Behind the Stays

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a hotel, this episode is for you. Edwin Kramer, a global luxury hospitality expert with three decades of experience at brands like EDITION, Nobu, and Four Seasons, joins us to discuss the evolving definition of luxury, the art of hospitality, and why more people should own hotels. Known for his mantra “Life is short—own a hotel,” Edwin now helps entrepreneurs and investors develop, launch, and scale boutique hospitality ventures through his consultancy, Kramer Hospitality. In this episode, we explore: - Why hospitality is attracting more entrepreneurs than ever - The future of luxury: experience-driven, personalized, and community-focused -  Lessons from working with Ian Schrager, Marriott, and Nobu - The biggest mistakes first-time hotel owners make - Where the market is ripe for disruption—from boutique concepts to membership-driven hospitality - Why the best hotels feel like a return, not just a stay Edwin also shares insider strategies for securing investment, spotting the next great hotel opportunity, and avoiding costly pitfalls when developing a hospitality brand. Whether you’re building a micro-resort, reimagining a historic inn, or simply passionate about the art of world-class hospitality, this episode is packed with game-changing insights from a true industry master. Connect with Edwin on LinkedIn Learn more about Kramer Hospitality 

What happens when you pour your heart and soul into reviving a historic inn, transform it into the #1 Bed & Breakfast in America, and then decide to walk away? In this episode, Marco DiDomizio, co-owner of the Candleberry Inn, shares his incredible journey — from leaving a succesful corporate careers in New York City to restoring a hidden gem on Cape Cod into a TripAdvisor and Travel + Leisure award-winning destination. Marco takes us behind the scenes of how he and his partner, Angelo, spotted potential in an underperforming property, strategically elevated every guest touchpoint, and mastered the art of personalized hospitality—leading to record-breaking rates, loyal repeat guests, and international recognition. We also dive deep into: - How to spot an asset with untapped potential in hospitality - The key upgrades that drive real revenue growth - Why small details — like knowing the bartender’s name — matter more than ever - The psychological shift from innkeeper to seller and why timing the exit is crucial - Marco’s next chapter: Helping future innkeepers find, buy, and scale their dream properties If you're thinking about investing in boutique hotels, reimagining historic properties, or simply love the magic of high-touch hospitality, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and real-world lessons from someone who built—and exited—a legendary inn at the peak of its success. Connect with Marco on LinkedIn Learn more about Inn Advisors Discover Candleberry Inn   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

What does it take to scale a thriving hospitality business from scratch—and do it at lightning speed? Today, we sit down with Patryk Swietek, founder of The Co-Host Company, a rising star in the short-term rental space who’s proving that the smartest way to grow isn’t always from the ground up—it’s by acquiring, optimizing, and redefining what great hospitality looks like. Patryk’s journey is anything but ordinary. From shoveling snow in Chicago as a kid to building a gaming server business at 14, he was wired for entrepreneurship. But after working under industry titans at AvantStay, navigating layoffs during COVID, and hitting rock bottom, he made a decision: No more playing by someone else’s rules. Now, he’s leading The Co-Host Company, managing over 100 high-end properties, and proving that with the right strategy, short-term rentals aren’t just a side hustle — they’re a serious, scalable business. We’ll dive into how he leveraged acquisitions to scale quickly, his philosophy on storytelling through hospitality, and why the best listings aren’t just booked—they’re designed to sell an experience. Plus, we’ll talk about the future of STRs, why most Airbnb ‘gurus’ have disappeared, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.  

