No Vacancy Live!-logo

No Vacancy Live!

Travel

No Vacancy is home to the hospitality industry’s top podcasts. We speak to the CEOs, influencers and leaders to go behind the scenes of the hotel and travel business.

Location:

United States

Description:

No Vacancy is home to the hospitality industry’s top podcasts. We speak to the CEOs, influencers and leaders to go behind the scenes of the hotel and travel business.

Language:

English

Contact:

917-604-2900


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

953: Can BoB Reinvent Budget Hotels?

7/1/2025

Duration:00:25:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

🎙 Turning AI Talk Into Action: Live from HITEC with Ashford's Borman

7/1/2025
Recorded on the bustling HITEC show floor, hashtag#NoVacancyNews caught up with Jeff Borman of Ashford Inc. (and No Show, A Travel Industry Podcast) to unpack how AI in hashtag#hospitalitytech is moving from hype to practical strategy. Here’s what you’ll hear: ✅ Why this year’s conversations finally feel actionable, not just theoretical ✅ How hotel commercial leaders are using AI today to improve operations and guest connections ✅ The challenges of data ownership, privacy, and working across brands vs. independents ✅ Why Jeff left HITEC with a real to-do list instead of just big ideas Big thanks to Uniguest for supporting this conversation! Learn more about how they connect the guest journey to your branding at uniguest.com.

Duration:00:04:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

953: Redefining African Hospitality: Tribe Hotel’s Vision Beyond the Safari Stereotype

6/26/2025
📍 Recorded studio-style, Glenn Haussman and producer Suzanne welcome Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel in Nairobi to #NoVacancyNews, who’s challenging the clichés of African #hospitality and revealing a bold, design-led approach to travel experiences in Kenya. 🌍 Here’s what you’ll hear: • 🏨 How Tribe Hotel helped lead the transformation of Nairobi’s hotel scene from colonial formality to contemporary cultural expression • 🎨 The Ehsani family’s dedication to art, architecture, and experience-driven design, including a 900+ piece in-house art collection • 🦁 A look at exclusive offerings like night safaris, running with former world-record marathoners, and showcasing Kenya beyond the expected • 🍽️ Why they shifted the hotel’s food program to be authentically African — after testing over 170 dishes for the new menu at Jiko restaurant • 🤯 A global pet-peeve list turned design blueprint: Shamim’s hilarious and relatable frustrations with things like long check-ins, weak Wi-Fi, minibar gouging, and windows that don’t open 💬 “We didn’t want another hotel that mimicked outdated ideas. We wanted to build something that feels like Nairobi — modern, stylish, and true to who we are.” – Shamim Ehsani 🙌 Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com to learn more.

Duration:00:22:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

952: Elevating Hospitality: How Bolt Farm Treehouse Redefined the Guest Experience

6/25/2025
We’re back in our pre-recorded format! In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancy, I’m joined by Seth Bolt and Tori Bolt, founders of Bolt Farm Treehouse, who’ve created one of the most compelling hashtag#hospitality concepts in the country—where hashtag#guestexperience, design, and mission-driven leadership all come together in a powerful way. Doctor Prodcuer Suzanne cohosts. Special thanks to our advertiser: Actabl – Gives You the Power to Profit. Visit them at Actabl.com 🎧 What you’ll learn from this conversation: • How a handcrafted honeymoon retreat turned into a growing, high-performance resort business • Their 100% direct booking model—achieving 94% occupancy and a 25–30% rebooking rate before checkout • The strategy behind building an Instagram community of over 630,000 followers • Why storytelling and transparency have helped shape a brand with loyal fans • Their unique hiring philosophy, resulting in 11,000+ applications and a top-tier team • How they deliver immersive, guest-first experiences without relying on traditional hotel structures • The role AI will play in enhancing hospitality while keeping the human touch front and center • Their commitment to intentional growth without sacrificing what makes their concept special This episode offers valuable insight into how bold vision, operational focus, and creativity can lead to something truly distinct in today’s hospitality landscape.

