No Vacancy Live!

I spoke with Suraj Bhakta, CEO & Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Advisory, for #NoVacancyNews about what’s really happening in today’s hotel market. Suraj broke down why #PIPs have become one of the biggest roadblocks in #hospitality deals—lenders reluctant to fund them, costs rising, and brands sometimes using them as leverage in negotiations. We also covered: 👉 How #inflation and tariffs are driving unpredictability in construction and operations 👉 Why the gap between buyer and seller expectations is slowing transactions 👉 The importance of being realistic about asset value before going to market Suraj’s advice to owners? Run the numbers as if you were the buyer. If it doesn’t pencil for you, it won’t pencil for anyone else. A timely, no-nonsense look at hotel transactions in today’s environment. 🔗 Watch the full episode: [Insert link] 🌐 Learn more at newgenadv.com Special thanks to Actabl for supporting the show. Benchmark your performance this budget season at HotelData.com.

Thrilled to join Dr. Suzanne Bagnera on No Vacancy Live as we caught up with our longtime friend Leora Lanz, author of Developing Your Marketing Mindset: Real World Lessons from Hospitality. Leora has spent more than a decade teaching at Boston University, blending consulting expertise with case studies to prepare the next generation of #hospitality leaders. She reminded us why every business needs a marketing mindset—and why adopting a #hospitalitymindset is just as important. Some takeaways that stood out: 👉 Critical vs. strategic thinking — #criticalthinking helps us analyze deeply, while strategic thinking ensures insights actually shape long-term plans. 👉 Authenticity matters — customers quickly see through surface-level “green” or “wellness” claims. Real impact starts with culture. 👉 Marketing with meaning — connecting authentically around wellness, sustainability, and community drives loyalty and profitability. Leora’s book is filled with stories, case studies, and even scorecards to help leaders put these lessons into practice. Highly recommend it. 🔗 Get the book: Buy it here Special thanks to Actabl for supporting the show. Learn more at www.Actabl.com.

No guest, just unadulterated Glenn, Craig, Dave and Suzanne joins from the road... literally!

This story is living what I have been preaching: Keep humanity in hospitality. At Saint John’s Resort outside Detroit, they’re all in on this concept; and a whole lot more. Kevin Doyle, COO of the Pulte Charitable Family Foundation, and longtime friend of the show Chris Green, President of Humanitarian Hotels share their story, and it blew me away. This isn’t just another #luxuryresort. Here’s what makes it different: 100% of hotel profits go to charity. Every wedding, golf outing, or stay directly supports local communities, global causes, and provides jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In just the last two years, they’ve given more than $6 million to nonprofits in Detroit alone—and millions more worldwide. It’s living proof that hospitality can be a force for good. One striking moment: even a simple lunch choice has impact, with proceeds feeding families in need around the globe. Guests aren’t just enjoying an event or a stay—they’re creating meaningful change. How do you think hotels (or any business) can build more purpose into their model while still delivering world-class experiences? Special thanks to our advertiser: 👉 Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com to explore tools that drive performance and benchmarking insights for budget season and beyond.

On the latest No Vacancy podcast, Anthony Melchiorri and I had a great conversation with Blair Wills, CEO of StepStone Hospitality, and Michael Broadhurst, COO of StepStone Hospitality. StepStone has grown from a single property in 2007 to a 30-hotel portfolio today—and they’re at that critical inflection point where management companies have to decide if they’re going to stay lean or scale up. We dug into some big topics: 👉 Why GMs are really the CEOs of their hotels 👉 The tough balance between owner expectations and on-the-ground realities 👉 How tech only matters if it actually frees up time for guest service 👉 Why “growth from within” isn’t just nice to say, but essential for long-term success One line that stuck with me: “We’re in a people business. It’s all about finding the right people and giving them the tools to succeed.” That got me thinking… how are you creating growth opportunities for your teams right now? Is it about training, mentorship, new tech, or just giving them more face time with guests? Would love to hear what’s working across the #hospitality community. Big thanks to Actabl for supporting the show! They’re helping #hotels get smarter insights and stronger profitability—and now offering benchmarking data at HotelData.com. Worth checking out as we head into budget season. Always grateful for great conversations on #leadership in our industry.

Glenn is at a bar on Macinac Island at the Inn at Stonecliffe with longtime friend of the show Chris Green He's now President at Humanitarian Hotels which that company owns. Craig and Producer Dave are probably ealoous, but we're all having some cocktails and laughs to kick off the weekend!

