The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran

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. HACE 2 DÍAS

    #225: Hotel Membership vs. Franchise Models | with Fredrick Schoener

    What happens when a lifelong hotelier challenges the traditional franchise model — and discovers a better way to grow brands, revenue, and guest loyalty? In today's episode, David and Steve sit down with Fredrick Schoener, Brand Director at Silverstone Inns and a lifetime hotelier known for his innovative approach to the hotel business, franchise models, and revenue growth. Fredrick shares his incredible journey in hospitality — from front desk to owner, to brand director — and reveals why he believes membership-based hotel branding models will redefine the future of hospitality. Today, you'll learn about: How hotel owners can make money, even in tough marketsWhy most properties rely more on OTAs than they admitHow Gen Z will transform hotel ownership and brandingWhy thick franchise contracts hurt owners — and what to do insteadThe mindset needed to grow from entry-level employee to brand leader Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y7li-1ysP6g Links:Fredrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrick-schoener-cha-a5153517/SilverStone Inns: https://www.silverstoneinns.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/225 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.

    39 min
  2. HACE 4 DÍAS

    #224: Deep Dive on Hotel Investment & Growth Strategy | with Tiffany Donato

    In this episode, Steve and David sit down with Tiffany Donato, Chief Investment Officer at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, for a candid deep dive into hotel investments, portfolio strategy, and the art of turning underused spaces into revenue and memorable experiences. Tiffany shares lessons from Hyatt and beyond, why Marcus pairs long-term thinking with entrepreneurial experiments (think igloos, mocktails, and ski hills), and how co-investing, recapitalizations, and smart PIPs shape their expansion outside the Midwest. Plus: texting over email, AI for call handling, and why serving locals is a growth strategy. You’ll learn: The Marcus blueprint for expansion beyond the MidwestHow to underwrite labour, rate, and demand honestly (and still win)Practical activations that drive revenueWhy co-investing and long-term thinking beat quarter-to-quarter pressureSimple tech moves that delight guests and reduce frictionWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zYPYxG0AZJA Links:Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-leadbetter-donato-46b1027/ Marcus Hotels Management | Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants: https://www.marcushotels.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/224 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.

    57 min
  3. 23 OCT

    #223: Traditional SEO is OUT: How Hotels Can Get AI-Ready | Fredrik Sjoberg

    In today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Fredrik Sjoberg, the visionary CEO and founder of Maison — an AI-driven platform revolutionizing how hotels interact with guests and manage their digital presence.  Fredrik's story is extraordinary — from acting on national TV and earning a Ph.D. at Harvard to leading hotel chains and founding two hotel tech companies. He shares how his diverse background shaped his leadership style, why AI will redefine hospitality forever, and how Maison helps hotels tackle labor shortages, improve upsells, and become “agent-ready” in the AI era. What You’ll Learn: How AI is transforming the hospitality and travel industryWhy traditional SEO is dead (and how hotels should adapt)How conversational booking and AI agents will replace websitesThe importance of structured hotel data for discovery and direct bookingsThis episode is sponsored by Maison: https://www.maison.cx/ Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D1KdWNEIC78 Links:Fredrik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrik-sjoberg-6851174/ Maison: https://www.maison.cx/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/223 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.

    40 min
  4. 21 OCT

    #222: How Coffee Can Increase Revenue & Guest Experience | with Gage Johnston

    Ever wondered how a world-class coffee program can transform a boutique hotel’s guest experience and boost revenue?  In this episode, hosts David M. and Steve Carran sit down with Gage Johnston, Marketing Manager at Dalla Corte, to explore the art and science of coffee in hospitality.  Gage shares his incredible journey in the coffee industry—from barista roles in California to launching his own startup, leading coffee programs for 300+ baristas, and now shaping B2B coffee solutions with Dalla Corte. Discover insights on: How coffee programs elevate guest experiences in boutique and independent hotelsCommon mistakes hotels make when implementing coffee programsThe role of automation and technology in modern coffee operationsTrends to watch in 2026, including hyper-personalization and premium experiencesTips for designing convenient, innovative, and guest-focused coffee programsIf you’re in hospitality, hotel management, or F&B, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to create memorable guest experiences and boost on-premises revenue. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nxS-CPw7a7Y Links:Gage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gage-johnston-b59086229/ Dalla Corte: https://dallacorte.com/usa/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/222 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.