Some people enter hospitality by accident. Others are born into it—raised at tables where the meal was just the beginning of the experience. For Bobby Quintal, hospitality isn’t just a career —  it’s a lifelong passion shaped by growing up in New Orleans, one of the most culturally rich and culinary-driven cities in the world. From his early days working in restaurants to leading development for Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, one of the most highly regarded restaurant groups in the world, Bobby has spent his career crafting memorable spaces that blend food, design, and storytelling. Now, as a partner at Sandstone Hospitality, Bobby is helping redefine boutique hotels—breathing new life into historic properties like The Columns, building brand-new destinations like Hotel Henrietta, and weaving F&B-forward hospitality into every project. In this episode, we dive into: How growing up in New Orleans shaped Bobby’s view on hospitality Lessons from working with Danny Meyer & Union Square Hospitality Group and how legendary brands like Shake Shack built an empire by prioritizing emotion over transactions. Reinventing The Columns Hotel—how Bobby and his team transformed a fading New Orleans institution into a must-visit experience  The delicate art of new builds vs. historic renovations—why the best designers listen to the story a space already wants to tell instead of forcing a narrative onto it. How Sandstone weaves F&B into every project The role of subtle branding in hospitality —why a small oyster bar named "Fives" has an unexpected connection to a historic tobacco magnate, and how a pink espresso machine at Hotel Henrietta tells its own story. Why smaller cities with soul are the next frontier for experiential hotels. And so much more Connect with Bobby Learn more about Sandstone Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.  

Wolf Worster, founder of Sirreti, curates exclusive luxury experiences for high-net-worth travelers. He discusses the shift toward unique, experiential stays among younger billionaires, contrasting with traditional luxury. Wolf emphasizes the growing importance of privacy and storytelling in ultra-luxury accommodations. He shares insights about the complexities of managing elite properties and influences post-pandemic travel trends. With a focus on curated bookings, he reveals challenges in meeting the evolving expectations of an affluent clientele.

Meet Ian Joseph — real estate investor turned hospitality entrepreneur — who is on a mission to bring a new kind of micro-resort experience to life.  What started as a simple desire to buy a vacation home led him to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, a historic spa town with deep hospitality roots. Now, Ian is in the early stages of launching Branch, an experiential micro-resort designed to blend striking architecture, immersive nature experiences, and strong community connections. Branch hasn’t broken ground yet, but Ian is deep in the trenches — securing financing, finalizing design plans, and laying the foundation for what he hopes will be the first of many unique stays. Inspired by brands like Live Oak Lake, he’s determined to build a hospitality concept that goes beyond beautiful accommodations and taps into the story, history, and culture of its location. In this episode, we dive into: Why Ian chose Berkeley Springs, West Virginia and what makes it a hidden gem ready for a hospitality revival. The rise of micro-resorts and why entrepreneurs without traditional hotel backgrounds are leading the way. How Ian is designing Branch to integrate with the local community — partnering with restaurants, chefs, and wellness providers instead of competing with them with onsite offerings. How he’s designing unexpected, locally inspired experiences for guests — like moonshine tastings, fruit wine flights, and hyper-local food collaborations. What he’s learned about raising capital for a hospitality development — including securing debt financing and finding the right equity partners. His long-term vision for Branch and why he believes the best hospitality brands will be built around story-driven destinations. And so much more Follow Branch on Instagram  Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet John Rutledge, founder of Oxford Capital Group and creator of the Godfrey Hotels—an innovative collection of boutique properties that blend upscale luxury with a social, lifestyle-driven experience. With a unique vantage point in both the world of branded chain hotels and independent boutique properties, John’s insights are invaluable for understanding today’s rapidly changing hospitality landscape. In this episode, John discusses: The modern luxury traveler: How today’s travelers are moving beyond materialism to prioritize meaningful experiences, deeper connections, and a balanced lifestyle. The rise of boutique hotels: Why smaller, independent properties are thriving alongside global hotel chains, and how John manages both worlds, creating powerful, in-house hotel brands while working with big-name affiliations like Hilton and Marriott. The Godfrey journey: From acquiring a distressed property to creating a luxury lifestyle brand that resonates with today’s social, experience-driven traveler. Balancing chains and independence: How John navigates the complexities of managing both branded hotels and independent brands, offering a rare perspective on the strengths and challenges of each. OTAs and direct bookings: How the shift toward direct bookings is reshaping the hospitality industry, providing independent hotels with more control over their guest relationships and profitability. The future of luxury: John shares his predictions for the next decade, including the continued growth of experiential travel, lifestyle hotels, and the rise of "bleisure" travel. John’s dual experience of owning and operating both chain-affiliated and independent properties makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of hospitality, boutique hotel branding, and entrepreneurial success. His rare perspective provides a roadmap for navigating the evolving demands of today’s luxury travelers and shaping the next wave of hotel innovation. Learn more about Oxford Capital Discover The Godfrey Connect with John Rutledge Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Meet Morgan Brown, the force behind new portfolio additions at Inspirato, the premier luxury travel membership that unlocks access to some of the world’s most exclusive homes, hotels, and experiences. Inspirato isn’t just about five-star stays—it’s about curating seamless, high-touch, high-design travel for discerning members who expect the extraordinary. But what exactly do today’s luxury travelers want? And how is the concept of loyalty evolving in an era of shifting preferences? In this episode, we explore: Who the modern luxury traveler really is—and how their desires are changing The future of travel memberships and why exclusivity matters more than ever How Inspirato curates its portfolio of 400+ properties—what makes the cut, and what doesn’t Why business travelers are choosing boutique stays over traditional hotels Hot takes on where luxury hospitality is headed next—from personalization to the rise of “bleisure” travel Morgan offers rare insights into the minds of today’s high-net-worth traveler, revealing what they crave, what keeps them loyal, and where the industry is headed next. If you’re fascinated by the future of curated travel experiences, this episode is a must-listen. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.  

