Hospitality Daily Podcast

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 conversation offers practical insights for navigating today’s market and sustaining the business performance that makes great hospitality possible. 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 If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this episode, STR President Amanda Hite shares the latest forecast for the hotel industry on August 7, 2025.  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 If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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-changing hospitality market.  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 If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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 rooms—while creating memorable moments that drive guest loyalty. Saar also shares what he’s learned about building partnerships with creative hoteliers, the traits that make them open to new ideas, and why starting small often leads to the biggest wins.If you want to delight your youngest guests, strengthen family loyalty, and spark more creativity in your operations, this conversation will give you ideas you can put to work today.Links:The Global Kids Hospitality ReportRecent photo posts from Saar on LinkedIn 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 If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

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. 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 If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

David Tart, Managing Partner at Raines, discusses how visibility shapes the culture at his hospitality company. He shares the importance of intentional leadership in fostering a close-knit environment, especially during growth and acquisitions like HP Hotels. Tart emphasizes the role of internal events and cross-training in creating career opportunities and a unified team culture. He also explores diverse career paths within hospitality and the vital connections that enhance both team and guest experiences.

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, start here. You can send me a message here with questions, comments, or guest suggestions If you want to get my summary and actionable insights from each episode delivered to your inbox each day, subscribe here for free. Follow Hospitality Daily and join the conversation on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you want to advertise on Hospitality Daily, here are the ways we can work together. If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve! Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands

In this engaging discussion, Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, dives deep into their remarkable success in achieving 100% direct bookings without OTAs. He shares innovative strategies for organic growth and creative social media use, emphasizing the importance of building a brand that resonates with guests. Alongside guest experience correspondent Danica Smith, they explore the challenges of nurturing personal connections in a tech-driven world and how digital detox can enhance guest experiences. This is a must-listen for anyone in hospitality!

Hector Hughes, co-founder of Unplugged, transforms wellness travel by offering immersive digital detox experiences in nature. He discusses how typical digital detox options fail to engage guests and what makes Unplugged unique. Danica Smith, guest experience correspondent, probes into Hector's journey through a silent retreat in the Himalayas, highlighting the significance of disconnecting from technology. Together, they delve into the deeper commitment needed to truly embrace digital detox in hospitality, fostering genuine connections and community.

Chris Gilbert, CEO of Springfield Township in Ohio and founder of Municipal Hospitality Advisors, shares his visionary approach to blending hospitality with local government. He reveals how turning transactional leadership into meaningful experiences fosters a people-focused culture. Listeners will discover the power of empathy and interpersonal connections in public service. Chris discusses strategic hiring, innovative onboarding programs, and how small acts of kindness can transform citizen experiences, ultimately enhancing community trust and engagement.