    30 min
  5. 16 OCT

    #221: Smart Hospitality Integrations that Improve the Guest Experience | with Will Gilbert

    On today's episode, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, at the company’s Training and Testing Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bodhi is transforming hospitality technology with a manufacturer-agnostic platform that unifies every system in a hotel—from door locks and lighting to PMS, POS, and housekeeping—into one seamless interface. Will shares how Bodhi is solving one of the biggest challenges in the industry: fragmented hotel technology. Discover how their platform ensures 100% guest satisfaction through real-time system monitoring, predictive maintenance, and their suite of AI tools — including GuestGPT, Super Agent, and BodhiGPT — that proactively enhance both guest experience and hotel operations. From building a state-of-the-art testing lab to expanding into multifamily, office, and healthcare sectors, Will gives us an inside look at Bodhi’s mission to redefine the way spaces connect and communicate. Tune in to learn: How Bodhi integrates all hotel systems into one “single pane of glass.”The role of AI in creating smarter, more responsive guest experiences.How Bodhi’s testing lab ensures reliability and innovation across global installations.The company’s vision to extend hospitality beyond hotels into multifamily and healthcare environments.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/85Tti4IPHA8 Links: Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-gilbert-0348586/Bodhi: https://www.gobodhi.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/221 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.

    10 min
  6. 14 OCT

    #220: Leading Red Roof: Insights from the Best Budget Hotel Brand | with Zack Gharib

    In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Zack Gharib, the President of Red Roof, to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of hospitality. Zack shares his incredible journey — from growing up in Lebanon and discovering his passion for hotels, to leading one of America’s most recognized hospitality brands. Learn how Red Roof is embracing AI-driven technology, enhancing the guest experience, and building a culture of genuine relationships and real results. Discover what it takes to thrive in hotel management, lead through change, and balance guest satisfaction with franchisee success. Zack also opens up about his leadership lessons from Mr. Marriott, his transition from Marriott and La Quinta to Red Roof, and why relationships and culture remain at the heart of hospitality. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Red Roof is using AI and Hotel IQ to optimize pricing and revenue managementThe importance of team culture, leadership, and franchise relationshipsHow technology is transforming the guest experience in 2025 and beyondInsights into Red Roof’s new mobile app, loyalty program, and guest analytics initiativesWhy authentic leadership and passion are key to long-term success in hospitalityWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V8hnpGv2IIA Links: Zack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-gharib/Red Roof: https://www.redroof.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/220 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.

    41 min
  7. 10 OCT

    #219: US Government Shutdown, Holiday Travel, Visa Law and more | with Anthony Melchiorri

    In this episode of Hospitality Hot Topics, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by the legendary Anthony Melchiorri to break down what’s been happening in the hospitality world throughout September. From ongoing labor shortages and AI’s role in hotel operations, to the impact of the government shutdown on travel, visa challenges for international tourism, and skyrocketing holiday travel costs, the trio dives deep into the realities—and opportunities—facing hoteliers today. Anthony shares his trademark candid takes on industry trends, training, and technology, plus some entertaining insights on everything from Delta’s YouTube partnership to the origin of resort fees (hint: he had something to do with it!). Topics Covered: Why labor shortages might never go away—and how AI can actually helpThe effect of government shutdowns on travel and tourismRising holiday travel costs and the AI-driven pricing challengeHow airlines and hotels can better embrace technologyFun behind-the-scenes stories from Anthony’s 40-year hospitality careerWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4_xZWfZz36A Links: Labor Issues are hotels top challengeUS Government Shutdown Affects US Travel (Another article)Visa Law is a new hurdle for tourists and business travelersHoliday Travel TrendsDelta Partners with YouTubeWhat is new with Anthony Melchiorri For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/219 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.

    22 min
  8. 7 OCT

    #218: Getting Guest-Facing Technology Right in Hotels | with Robert Grosz

    In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Robert Grosz, President & COO of WorldVue, a nearly 50-year leader in hospitality technology solutions. Bob shares his journey from the Midwest to the forefront of real estate and tech, and how culture, quick decision-making, and loyalty have shaped his leadership style. We dive into: Why “culture eats strategy for breakfast” and how karaoke helped build stronger teams The evolution of WorldVue from looping movies on VHS to delivering cutting-edge cloud-based guest experiencesHow mobile technology and personalization are transforming hospitalityWhy technology should be part of hotel design conversations from day oneRobert's insights highlight not only where hospitality tech is today, but also where it’s headed. This is a fun, thoughtful conversation packed with leadership lessons, industry trends, and a few Neil Diamond references. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/14OVBJ8FHro This episode is sponsored by WorldVue — https://www.worldvue.com/ Links: Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-g-9806552/ WorldVue: https://www.worldvue.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/218 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.

    39 min
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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.

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