Duration:00:30:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

From Bar Bills to Back Office: How Fintech Simplifies Hotel Invoicing

6/25/2025
At #NoVacancyNews we caught up with Amit Aghara, CTO of Fintech, to get a closer look at how they’re transforming invoice management for hoteliers — and it’s not just about #alcohol anymore. We broke down how Fintech streamlines the complex world of payments, regulations, and vendor management — all via automation and smart tech. 👀 Here's what you'll learn: * How Fintech built a two-sided network with over 8,000 alcohol distributors—and now hundreds of non-alcohol vendors too * Ways their system de-risks your accounts payable and prevents costly compliance mistakes * Why Fintech’s back-office integrations can help you better manage inventory and pricing * Insights into beverage program management for multi-property hotel owners * How their modernized tech stack enhances security and lets you try before you buy * Why actionable analytics (like expected cost analysis) can save you serious money If you’ve ever dealt with invoicing headaches from vendors like Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, or US Foods, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen in and find out how to stop chasing down paperwork—and start spending more time focusing on your guests.

Duration:00:10:29

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Curator Hotel Collection President Barnwell on Smart Tech Choices for Independent Hotels

6/23/2025
During Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) HITEC, hashtag#NoVacancyNews caught up with Jennifer Barnwell, President of Curator Hotel and Resort Collection, to discuss how she evaluates hospitality technology for a diverse portfolio of independent hotels. With so many vendors vying for attention, she shared how Curator narrows the field and finds real value for its member hotels. Here’s what we covered: How Curator uses events like hashtag#HITEC to strengthen vendor relationships and discover meaningful innovations The role of pilot programs in validating tech before wider adoption Why it's critical to focus on tools that support team efficiency and guest experience The growing pressure on profitability in a year of minimal revenue growth Curator’s commitment to helping members stay ahead without getting overwhelmed If you're feeling the pressure to make smart hashtag#hospitalitytech decisions, Jen offers a sharp, practical perspective that’s well worth your time. Special thanks to our sponsor Uniguest — their Hotel Hub solution connects every step of the guest journey to your messaging and brand. Learn more at uniguest.com.

Duration:00:04:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

FNA 180: Our Famous Friday Happy Hour

6/20/2025
David Donnelly's philosophy is that success is built on strong, mutually beneficial relationships. That attitude's going to get him into trouble while hanging with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. Tune in and find out

Duration:01:01:31

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How Sonesta is Rebuilding Its Tech Stack to Power 1,200+ Hotels | HITEC 2025

6/20/2025
Yesterday at Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) hashtag#HITEC2025, I spoke with Ben Jamieson of Sonesta International Hotels about how the company is approaching hashtag#hoteltechnology and operations to support one of the fastest growth stories in hospitality. With more than 1,200 hotels and a portfolio that spans from economy to upscale, Sonesta is focused on building systems that work across all brands while keeping the guest experience front and center. This episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews looks at how they’re doing it. Key points from our conversation: 🔹 What it takes to align technology and operations during rapid expansion 🔹 Building consistency while respecting the differences between brands 🔹 Choosing between in-house solutions and third-party tech providers 🔹 Enhancing revenue and service through mobile tools and POS upgrades 🔹 Taking a disciplined approach to AI with a steering committee and real-world testing 🔹Why learning quickly from failure is central to their innovation strategy Thanks to our sponsor Uniguest. Their Hotel Hub solution connects every step of the guest journey to your campaign messaging and brand. Learn more at uniguest.com.

