Behind Every Booking

Radka Telyckova

Are you a hotelier striving to transform your business and achieve greater success? Do you want to maximize profitability, reduce costs, and create exceptional guest experiences while building a business you’re proud of? This podcast is for hoteliers like you. Hosted by Radka Telyckova, a passionate hospitality expert who works with heart and soul, each episode delivers strategies, insights, and advice to help you drive direct bookings, optimize revenue, and unlock your profitability potential. No fluff — just tools and inspiration to succeed. Subscribe now and elevate your hotel!

  1. 10/05/2025

    18. Turn One Room into a Money-Making Machine

    How to charge premium room rates without a full hotel renovation? Boost your room revenue in weeks, not years — with just one intentionally different room, using my “Minimum Viable Wow Room” concept and a proven six-step blueprint. In this episode of Behind Every Booking, I share exactly how to design a “Wow Room” that transforms your hotel’s positioning and proves guests will happily pay more. Here’s what we cover: How one or two standout rooms can instantly shift the way your hotel is perceived. The “Minimum Viable Wow Room” approach and six strategic steps — from defining an emotional promise to setting confident pricing. Why accountability and data validation give you the courage to scale. Through real client stories, including Pedro’s château-style property that became a flagship experience, you’ll see how a single exceptional room can lift ADR, attract direct bookings, and spark unforgettable guest reviews.  Perfect for independent and mid-sized hoteliers looking for a low-risk strategy to grow revenue sustainably. You can join me in my mentoring programme Inevitable Hotel Success to put this into practice. https://radkatelyckova.com/work-with-me/inevitable-hotel-success/ Find me on: http://behindeverybooking.com/ Free Resource: Radka's Inevitable Hotel Success Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://radkatelyckova.com/#free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected:  instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radkatelyckova.hotelrevenuestrategist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HotelSuccessWithRadka/shorts⁠

    30 min
  2. 09/02/2025

    17. From BAR to Open Pricing: Unlocking Hotel Revenue with Simulation & Strategy

    In this episode of Behind the Booking podcast, we welcomed again Nikolaos Tsitsoulis, co-founder of HotelLabs and hotel owner. Together, we explored: Why direct bookings are essential for profitability and how to balance OTA relationships.The creation of the Revenue Simulator – a practical tool for training hoteliers in dynamic pricing and open pricing.How simulation games help owners, GMs, and revenue managers test strategies, understand competition, and learn from live scenarios.The shift from simplified BAR grids to open pricing as the key to unlocking hidden revenue potential.The future of revenue management with AI, automation, and data-driven tools enabling hoteliers to focus more on strategy than routine tasks.Nikos also shared how HotelLabs collaborates with organizations like the Greek Confederation of Hotels and why even experienced revenue managers benefit from this hands-on, interactive training. This conversation is a must-listen for hoteliers who want to sharpen their revenue strategies, embrace innovation, and prepare for the next era of hotel revenue management. Find me on: http://behindeverybooking.com/ Free Resource: Radka's Inevitable Hotel Success Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://radkatelyckova.com/#free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected:  instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radkatelyckova.hotelrevenuestrategist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HotelSuccessWithRadka/shorts⁠

    37 min
  3. 08/24/2025

    16. Direct Booking Success Story with Nikos Tsitsoulis: How Nikos Reached 70% Direct Bookings in his Greek Hotel

    In this episode of the Behind Every Booking podcast, Radka welcomed Nikos Tsitsoulis, co-founder of the Revenue Management System Hotel Labs and hotel owner in Greece. Together, we discussed: His journey from tech founder and revenue manager to hotelier with 70% direct bookings.Why repositioning and rebranding are crucial when acquiring and transforming a hotel.How precise pricing, smart segmentation, and revenue management tools shaped the success of his 25-room seaside property.The role of integrated digital marketing strategies versus fragmented outsourcing.Why focusing on direct traffic through OTAs, Google search, and website storytelling is more powerful than relying solely on metasearch.How collecting and leveraging guest data fuels remarketing and long-term loyalty.The importance of balancing OTA relationships while strengthening direct booking channels.Nikos also revealed his practical steps and insights on how small and medium-sized hotels can simplify revenue management and achieve profitable growth without heavy ad spending. This inspiring conversation is packed with strategies, lessons learned, and actionable tips for hoteliers who want to boost direct bookings and future-proof their business. Find me on: http://behindeverybooking.com/ Free Resource: Radka's Inevitable Hotel Success Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://radkatelyckova.com/#free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected:  instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radkatelyckova.hotelrevenuestrategist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HotelSuccessWithRadka/shorts⁠

    39 min
  4. 05/07/2025

    15. Progress Over Perfection: Why Small Wins Matter in Hospitality

    In this reflective solo episode of Behind Every Booking, Radka Telyčková opens up about a personal moment of growth—and why celebrating small wins is more important than ever in the hotel business. Radka shares the story of how her Czech podcast received a special jury award in the Corporate Podcast of the Year competition and what it taught her about progress over perfection. From production struggles to frozen camera moments, this episode is a candid look behind the scenes. You’ll hear: Why even small milestones deserve recognitionHow to turn setbacks into successWhat hotel teams gain when leaders celebrate progressWhy gratitude is the key to long-term motivationWhether you’ve just launched a new website, received a glowing review, or improved your revenue—even slightly—this episode is a powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and recognize your own journey. Because in hospitality, your success is inevitable—if you celebrate every step along the way. Find me on: http://behindeverybooking.com/ Free Resource: Radka's Inevitable Hotel Success Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://radkatelyckova.com/#free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected:  instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radkatelyckova.hotelrevenuestrategist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HotelSuccessWithRadka/shorts⁠

