The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran
  • 4.9 (44)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

  1. 5h ago

    #283: What We've Learned from Hoteliers So Far in 2026

    In this special highlight episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran take a look back at the first half of the year, revisiting standout moments from over 40 conversations with leading voices in hospitality. Across these curated clips, hoteliers, developers, and industry leaders share what it really takes to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving hospitality landscape—from building authentic guest experiences and strong team cultures to rethinking branding, revenue strategy, and the future of hotel development. Guests explore key themes including the importance of curiosity, staying authentic in design and operations, empowering teams as the true “secret sauce” of hospitality, and how technology, data, and shifting traveler expectations are reshaping the industry. Featuring insights from leaders across boutique hotels, global brands, luxury operators, and innovative developers, this episode offers a powerful snapshot of where hospitality is headed—and what continues to stay timeless: people, purpose, and experience. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why genuine success in hospitality starts with a simple but powerful principle: truly liking and prioritizing people  How curiosity, alignment, and shared goals across teams create stronger hotel cultures and better performance  Why authenticity—not checklists or trends—is the foundation of memorable hotel experiences and strong brands  The key strategies for legacy properties to evolve with changing guest expectations without losing their identity  How mindset, attitude, and culture directly impact long-term success in hospitality organizations  Why experience-led pricing strategies can sometimes outperform short-term revenue maximization Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cb1YFk2a_Sk Links:Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-pohl-8214205/WorldHotels and International Operations for BWH Hotels: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US.html Alpha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alpha-midiaou-barry-42a6b014/Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sandy-courtyard-san-diego-downtown-little-italy/overview/ Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-steward-7b829a23/Caravan Outpost: https://caravanoutpostojai.com/ Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-harmon-2184851/Auberge Resorts: https://auberge.com/ aka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aka/posts/?feedView=allaka: https://www.stayaka.com/ Kristie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiegoshowLoews Hotels & Co.: https://www.loewshotels.com/ Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskanderson/Cornell University: https://www.cornell.edu/ Dr. Sharmin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmindharas/Hotel ZAZZ: https://www.hotelzazz.com/ Bashar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/ Intersection Development: https://intersectiondev.com/Atari Hotels: https://invest.atarihotels.com/ Roman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-pedan/Kasa: https://kasa.com/ Dondra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondra-ritzenthaler-a09158406/Azamara Cruises: https://www.azamara.com/home Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-a-581b02183/Ashburton Hospitality: https://www.ashburtonhospitality.com/ Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-luersen-20839113/Coral Tree Hospitality: https://www.coraltreehospitality.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/283 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    31 min

  2. 2d ago

    #282: Uber Partners with Expedia, Spirit Shuts Down, Hotels Prepare for AI | Hot Topics with Tom Luersen

    What should hoteliers be doing right now to stay ahead of these rapid changes?  In this episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Tom Luersen, President of CoralTree Hospitality, for a fast-paced breakdown of the biggest hospitality and travel industry developments from May. The conversation dives into major shifts in the tech and distribution landscape, including new partnerships like Uber with Expedia and Mews, Airbnb expanding into hotels and car rentals, and the rise of TikTok as a hotel booking channel. The panel explores what these changes mean for hotels, direct bookings, and the future of distribution strategy. In this episode, you’ll discover:  What growing tech consolidation means for hotels, pricing power, and direct bookings  Why the collapse of Spirit Airlines signals deeper trends in airline consolidation and pricing pressure  How rising travel costs are influencing consumer behavior—but not stopping summer travel plans  Why experience-driven travel continues to dominate consumer priorities across generationsThis episode is a must-listen for hospitality leaders looking to understand where travel, technology, and consumer behavior are heading next—and how to stay ahead in an increasingly connected and competitive landscape. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c9CqYWcsMRQ Links:Consumer Tech Partners with Travel & HospitalitySpirit Airlines Ceases OperationsAmericans are Cutting Costs, but Not Their Travel PlansHotel Execs Prepare for AI to Change the Booking Journey What is New at CoralTree For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/282 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    26 min