Duration:00:04:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Charlestowne Hotels: Cutting Through AI Hype with Smart, Practical Strategy

6/20/2025
This week at Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) HITEC, hashtag#NoVacancyNews sat down with Max Spangler, VP of Technology at Charlestowne Hotels, to discuss how their team is making clear-eyed tech decisions in a time when everything seems to be labeled “AI” - whether it is or isn't! Here’s what you’ll learn: *Why “AI-washing” is making it harder—not easier—to evaluate hotel tech *How Charlestowne’s steering groups across departments help vet, test, and implement tools that actually work *The impact of AI tools like Cursor and Windsurfer for lean teams managing boutique properties *How they’re now creating slide decks, video, and image content faster than ever—without sacrificing quality *What tech vendors should be doing to explain why they’re using AI (instead of just saying they are) If you care about hotel technology that actually helps your team—not just sells buzzwords—this is a great one to watch. hashtag#NoVacancyNews is here at hashtag#HITEC2025 bringing you the real conversations that matter in hospitality. And yes, hashtag#HotelTechnology that works does exist—you just have to know what to look for. Big thanks to our sponsor Unifocus – technology that drives value. Learn more at unifocus.com

Duration:00:04:31

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

🏨 Reinventing Hotel Tech with Staypineapple’s Bold Strategy

6/18/2025
While in Indianapolis, hashtag#NoVacancyNews caught up with Michael Hirschler of Staypineapple Hotels Inc. during an event with Cendyn to talk about how the company rebuilt their hashtag#hoteltech stack from the ground up—and why taking risks on emerging platforms was the right call. In this short and insightful interview, you'll hear: 💡 How Staypineapple designed a fully cloud-based system to simplify ownership and operations 💡 Why connectivity between PMS, CRM, and other platforms is non-negotiable 💡 What it takes to break free from legacy tech and future-proof a hotel brand 💡 The importance of making bold decisions to keep the guest at the center of the experience 💡 How the industry’s past leaders can become stuck—and what to do differently

Duration:00:03:13

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How First Hospitality Is Redefining Revenue Strategy with AI + Team Synergy

6/18/2025
Recorded live at HITEC 2025, #novacancynews caught up with Jenna Fishel, Chief Commercial Officer at First Hospitality, to explore how her team is taking #AI from theory to action—and evolving how commercial teams collaborate. This isn't about chasing tech trends. It’s about building smarter systems that make life easier and business better. Here’s what we covered: analyze commercial calls and suggest strategy improvementsfully integrated commercial strategybuilt a dedicated marketing team 🎯 Special thanks to our sponsor: Unifocus, technology that drives value. Visit unifocus.com

Duration:00:05:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Inside Westgate Las Vegas: Elvis History, Hidden Suites & Iconic Vegas Vibes

6/13/2025
Recorded last month at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, hashtag#NoVacancyNews got an amazing backstage experience with the legendary Cami Christensen, President & GM of the property. Cami started at the front desk and now runs this iconic resort — and we had a lot of laughs and hashtag#Elvis sightings along the way. 📍If you love old-school hashtag#LasVegas nostalgia blended with modern hospitality, this one’s for you. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/e8k9kPBR What you'll experience in this episode: 🎰 How Cami went from check-ins to calling the shots at the about 3,000-room resort 🎤 The story behind recreating Elvis Presley’s legendary 1969 comeback show –coming this summer! 🕺 Hidden Elvis memorabilia—including a lock of his hair, his dressing room, and his water fountain (yes, really) 🍸 A tour of Westgate’s revived venues like Velvet Bar and EBar with nightly live music 🏈 Inside the world’s largest sportsbook and why it’s not becoming a nightclub 🏰 A walkthrough of their jaw-dropping rooftop 12,000 sq. ft. Versailles Suite (with a private pool!) 🚝 Why Westgate is the most connected resort in Vegas with direct monorail and Vegas Loop access ⚡️This isn’t just a history lesson, it’s a look at how a legacy property keeps reinventing itself while staying true to its soul. 👑 You’re going to want to watch this one before the King leaves the building again.

