Episodes

Listen to Hospitality Daily founder and host Josiah Mackenzie share highlights and lessons learned in 2024, plus what he's excited by for 2025. Highlights: (1:37) Chip Conley (3:56) Kristie Goshow at KSL (5:04) Inn at Newport Ranch (6:11) Palisades Hospitality (7:22) Katina and Kyle Connaughton at SingleThread (9:39) Bashar Wali (episode one and two) (10:40) Dina Belon & Staypineapple (13:06) Horst Schulze (15:07) Nancy Mendelson + Emily Kanders Goldfischer (hertelier) collaboration (16:44) Hos...

In this episode, Zach Demuth, the Global Head of Hotels Research at JLL, shares why the hospitality industry is at a pivotal juncture and what it means for you. See insights and research from JLL here Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions I...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech, Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his observations and insights on the state of hospitality work and the importance of emotional skills, empowerment, and career development. Listen to our other episodes: What I've Learned Building a Career in Luxury Hotel Leadership The Evolution of Luxury Hospitality From Comfort to Connection Full Overview In this episode of Hospitality Da...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech, Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his insights into the evolution of luxury hospitality and the importance of emotional connections, sustainability, and innovation. Listen to our other episode: What I've Learned Building a Career in Luxury Hotel Leadership Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in ho...

In this episode, Guillaume Benezech, Senior Director of Global Brand Management and Marketing for The Ritz-Carlton and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, shares his journey in luxury hospitality, career transitions, and the mentorship experiences that shaped his leadership style. Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send ...

Mary Alice Palmer is the Global Creative Director and Founding Partner of ROAM Interior Design, and in this episode, shares insights on the power of design in providing hospitality and how she approaches creating memorable and emotional guest experiences. Listeners will learn: Mary Alice's definition of the essence of hospitality and what it means to create a warm, welcoming environment. How her background in set design and luxury leather goods influences her work in hospitality design. The ...

In this replay from an earlier conversation, Bill Walshe, a global hospitality leader and the former CEO of The Viceroy Hotel Group, shares a tradition he developed that we all can learn from. Listen to my earlier episodes with Bill: What Guests Are Looking For In Luxury and Hospitality Today How "Prideology" Helped Me Inspire My Teams as CEO Creating A Culture of Belonging To Enable Consistent Individuality Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on chall...

In this replay from an earlier conversation, Bill Walshe, a global hospitality leader and the former CEO of The Viceroy Hotel Group, shares thoughts about the power of generosity in hospitality. Listen to my earlier episodes with Bill: What Guests Are Looking For In Luxury and Hospitality Today How "Prideology" Helped Me Inspire My Teams as CEO Creating A Culture of Belonging To Enable Consistent Individuality Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on cha...

In this episode, Maria Navarro shares a message for all of us to keep in mind this holiday season. Listen to our past episodes with Maria: We are all family this holiday season How hospitality changes you (the story behind my viral article) Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, and opportunities in hospitality today. A few more resources: If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here. You can send me a message here with que...

In this replay from an earlier conversation, Christian de Boer shares what he did differently around the holiday that inspired guests and team members alike. Listen to our past episodes with Christian: This Is What Being Radically Guest-Focused Looks Like Does TripAdvisor Still Matter for Hotels in 2024? (Reputation Management Masterclass) Sustainable Hospitality: Real Steps, Real Impact Send Josiah a text Take my State of Hotel Industry Survey now to get insights on challenges, priorities, an...

In this episode, Nathan St Cyr, co-founder of Howzit Hostels, shares how focusing on guest connections and rethinking traditional models can create extraordinary experiences and scalable success. Listen to learn: How Nathan transitioned from a successful sales leader in hospitality to co-founding Howzit Hostels. The importance of questioning traditional hospitality models and listening intently to guests. The impact of Nathan's childhood travel experiences on his approach to hospitality. Th...

Take the State of the Hotel Industry Survey now In this episode, David Arraya, the Founder of Conscious Hospitality Unlimited, host of the Conscious Hospitality Podcast, and a former hotel general manager, shares insights from the State of the Hotel Industry Survey and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing hoteliers today. Listeners will learn: The biggest day-to-day challenges for hotel owners and operators, including revenue generation and profitability. The leadership implicat...

In this episode, Rob Blood, founder of Lark Hotels and now chairman of the combined company with Life House, shares insights into their recent joint venture and the future of independent hospitality. Read the announcement Listen to previous episodes with Rob: How We Created An Award-Winning Boutique Hotel Management and Development Company - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels Intro to Lifestyle Hotel Development and Management - Meg Kennedy & Rob Blood, Lark Hotels Road Trips & Revelations: ...