    11 min
  5. 04/30/2025

    14. Ready to Rethink Your Hotel Strategy? Listen Now.

    In this episode of Behind every booking, Radka shares highlights from a recent live group call in her Inevitable Hotel Success Program. These weekly sessions bring hoteliers together to tackle real-time challenges—from revenue management and marketing to guest reviews and operations. This time, the conversation covered: Why the Polish market is worth targeting—and how localization makes all the difference.What’s changing in the world of guest reviews and why TripAdvisor may no longer be your best bet.How to approach dynamic pricing for different room types—and avoid pricing mistakes that confuse your guests.Whether your minibar is helping or hurting your guest satisfaction (and how to rethink your strategy).Real examples of what’s working for hoteliers right now—from group bookings to guest communication.These group calls are where the real talk happens—where hotel problems meet real solutions. Want to be part of the conversation? Join Radka’s hotel community and never face your business challenges alone. Drop a comment and Radka will send you the Training for using dynamic pricing by all room type categories.Ep. 7 SEO & Optimalization:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4OOVuSG4geidNbsQbewkgf?si=VpQ9-UnSQpiSDEQ7xhZ9dQ Ep. 8 Minibar:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6X0Eyjhfp6uvNTCZU7IB3m?si=HuKidVASTHaAIwboZ47y-A Blogpost: https://radkatelyckova.com/2024/10/22/how-to-price-minibar-items-in-hotels-a-guide-for-hoteliers/ Find me on: http://behindeverybooking.com/ Free Resource: Radka's Inevitable Hotel Success Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://radkatelyckova.com/#free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected:  instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radkatelyckova.hotelrevenuestrategist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HotelSuccessWithRadka/shorts⁠

    19 min
  6. 04/23/2025

    13. How Much Are You Really Paying the OTAs?

    In this episode of the Behind Every Booking podcast, Radka shares a deeply personal and eye-opening story from her early days at the InterContinental Prague—and uses it to highlight one of the biggest challenges in hospitality today: overdependence on OTAs. Radka witnessed what happens when a hotel vanishes from a major booking platform. Two decades later, she’s helping hoteliers avoid the same trap—and protect their profits. You’ll learn: Why OTA commissions often exceed 25%—even when you think you're paying lessHow virtual credit cards and hidden fees quietly eat away at your marginsWhy guests who book via OTAs aren’t your guests—and how to change thatWhat direct booking incentives really work todayThe simple steps every hotelier can take to shift bookings from OTAs to their own website.  “Every OTA booking is a missed chance to build a relationship with your guest.” Whether you're new to revenue strategy or looking to finally break free from OTA dependency, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Want to know how much money you’re really losing to OTAs? Comment on the episode and Radka will send you her Rate Plan Profitability Template—free. http://behindeverybooking.com/ Free Resource: Radka's Inevitable Hotel Success Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://radkatelyckova.com/#free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected:  instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radkatelyckova.hotelrevenuestrategist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HotelSuccessWithRadka/shorts⁠

    9 min
  7. 04/16/2025

    12. Dynamic Pricing Secrets: Stop Underselling Your Hotel – Occupancy Is Lying to You

    In this episode, Radka dives into the art and science of dynamic pricing — and why 100% occupancy might actually be a sign you're leaving money on the table. Drawing from years of experience as one of the first revenue managers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, she shares actionable strategies to optimize your rates, boost revenue, and maintain brand value. Key Takeaways: Why hotels should adjust prices daily—and how to do it right.The power of owning your customer relationships to control pricing.How to balance high-end brand perception while offering lower rates.Why setting a minimum price protects both your revenue and guest quality.If you’re ready to rethink your pricing strategy and unlock new levels of profit, this episode is for you. Plus, check out Radka’s "Price Your Room Right" course for hands-on tools and templates.Price Your Room Right is part of the Inevitable Hotel Success Programme: https://radkatelyckova.com/work-with-me/inevitable-hotel-success/ What pricing challenges are you facing? Drop your questions! http://behindeverybooking.com/ Free Resource: Radka's Inevitable Hotel Success Community ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://radkatelyckova.com/#free⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stay connected:  instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/radkatelyckova/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/radkatelyckova.hotelrevenuestrategist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HotelSuccessWithRadka/shorts⁠

    9 min

About

Are you a hotelier striving to transform your business and achieve greater success? Do you want to maximize profitability, reduce costs, and create exceptional guest experiences while building a business you’re proud of? This podcast is for hoteliers like you. Hosted by Radka Telyckova, a passionate hospitality expert who works with heart and soul, each episode delivers strategies, insights, and advice to help you drive direct bookings, optimize revenue, and unlock your profitability potential. No fluff — just tools and inspiration to succeed. Subscribe now and elevate your hotel!