Duration:00:32:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Reinvention, Risk, and Building Something New

6/13/2025
On this episode of #NoVacancyNews, I reconnected with longtime industry powerhouse Juan Corvinos Solans during NYU IHIF, who just made a major career pivot—leaving Hilton after 16 years to take on a bold new leadership role as President of #CALA for Hotel Equities. So, what drives someone to walk away from the familiar and embrace the unknown? We discuss: *Why Juan stepped away from a steady brand career to lead something new *How he's helping build a startup-style venture focused on all-inclusive and urban lifestyle hotels *What it's like to switch from brand-side to operations-side leadership *Why he's traveling more than ever—and how his wife found out about the move from a press release. Uh-oh *The vision for combining U.S.-based operational expertise with local talent across Latin America *Building a team of hospitality rock stars with a fresh perspective Juan’s passion for shaking up the status quo is contagious—and you’ll want to hear what’s next. Special thanks to Actabl: 👉 Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com.

Duration:00:04:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Right Here, Right Now: Stonebridge’s Bold New Era

6/12/2025
Last week at the Stonebridge 's annual conference in hashtag#NewOrleans – where I hosted, moderated and delivered a keynote -- I spoke with EVP Operations Lee Palaschak for hashtag#NoVacancyNews about how the company is transforming. With a clear focus on culture, people, and purposeful partnerships, Stonebridge is entering a fresh chapter — or as Lee calls it, a “rebirth.” 🔑 What we cover: *How Stonebridge is redefining itself from the ground up *The philosophy behind thoughtful growth — and why bigger isn’t always better *Building real alignment with vendors, partners, and team members *Creating community during company events (yes, there were food trucks!) What it means to operate with clarity in an uncertain market #RightHereRightNow

Duration:00:02:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Inside the Venetian: Reinventing Vegas Meetings and Filling 7,000 Rooms Every Day

6/11/2025
Recorded recently in Las Vegas, I caught up with Tony Yousfi, CMP, Chief Sales Officer at the iconic The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, for an energizing hashtag#NoVacancyNews conversation about what it takes to keep 7,000 suites full, 2.2 million square feet of space active, and 10,000-person events running seamlessly—week after week. 📍 Here’s what we covered: *How the Venetian transforms every four days for new guests and events *The billion-dollar renovation strategy—and why they’re only doing it during hashtag#LasVegas’ “quiet” 98% occupancy months *How Tony’s team closes deals fast, even in a city running at near full capacity *What it really takes to lead and motivate the next generation of hospitality professionals *Why saying “yes” to failure can be the most effective teaching tool *Personal lessons on grit, growth, and taking your first-ever 15-day vacation at 50 💡 Whether you're a hospitality veteran or just hotel-curious, this one offers an inside look at what makes the Venetian tick. Special thanks to our advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com. hashtag#hospitalityleadership

Duration:00:12:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Hidden Cost-Cutter Hotels Overlook Every Day

6/11/2025
Recorded on location in Ft. Worth, Texas, I chatted with Mark Kimber, Chief Revenue Officer at Fintech, spoke to hashtag#NoVacancyNews to uncover how this decades-old alcohol invoicing powerhouse is shaking things up in hospitality. If you manage hotel operations and are drowning in invoices, this conversation might just change the way you work. 🎙️ Here's what you'll hear in this episode: How hashtag#Fintech evolved from alcohol compliance to hospitality-wide invoice automation Why hoteliers are stuck with “garage sale” accounting outside of alcohol—and how to fix it How Fintech eliminates hours of manual entry by integrating with your ERP system (think Birchstreet, Coupa, and more) Real-time visibility into cash flow, invoice accuracy, and vendor compliance A proof-of-concept approach that lets you test the platform with just a few vendors ⏱️ Saving 5 minutes per invoice might not sound like much… until you multiply it across every vendor, every day. Fintech’s model is about efficiency, visibility, and letting your team focus on guests—not back-office chaos. 🎧 Tune in now and hear why this isn't just another tech pitch—it’s a serious opportunity to cut costs and streamline operations.