Not many CEOs start their careers bartending at 18 — but that’s exactly how Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts International, got his start. In this incredible #NoVacancyNews conversation, Bill shares how he went from bussing tables at the Jockey Club to leading one of the biggest names in hospitality. We talked about: • 🍸 Lessons learned behind the bar that shaped his leadership style. • 🎰 The evolution of Las Vegas from a Mafia-run town to the global entertainment capital. • 🏒 Why sports and entertainment are redefining the Strip’s future. • 🌍 MGM’s ambitious global projects, including Japan’s $12.5B Osaka resort. • 💡 His advice for young people in hospitality: be patient, be present, and be known for something. This industry is special because #hospitality stories like Bill’s are possible. From busboy to CEO — that doesn’t happen everywhere. I’d love to know: what’s the best “start from the bottom” story you’ve seen in hospitality? And a huge thanks to Uniguest for making this series possible. Uniguest’s hotel hub solution connects the customer journey to your messaging and branding. Please check them out at uniguest.com. This is part one of a five-part series we’ll be rolling out throughout the fall focused on the executives running MGM. Look out for amazing behind the scenes chats with: • Mike Neubebcker (President of MGM Grand, NY – NY and Excalibur) on what it’s like three major integrated resorts. • Lance Evans, SVP Sports and Partnerships on how sports are changing Las Vegas and the upcoming arrival of baseball • Sarah Rogers, SVP of Corporate Finance, on how a major company like MGM Resorts thinks about investment, refinancing, structuring deals and entering Osaka Japan • John Flynn, SVP of Global Security and Aviation – What it takes to create an amazing and seamless F1 race experience in November.

I just had a fantastic conversation with Emily Wright, VP & Global Brand Leader at Hyatt, along with my buddy Anthony Melchiorri. Emily’s been with Hyatt for nearly 20 years, and the passion she brings to the role is clear. We covered a lot of ground, but here’s what really stood out to me: Hyatt has grown from 4 core brands to a wide-reaching portfolio—and they’re still expanding. The launch of Hyatt Studios and Hyatt Select is about filling real gaps in the market, especially in secondary and tertiary cities. World of Hyatt loyalty is exploding—58 million members strong and growing. Guests have zero tolerance for inconsistency anymore. Convenience and reliability aren’t perks—they’re table stakes. What I loved most was hearing how Hyatt balances deliberate, thoughtful growth while keeping guest experience at the center. Do you think Hyatt’s careful growth strategy gives them an advantage—or is the race to scale moving too fast for anyone to stay methodical? Special thanks to our advertiser: 👉 Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com to explore tools that drive performance and benchmarking insights for budget season and beyond.

What’s really happening in the global hotel pipeline? Glenn Haussman sits down with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, to break down the numbers, trends, and transformations shaping hospitality development worldwide. From luxury’s evolution into intimate, multi-gen-friendly resorts to the rise of dual-brand properties and strategic conversions, this episode delivers insights that matter to owners, developers, and hospitality pros alike. Special thanks to our advertiser: 👉 Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com to explore tools that drive performance and benchmarking insights for budget season and beyond. 🔍 #novacancynews #hospitalitydevelopment 🔑 Key Highlights: 📈 🏨 🧩 🏗️ 🔄 🌍 🎡

New Orleans isn’t just about beignets and brass bands—it’s a test case for how hotels handle unpredictable demand. I spoke with Ken Jacques, GM of Le Meridien New Orleans, which is operated by Stonebridge, about how he’s planning for 2026 and what it really takes to run a hotel in a city built on events. Here’s what stood out: Ken pulls back the curtain on hotel strategy giving me new perspective on how leaders adapt in real time. Special thanks to Actabl: Actabl gives you the power profit. Visit them at Actabl.com. #NoVacancyNews #Hospitality

What’s shaping the future of hotel development beyond the U.S.? In this hashtag#NoVacancyNews, Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics and I break down the latest pipeline data across EMEA—and what it means for owners, operators, and investors. 🔑 Key insights: Why conversions are becoming the biggest story in Europe after a decade of limited activity How unique land and building lease structures shape hotel development in cities like London and Monaco The latest Middle East mega-projects, from Riyadh to Cairo, and the realities behind ambitious tourism ministry targets Emerging opportunities in markets you might not expect—plus which regions are poised to outperform the U.S. in operating performance How global brands are reshaping portfolios with apartments, extended stay, and upscale prototypes Special thanks to our advertiser Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com

How can hospitality education keep pace with the evolving workforce, shrinking attention spans, and the rise of AI? In this #NoVacancyNews, I’m joined by Dr. Suzanne Bagnera and Dr. Peter Ricci. We’re tackling one of the most pressing issues in our industry: attracting and preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders. 🔑 What we cover: Special thanks to Actabl for supporting this conversation. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com. 👉 Join us for insights that challenge assumptions, spotlight opportunities, and show why hospitality is still one of the most rewarding career paths.

From Aspen in the 1970s to Maui today, CoralTree Hospitality has been shaping the residential resort and vacation rental space long before it was trendy. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn and Anthony sit down with Mike Cuthbertson, Managing Director of the CoralTree Residence Collection, to talk about: hospitality standards with vacation rental flexibilitymanaging hundreds of individual ownersexperience If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to profitably operate luxury vacation rentals while keeping owners happy and guests coming back, this one’s packed with insights. Special thanks to Actabl for powering this episode. Visit HotelData.com for benchmarking insights to boost your 2025–2026 performance.