In this episode, Danica Smith, Founder of MorningStar GX, shares her insights on the evolving role of technology in enhancing guest experiences in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn about: The future of online hotel guest reviews and their relevance in a highly personalized booking journey. The impact of influencers on online reputation and guest feedback. The concept of "micro feedback" and its importance in guest interactions. The balance between guest intelligence gathering and...

In this episode, Danica Smith, Founder of MorningStar GX, shares her insights on using technology to enhance guest experience in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn: The importance of focusing on guest satisfaction as the ultimate goal of implementing new technology. The significance of simplicity and clarity in technology adoption and project goals. The value of beta testing and ensuring the basics of guest experience are covered before implementing advanced tech solutions. The im...

In this episode, Danica Smith, Founder of MorningStar GX, shares her insights on the enduring power of focusing on guest experience in the hospitality industry. Listen now to learn: The true meaning of "guest experience" and why it matters. Common hesitations and obstacles hotel companies face in improving guest experience. The impact of digitalizing the guest journey and the importance of on-property experiences. The role of guest feedback and online reputation in shaping guest expectation...

In this episode, Justin Rodriguez, General Manager at the Shashi Hotel, shares insights on how technology is transforming the hospitality experience at their hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley. Listen to learn: How Shashi Group is using technology to create a customizable room experience for guests. The impact of technology on the hotel's staff and operations. The benefits and challenges of implementing new tech in a hospitality setting. How the hotel uses guest data to enhance s...

In this episode, Maria Loleyt, CEO of Plurana, shares her insights into what makes luxury hotels exceptional based on interviews with dozens of hotel leaders and analysis of over 1.2 million guest reviews. She explains how hotels can go beyond merely providing clean and beautiful spaces to creating emotional connections that delight sophisticated travelers. What You’ll Learn: How luxury hotels create emotional connections with guests through personalization and cultural integration. Why both ...

In this episode, Teddy Albertson shares how blending creativity with practicality can transform spaces, revitalize cities, and create unique, memorable experiences that drive foot traffic and engagement. What you’ll learn by listening: How art and immersive experiences can revitalize urban areas and hospitality spaces. The unique collaboration between Teddy and artist Mike Bennett to create public joy in Portland. Why "attainable joy" is a key factor in creating inclusive, repeatable experie...

In this episode, Eric Jafari, founder of AENDRE Group, shares how stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new experiences can spark ideas that transform the way that you provide hospitality. We talk about: How blending ancient traditions with modern design can drive innovation in hospitality. The importance of immersing yourself in different cultures to challenge and expand your reality. The idea of merging different traditions and experiences, such as Scandinavian saunas...

In this episode, Eric Jafari, founder of AENDRE Group, shares insights into the evolution of hospitality innovation and how it can shape the future of the industry. You'll learn about: The origins of the lifestyle hotel movement in the 1980s. How Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager transformed the Executive Hotel in New York. The role of status and self-worth in the success of lifestyle hotels. The shift in priorities from status to self-actualization among Gen Z and millennials. The importance ...

In this episode, Eric Jafari, founder of AENDRE Group, shares the story of an eye-opening experience that redefined his understanding of wellness and innovation in the hospitality industry. You'll learn about: The historic role of alcohol as a "social lubricant" and its impact on social interactions. How the Gen Z consumer's reduced alcohol consumption is influencing new social experiences. The concept of wellness resorts and how they can offer more than just relaxation. Eric's personal exp...

In this episode, Eric Jafari, founder of AENDRE Group, shares his journey from a stable career in real estate investment to redefining hospitality through innovative concepts. You'll learn: Why predictability stifles innovation in the hospitality industry. How culture shapes risk-taking and the importance of embracing trial and error. The disconnect between traditional hotel investments and consumer preferences. Insights into the creation and success of the Locke hotel concept. The evolvin...

In this episode, Adele Gutman, the former head of sales, marketing, and revenue at The Library Hotel Collection, shares her journey of driving guest satisfaction to the top of the charts through team empowerment and operational excellence - and the impact that had on demand and revenue. You may also enjoy these with Adele: Stop Fighting Fires: Building a Culture of Problem Solvers in Your Hotel (podcast) Watch Us Build an AI Bot to Answer Hotel Reviews (YouTube) Send Josiah a text Take my St...