  3. May 28

    #281: How to Turn Your Data into Hospitality Magic | with Josh & Dana Ellis

    How are luxury hotels currently underutilizing guest data, and what opportunities are they missing?  In this episode, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Josh and Dana Ellis, co-founders of Abra, to explore how AI-powered personalization is transforming the guest experience in hospitality. From luxury hotels in New York City and Maui to building one of hospitality’s most exciting AI startups, Josh and Dana share the story behind Abra and why they believe personalization is the future of guest loyalty. Dana brings firsthand experience from iconic luxury properties including Four Seasons, Peninsula Hotels, and Relais & Châteaux, while Josh combines expertise in AI, consulting, and mindfulness to help hotels unlock the power of guest data. The conversation dives deep into: How hotels can deliver true personalized service at scaleWhy guest data is still one of hospitality’s biggest challengesHow team members—from housekeepers to bartenders—play a critical role in personalizationWhy AI should empower hospitality teams, not replace human connectionThe importance of creating memorable experiences that drive lifelong guest loyaltyJosh and Dana also share behind-the-scenes insights into building Abra inside a live hotel operation, preparing for the HITEC E20X startup pitch competition, and how hotels can create “hospitality magic” through better data and smarter technology. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7UfjHnd4LwQ This episode is sponsored by Abra Hospitality Links:Dana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danasjaffe/Josh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ellis1126/Abra Hospitality: https://abrahospitality.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/281 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    54 min

  4. May 26

    #280: NYU Incubator Winner: Clairdoc - Agentic Billing | with Bakhtawer Baloch

    In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with 2026 NYU SPS Incubator winner and founder of Clairdoc, Bakhtawer Baloch, for a wide-ranging conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience, and building scalable AI solutions in complex industries. From her early entrepreneurial spark selling stickers as a child in Pakistan to studying and building companies in New York, Bakhtawer shares how her journey across consulting, tech, and startups led her to identify a major inefficiency in healthcare billing: insurance claim denials. That insight became the foundation of Clairdoc, an AI-driven platform aimed at reducing administrative friction and improving revenue outcomes for clinics. In this episode, you’ll learn about:  How Bakhtawer Baloch went from selling stickers as a child in Pakistan to building a tech startup in New York  The inspiration behind Clairdoc and the problem it solves in healthcare billing and insurance claim denials  Winning the 2026 NYU SPS Incubator and how mentorship shaped her pitch and growth strategy  Why she transitioned from service-based businesses to scalable AI product development  What’s next for Clairdoc as it expands across healthcare systems and specialtiesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/luuWSO8DfJ8 Links:Bakhtawer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakhtawerbaloch/ Clairdoc: https://www.clairdoc.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/280 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    14 min

  5. May 21

    #279: Increasing Hotel Profitability: Inside Asset Management | with Carmen Almos

    In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Carmen Almos, Founder & CEO of Ashburton Hospitality, for a powerful conversation about resilience, entrepreneurship, and the evolving world of hotel ownership and asset management. Carmen shares her remarkable journey—from growing up in South Africa and moving to Tennessee as a teenager, to discovering her passion for hospitality through her family's motel business. She opens up about lessons learned from navigating cultural transitions, surviving the 2008 financial crisis, and finding her way from finance and law aspirations into hotel ownership and asset management. The conversation dives into: What hotel asset managers actually do—and why ownership is one of hospitality’s most influential seatsWhy should hotels use creative strategies to drive revenue and improve guest experiences? The growing tension between hotel owners, operators, and brandsHow AI’s impact on hotel operations and the future of hospitalityPlus, Carmen shares stories about her family's American dream, her father’s motel turnaround strategy, and why she believes self-advocacy is essential for success. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iDOFWvqSQvY Links:Carmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-a-581b02183/Ashburton Hospitality: https://www.ashburtonhospitality.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/279 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    43 min

  6. May 19

    #278: Exploring the World of Boutique Cruises | with Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler

    How does someone go from taking their very first flight after college to becoming the CEO of a world-renowned cruise brand? In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dondra Ritzenthaler, CEO of Azamara Cruises and recent recipient of the prestigious 2026 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award. From growing up in a small Texas town to becoming one of the most influential leaders in the cruise industry, Dondra shares her inspiring journey, leadership lessons, and passion for hospitality. The conversation starts with a fun lightning round where Dondra reveals her love for football, scuba diving, and even a bucket-list dream of swimming with sharks in Australia. Then, the discussion dives deeper into her career path—from becoming a flight attendant after her very first plane ride to rising through sales and marketing leadership roles before ultimately leading Azamara Cruises. Dondra shares insights into the power of teamwork, why travel advisors are vital to the cruise experience, and what drew her out of retirement to take the helm at Azamara. She also explains how Azamara’s boutique-style cruise experience differs from mega ships, offering destination immersion, longer stays, and authentic cultural experiences around the world. The episode also explores evolving travel trends, the future of cruising, and Dondra’s advice for aspiring leaders—especially women—on embracing bravery over perfection and surrounding yourself with people who elevate your strengths. In this episode, you'll learn:  How Dondra’s small-town upbringing shaped her leadership style  The value of teamwork and lifelong learning  What makes Azamara Cruises different from larger cruise lines  Why authenticity and culture are at the heart of memorable guest experiences A fun, insightful conversation filled with leadership wisdom, travel inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look into the world of luxury cruising. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TvkEzc3cbdM Links:Dondra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dondra-ritzenthaler-a09158406/Azamara Cruises: https://www.azamara.com/home For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/278 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    31 min

  7. May 14

    #277: Why (And How) This CEO Teaches Housekeepers to Read a P&L | Azim Saju & Josiah Mackenzie

    In this special collaborative episode of The Modern Hotelier, recorded at the Hunter Conference with Josiah McKenzie of Hospitality Daily, we share a compelling conversation with Azim Saju, CEO of ARK Holdings. Azim discusses his multi-faceted role in hospitality—from hotel ownership and third-party management to development, acquisitions, and renovations—and unpacks how culture, financial literacy, and technology are reshaping modern hotel operations. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How ARK Holdings operates across management, acquisitions, development, and renovations  Why increasing financial literacy among frontline staff (including housekeepers and breakfast attendants) directly impacts hotel performance and valuation  How teaching team members, the “life cycle of a hotel” improves both business outcomes and personal financial well-being  The critical role of forecasting and labor modeling in driving profitability and long-term asset value  How culture and growth reinforce each other as a competitive advantage at ARK This episode highlights a powerful shift in hospitality: moving from pure cost optimization toward education, empowerment, and long-term value creation. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qrF6xn9XJIA Links:Azim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azimsaju/ ARK Holdings: http://arkhospitality.com/ Josiah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahmackenzie/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/277 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    11 min

  8. May 12

    #276: Building a Tech-Forward Hotel Brand | with Roman Pedan of Kasa

    In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Roman Pedan, the founder and CEO of Kasa, to discuss the future of hospitality, the role of AI in hotel operations, and how technology is reshaping the guest experience. Roman shares his journey from immigrating to the United States from Ukraine to studying at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University, before building one of the hospitality industry’s most innovative tech-enabled brands. He dives into the inspiration behind Kasa, lessons learned from private equity at KKR and Walton Street Capital, and why he believes hospitality operators need tighter integration between technology and operations. The conversation explores: How AI is transforming hospitality operations and guest communicationThe future of apartment hotels and flexible real estateWhy traditional hotel tech stacks are brokenThe importance of balancing automation with human hospitalityKasa’s acquisition of Mint House and the company’s rapid growthIf you're interested in hospitality innovation, hotel operations, real estate, or the future of travel technology, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n-j4XSvUyLA Links:Roman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-pedan/Kasa: https://kasa.com/   For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/276 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-.. Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page Connect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

    51 min
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4.9
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About

Each episode we discuss industry trends, talk about new technologies, and speak to industry experts. All so that you, The Modern Hotelier, can succeed in a new age of hospitality.

Information

  • Creator
    David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    284
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Show Website
    The Modern Hotelier

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