The Peabody Memphis is more than a luxury hotel — it’s a living piece of history. From its famous duck march to welcoming presidents and celebrities, this property continues to set the standard for Southern hospitality. In this episode, I talk with Doug Browne, President of The Peabody Memphis, about what it takes to run a century-old icon while keeping it fresh and profitable. 💡 What you’ll learn: How a 25-year rolling capital plan preserves the hotel for future generations The behind-the-scenes story of a $30 million renovation Why a small change to the lobby bar delivered outsized financial results Renovating challenges in a 100-year-old building (with some surprising discoveries!) Doug’s advice for the next generation: play the long game in hospitality 🎯 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of hotels.

Asia Pacific is driving nearly half of the world’s hotel construction — but the trends look very different when you separate China from the rest of the region. I’m joined by Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, to break down the numbers and explain what they mean for the hospitality business. 💡 What you’ll learn in this episode: Why China is finally seeing a wave of upscale and boutique hotels The scale of new projects in India, Vietnam, and Thailand How pandemic-delayed projects are now entering the market The rise of conversions in Asia Pacific for the first time Why the assumption that “new construction is dead” is completely wrong 🎯 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com 🔔 Subscribe for more insights into hotel development, investment, and operations.

Boutique hotels are more than just design statements — they’re lifestyle-driven businesses that can transform communities and create powerful guest loyalty. In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Steven Wendell, CEO of Mountain Shore Properties, talks about what makes #boutiquehotel projects work — and how his company approaches development in unique markets. 📌 Key takeaways: • How boutique hotels stand out in today’s competitive hospitality landscape • The role of authenticity and local storytelling in attracting guests • Why flexibility in operations is critical for independent properties • Lessons from building in both urban and resort destinations • How Mountain Shore balances financial returns with a memorable guest experience 🎯 Special thanks to my advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

Timeshare isn’t what it used to be — and that’s exactly the point. In this episode of No Vacancy Live, I’m joined by co-host Anthony Melchiorri and Jason Gamel, President & CEO of ARDA, for a fast-moving and surprisingly eye-opening discussion on the state of vacation ownership. 🏖️ Whether you’re a hotelier, investor, or curious traveler, you’ll want to hear this: • How the reputation of timeshare has dramatically shifted — and why guests are embracing it again • The rise of branded vacation ownership: Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, and beyond • Why prepaid ownership leads to more on-site spend and more stable revenue • How tech, loyalty programs, and demand for unique experiences are reshaping the product • Why Gen Z and millennials now make up over half of all new timeshare buyers • The hidden opportunities for hoteliers to collaborate with nearby timeshare resorts • Plus: surprising facts about international growth, maintenance fees, and what’s next for independent properties 👀 Want guaranteed occupancy, predictable revenue, and happy returning guests? This episode might make you rethink how timeshare fits into the hospitality ecosystem. 🔊 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com #NoVacancyNews #HospitalityLeadership

In this episode of No Vacancy Live, Anthony Melchiorri and I sit down with Charlie Lopez, VP & Managing Director of ETC Hotels, the group behind the iconic Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Together, we explore what true luxury means in today’s hospitality climate — and why it’s more relaxed, more local, and more personalized than ever. 🌴 Here’s what you’ll get from this high-level conversation: • Why "California cool" is redefining global luxury standards • How major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics are shaping Santa Monica's future • The shift from stuffy opulence to laid-back, personalized service (and why guests expect both access and autonomy) • The power of hyper-local partnerships to enrich guest experiences • Why daily team standups are a non-negotiable in luxury operations • How ETC is thriving without a big brand flag — and why it’s freeing • Mentorship, staff training, and how to “raise people in this business” • What makes the concierge (and guest relations) your hotel's ultimate power duo 💡 Bonus: Why today’s top hoteliers are teaching staff how to think, not just follow SOPs. 🔊 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com #NoVacancyNews #LuxuryHospitality

The luxury travel market isn’t slowing down — it’s evolving. At Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, I sat down with Misty Belles, VP of Global Public Relations at Virtuoso, to uncover what’s really happening in high-end travel and how hotels can adapt to meet shifting guest expectations. 📌 Key takeaways: • Virtuoso’s latest research shows 12% year-over-year growth in luxury travel for the first half of 2025 • Solo female travel is on the rise — led by women 65+ who are exploring on their own and going off the beaten path • Guests are embracing shoulder season travel with double-digit booking increases in fall • Domestic travel remains strong, keeping rates stable even amid economic uncertainty • Personal connections between advisors and hotels still drive the most memorable experiences — with tech enhancing, not replacing, the human touch • Why discounting is rarely the answer when the goal is to preserve brand value Luxury travelers are proving to be less impacted by broader economic swings — and hotels that deliver on service and experience are well-positioned to capture this market. 🎯 Special thanks to my advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com #NoVacancyNews #LuxuryTravel

On this episode of Friday Night Audit, we welcome back the incredible Matt Hostetler, CDO at Red Roof to join us for some laughs, drinks and more. Watch at your own risk!!