Hospitality Daily Podcast

Danica Smith, Founder of MorningStar GX and a leading voice in guest experience technology, shares her expertise on transforming hospitality. She discusses the future of hotel guest reviews in a personalized booking process and how influencer culture shapes reputation. The session highlights 'micro feedback' as key for guest interactions while addressing the balance of data gathering with personal touchpoints. Danica also touches on innovative loyalty programs and emerging travel trends, such as sleep retreats, reshaping memorable hotel experiences.

In this discussion, Danica Smith, Founder of MorningStar GX, shares her expertise in using technology to enhance guest experiences in hospitality. She emphasizes guest satisfaction as the key goal in tech adoption. Simplicity is crucial—foundational services should be prioritized before advanced solutions. Danica highlights the importance of strong partnerships with tech providers and the need for transparency. She also offers practical tips on evaluating tech partners and navigating integration challenges.

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 expectations.How to effectively use guest data to empower hotel teams and improve operations.The importance of a strong management response strategy to guest reviews.Examples of creative solutions to common operational challenges in hotels. 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, 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 service and improve guest interactions.Examples of unique services and amenities enabled by technology.The importance of flexibility and adaptability in meeting guest preferences.Insights into the future of hospitality and the role of technology in shaping guest experiences.You might also enjoy: This Hotelier is Next to Google, Sees The Future, and Shares What He’s Doing About It (Dipesh Gupta, Shashi Group) 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, 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 exclusive access and simple joys are critical to exceptional hospitality.The rise of the sophisticated traveler and how their expectations are reshaping the industry.How cultural elements and storytelling within hotels can elevate the guest experience.Practical examples of how hotels are integrating art, history, and local culture into their offerings.The role of technology in creating immersive, culturally rich experiences for hotel guests.How focusing on small, thoughtful touches can differentiate a hotel and build guest loyalty.Download the report: Beyond the Suite - Cultural and Market Trends in European 5-Star Hotels 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, 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 experiences.The importance of meeting people where they are with accessible and family-friendly activities.Lessons hospitality leaders can apply to create one-of-a-kind guest experiences.Resources:Mike Bennett ArtFollow Mike on Instagram at @MikeBennettArtLearn more about Wonderwood SpringsWatch a video about Wonderwood 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, 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 and cold immersion with music and breathwork.The potential of creating natural, immersive experiences within urban settings.In this conversation, Eric and I also talk about Apple, Da Vinci, Elon Musk, Othership, Onsens (Japanese hot spring), Aman and Six Senses, 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, 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 of wellness in modern hospitality.How hotels can create meaningful experiences and build a sense of community.The impact of social media on the perception of status and self-worth.The significance of understanding your target consumer in the hospitality industry. 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, 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 experience at a wellness concept in Toronto that combined elements of a beach club with traditional wellness activities.The potential for creating hospitality experiences that leave guests feeling healthier and more connected.In this episode, Eric mentions:Stealing Fire (book)Burning Man (festival)Othership (wellness concept)Barry's Bootcamp (gym) 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, 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 evolving definition of wellness in the context of modern hospitality.In this conversation, Eric and I also talk about Claus Sendlinger at Design Hotels, Future Labs, the Independent Lodging Congress, SoulCycle, and Barry's Bootcamp. 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