Duration:00:06:06

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

951: Uplifted Leadership – The Secret to Engaged Teams with Ryan Minton

6/10/2025
🎙️ #NoVacancyNews’ Glenn Haussman sits down with Ryan Minton, bestselling author of Uplifted: The Remarkable Power of Positive Leadership on Frontline Teams, to talk about the game-changing impact of positivity in leadership. 🔹 What you’ll hear in this episode: transformsdon’t tolerateROI of uplifting leadershipinvisible balloonpolicies 💡 Plus, Ryan shares practical advice for leaders, including how to empower teams through trust and avoid common pitfalls that drive employee disengagement. 🎧 But the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Uplifted-Remarkable-Positive-Leadership-Frontline-ebook/dp/B0FC6T8H7F/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T9SHR7Z15C7W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SiJFLLHuXfOjXPOsHcHefhs8nG8RPW1Sj3uiPxVs6u3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.QEuFYL15ejc4Q6TOXKsDPAMwfk25_jEVE6ez1v7yyXg&dib_tag=se&keywords=of+Uplifted%3A+The+Remarkable+Power+of+Positive+Leadership+on+Frontline+Teams&qid=1749554909&sprefix=of+uplifted+the+remarkable+power+of+positive+leadership+on+frontline+teams%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1 🔹 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit—visit Actabl.com #novacancynews #leadershipsuccess 📍 Where to listen: Find Uplifted Leadership wherever you get your favorite podcasts!

Duration:00:14:35

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

FNA 178: This Episode Will Flohr You

6/7/2025
Tim Flohr is an Associate Professor of Teaching at U of Memphis and the Co-founder & Managing Partner of HospitalityInternships.com . Tonight he risks it all by joining Glenn, Craig, and Producers Dave and Suzanne for some ‘innocent’ drinks and laughs to kick off the weekend. Plus, Glenn is on location in New Orleans.

Duration:00:51:12

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Human Side of Hospitality: Stonebridge's CEO Smith on Tech, Talent & Transforming Hotel Culture

6/7/2025
Why do some hotel companies thrive while others struggle with retention, innovation, and guest satisfaction? In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews, we talk with Rob Smith, CEO & President of Stonebridge Companies, who’s bringing humanity back to hospitality — without ignoring the power of technology. 🔑 Key Highlights: 👥 Why putting people first isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business 🤖 How Stonebridge uses technology to enhance—not replace—human connection 💼 Rethinking workforce culture to increase retention and reduce burnout 📊 The power of real-time data to drive better decisions at every level 💡 What the next generation of hospitality leadership needs to know 🎯 How aligning purpose with profit creates a company guests and staff want to be part of Whether you lead a hotel team, invest in propertie s, or are just obsessed with where hospitality is headed, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗 Tune in now and hear how one of the industry’s top CEOs is building a people-powered future. hashtag#HospitalityLeadership

Duration:00:03:49

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

NYU IHIF: From RevPAR to TRevPAR: Gauging What Really Drives Hotel Growth

6/6/2025
Hospitality is shifting—and Joseph Bojanowski, President of PM Hotel Group, joined hashtag#NoVacancyNews during the NYU IHIF to gauge what’s really happening in the hashtag#hotelindustry right now. ✔️ Tired of mixed signals from headlines? This episode brings clarity on: *Why focusing on actual trends over trending topics is essential for strategic planning *What PM Hotel Group is seeing with real-time travel demand and consumer behavior *How seasonality shifts and timing affected hotel comp sets in 2025 *Strong ADR growth trends despite softening fundamentals *Firsthand insights from the opening of Evo Tahoe City—where experience-driven travel is thriving *Why the hospitality economy might be untethered from the broader U.S. economy What it all means for investors, operators, and leaders looking to make their next big move 📈 It’s a sharp, real-world look at how to lead in uncertain times.

Duration:00:05:07