Meet Brian Linton—entrepreneur, brand builder, and now a rising force in boutique hospitality. From founding the sustainable apparel company United by Blue to transforming rundown motels into sought-after boutique stays, Brian has mastered the art of brand storytelling and customer experience. His hospitality journey started unexpectedly in 2020 when he and his wife purchased a neglected roadside motel in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. What began as a pandemic side project became The Rex, a high-design boutique retreat that quickly gained a cult following. From there, Brian expanded into new ventures—including Ferncrest, a glamping brand that’s pioneering a fresh approach to hospitality franchising. In this episode, we dive into: How Brian went from selling jewelry out of his car to building a $20M apparel brand The unexpected pivot that led him from fashion to hospitality Why boutique motels and glamping are booming—and how social media plays a massive role The business of experience-driven stays: balancing high design with low-touch operations The future of Ferncrest and why he believes the glamping space is ripe for franchising Lessons from scaling a brand in multiple industries—what works, what doesn’t, and what he’d do differently Brian is redefining what it means to build a hospitality brand in the modern era—where content, community, and commerce intersect. If you’re fascinated by the future of boutique hotels, unique stays, and experiential travel, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Follow Brian on Instagram Connect with Brian on LinkedIn Learn more about Ferncrest   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Sean Breuner and Reuben Doetsch saw an opportunity to transform the short-term rental space long before the industry exploded. In 2017, they set out to build AvantStay, a brand that blends the best of boutique hospitality with the freedom of private homes. Their approach is anything but casual. Every property is meticulously designed, every experience carefully curated. While others rushed into the space during the pandemic, Sean and Reuben were already scaling with precision, setting a new standard for high-end vacation rentals. In this episode, we explore: Why most vacation rental brands fail to scale—and how AvantStay cracked the code The secrets to making a vacation rental feel like a five-star hotel How they built a brand guests actively seek out—not just one that fills OTA listings What today’s luxury traveler really wants—and why it’s more than just a beautiful home Why competitors pouring millions into the space are still struggling to gain traction The future of hospitality: personalization, premium experiences, and the next big shift Sean and Reuben are building more than just a portfolio of stunning homes—they’re redefining what hospitality looks like in the short-term rental space. If you’re interested in the future of luxury travel, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. Learn more about AvantStay Connect with Sean and Reuben on LinkedIn. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.