like the integration of HP Hotels. Listen in to discover how visibility, internal events, and cross-training initiatives create career opportunities and cultivate a unified team cultu...

David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, entered the hospitality industry by turning family farmland into his first Hampton Inn. Today, he leads development at Raines, an integrated hospitality company known for both branded and independent hotels. In this conversation, David shares key lessons from his career—particularly around risk-taking, relationship-building, and why trust is foundational in navigating the world of hospitality. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily...

In this episode, our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, speaks with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, who shares how they have achieved the remarkable with 100% direct bookings and nearly full occupancy year-round -- all without relying on OTAs. Hector discusses Unplugged's unique approach to organic growth, the creative use of social media, and how building a movement rather than just a brand has driven their success. Hospitality leaders will gain fresh insights into how embrac...

In this episode, our guest experience correspondent, Danica Smith, speaks with Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged: a hospitality concept transforming wellness travel through digital detox experiences. Hector shares why merely offering digital detox as a hotel amenity rarely succeeds, and reveals how Unplugged has built its entire guest experience around the power of disconnecting. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with que...

Chris Gilbert, CEO of Springfield Township in Hamilton County, Ohio, and founder of Municipal Hospitality Advisors, shares how he's pioneering the application of hospitality principles within local government. Chris shares the personal inspiration behind his transformative approach: a memorable dining experience that sparked his commitment to delivering meaningful moments in civic service. Listeners will gain insights into how hospitality can enhance collaboration, build deeper community trust, ...

In this episode, Danica Smith, Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX, breaks down Zara's innovative "Travel Mode" initiative, demonstrating how hospitality leaders can draw inspiration from retail to rethink guest experiences. She highlights the importance of creative, cross-industry collaborations and addresses critical debates surrounding sustainability, brand alignment, and the future role of retail in hospitality. See Danica's post about Zara's "Tr...

Danica Smith, Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX, returns to dive deeper into her innovative framework, The Four Ps of Guest Experience: Personal, Purposeful, Playful, and Participatory. In this episode, Danica breaks down each pillar with actionable insights, exploring why personalization must move beyond superficial data points, how travel can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, and why playful, participatory experiences are key to gu...

Danica Smith, Hospitality Daily’s guest experience correspondent and founder of MorningStar GX, returns to share what she's learned from recent conversations with industry leaders and her consultancy work. She explains why guest expectations are evolving so rapidly, discusses key trends shaping guest experiences today, and provides real-world examples of personalization at its best. Danica also previews her "4 Ps" framework for guest experience, an influential tool hospitality leaders can use to...

Scott Roby, President of Pacifica Hotels, joins us to share the keys to building a workplace culture that reduces turnover and boosts hotel performance. He reveals Pacifica's innovative approach, from personalized employee experiences and thoughtful leadership retreats to candid, empathetic communication that leads to true employee engagement. Hospitality leaders will gain actionable insights into creating an environment where employees feel valued, leading to stronger retention, happier teams, ...

Scott Roby, President of Pacifica Hotels, shares how he's navigating the current economic environment by strategically cutting costs without sacrificing quality or guest experience. Also see: How Stories Unlock Success in Hospitality - Scott Roby Episode Overview In this episode, Scott Roby, President of Pacifica Hotels, shares insights on how he's navigating a tough hospitality market by strategically driving profitability through operational efficiency and creative engagement. Amidst soa...

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Reset Hotel, the first new hotel built in Joshua Tree in over 15 years. Co-founder Adam Wininger and investor Shannon Ching of HP Investors share candid insights and practical lessons from their experience bringing this ambitious, outdoor-focused hotel concept to life. You'll hear why they chose hotels over Airbnb, how trust shaped their partnerships, and why understanding guests' desires ultimately defined Reset’s success. Also see: Designing H...

In this episode, Sage Hospitality Group’s Chief Creative Officer, Jessica Werner, shares her approach to finding fresh creative inspiration by looking beyond the hospitality industry. She explains why seeking inspiration from art, nature, music, and even wine-making can unlock powerful new ideas for hospitality leaders. If you're looking to stay inspired, avoid creative burnout, and bring truly innovative thinking into your work, you’ll love her perspective and practical tips. A few more resour...

In this episode, Jess Werner, Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, explores how AI is reshaping hospitality without losing its essential human touch. Jess explains how Sage integrates AI to enhance operational efficiency and brand consistency, from refining marketing strategies to maintaining impeccable guest experiences. Yet, she emphasizes that technology must complement, not replace, genuine human connection and creativity. Jess also shares why authentic, experiential hospitality...

So far in our series with Jess Werner, we've explored her path to becoming Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group and learned about Sage Studio, the innovative in-house design team she's built. Today, we dive even deeper, taking you behind the scenes of Sage Hospitality’s standout Denver projects—from the community-driven luxury of the Crawford Hotel at Union Station to the compact creativity and modular innovations of Catbird Hotel. You may also enjoy: The Dana Crawford Playb...

In this episode, Jess Werner, Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, takes us behind the scenes of Sage Studio, the innovative team responsible for shaping hotels and restaurants into thriving, beloved hospitality brands. Jess shares her approach to aligning creativity, authenticity, and strategic clarity to build places that not only resonate with guests but also deeply connect with teams and communities. You may also enjoy: Creativity Beyond Aesthetics: How Sage Hospitality’s Jess...

Jessica Werner has one of the most intriguing roles in hospitality: as Chief Creative Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, she designs spaces that go far beyond just looking good. In this episode, Jess explains how her operational background shapes her creative approach, resulting in hospitality projects that deliver both profit and community impact. She shares why great design must start with business strategy, how placemaking creates meaningful connections, and how Sage’s creativity consistently...

In this episode, Shozib Khan, VP of Hotel Performance and Analytics at Spire Hospitality, shares what he calls "the people side of data" and his approach to freeing hoteliers from being overwhelmed by reports, empowering them to focus on their guests and support their teams. Learn more about ProfitSword by Actabl - the tool Shozib mentioned several times in the show. Also see: The Chemistry Major Who Makes Hotels Better, One Data Point at a Time: Shozib Khan, Spire Hospitality Episode Over...

Episode Overview In this episode, Hospitality Daily host Josiah Mackenzie interviews Shozib Khan, VP of Hotel Performance and Analytics at Spire Hospitality, about his unconventional journey from chemistry student to hospitality analytics leader. Khan shares how his scientific background shaped his approach to solving operational challenges through data-driven insights and the scientific method. The episode explores his early career progression from shuttle driver to assistant general manager...