The Modern Hotelier

David Millili & Steve Carran
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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.

  1. 1D AGO

    #271: Creating a Better Hotel Booking Experience | with Richard Aday

    In this episode, host David Millili sits down with Richard Aday, CEO and Co-founder of ThinkReservations, for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, technology, and the evolving hospitality landscape. Richard shares his journey from building websites as a child in a tech-savvy family, to studying electrical and computer engineering, working at Amazon, and ultimately founding ThinkReservations  after a chance encounter with a boutique hotel in Puerto Rico sparked a bold idea. He also reflects on growing up in a Cuban-American family in South Florida, the influence of a strong work ethic, and how his passion for travel and guest experience shaped his career in hospitality tech. The conversation explores how ThinkReservations is redefining property management systems by prioritizing guest experience, simplicity, and customer support. Richard discusses the company’s evolution from a bootstrapped startup to a full hospitality platform, now including booking engines, channel management, marketing websites, payments, and accounting solutions. In this episode, you'll learn about:   How independent hoteliers can compete with OTAs and increase direct bookings  The role of AI and automation in guest engagement  What defines high-performing modern hoteliers today  The biggest friction points in the guest journey and how technology is removing them This is a must-listen episode for hoteliers, hospitality tech leaders, and anyone interested in how innovation is reshaping the guest experience and the future of independent hospitality. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qTgezcv7DbU Links:Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-aday-59182452/ ThinkReservations: https://www.thinkreservations.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/271 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

  2. 2D AGO

    #270: The Voices Shaping Independent Hotels from Independent Lodging Congress Boston

    In this special episode, host David Millili takes listeners inside Indie Cultivate Boston in partnership with ILC, capturing candid conversations with some of the most forward-thinking leaders in hospitality. Across the discussions, a common theme emerges while AI and automation are transforming back-of-house operations, the future of hospitality remains deeply human—rooted in creativity, storytelling, and meaningful guest connection. Leaders also reflect on the importance of independence in hotel development, the value of intimate industry gatherings like ILC, and how new models are reshaping ownership, management, and guest experience. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How leading hotel operators are thinking about AI—not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to automate and augment hospitality operations while keeping guest experience human-first  Why independent hotels continue to thrive through creativity, storytelling, and strong emotional connection with guests  How technology platforms like integrated PMS systems and “hospitality operating systems” are helping smaller hotel brands scale more efficiently  What “Powered by Kasa” and similar models mean for hoteliers looking to build brands faster without losing creative control  The emerging balance between technology-driven efficiency and analog, human-centered hospitality experiencesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A6U4jtjfbpg LinkedIn Links:Roman Pedan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-pedan-594897325/Steven Rubin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmrubin/Jen Parks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfigariparks/Jason August: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaugust/Brian Meyer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-meyer-b004832b6/John Flannigan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-flannigan-73550a1/Jen Barnwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-barnwell-a8689ba/Matt Schwartz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewaschwartz/Andrew Benioff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/llenrockgroupbenioff/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/270 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

  3. APR 23

    #269: How Hotels Should Be Using Technology to Improve the Employee & Guest Experience | with Shane O'Flaherty of Microsoft

    In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Shane O’Flaherty, Global Director of Travel, Transportation, and Hospitality at Microsoft, for a deep dive into the future of hospitality. Shane shares his fascinating journey—from growing up in a rodeo and circus environment to shaping global hospitality standards and now leading innovation at one of the world’s biggest tech companies. Along the way, he unpacks powerful lessons on networking, reinvention, and the evolving role of technology in travel. The conversation explores how AI is transforming the hospitality industry—from a “tool” to a true “partner”—and what that means for hotel operators, staff, and guest experiences. Shane breaks down why AI is even bigger than the internet, how personalization can be done right, and why empowering employees with better technology is the key to unlocking exceptional service. You’ll also hear insights on:  The future of AI and “agentic” workflows in hospitality  Why personalization still falls short—and how to fix it  The role of data, digital twins, and predictive maintenance in hotels  How independent hotels and big brands can compete in an AI-driven world  Real-world examples of next-level guest experiencesWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yDJYBuefp4o Links:Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-o-flaherty/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/269 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.

    44 min

  4. APR 21

    #268: The Atari Hotel: Building An Iconic Video Game Hotel | with Jordan Taylor

    How does a former collegiate baseball player turn his competitive edge into a career in commercial real estate, and ultimately help bring a bold concept like the Atari Hotel to life?  In today's episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Jordan Taylor, Managing Partner at Intersection Development, for a deep dive into one of the most innovative concepts in hospitality—the Atari Hotel. Jordan shares his journey from a small-town Midwest upbringing and collegiate baseball career to becoming a leader in commercial real estate development in Phoenix. Through a candid “lightning round,” listeners get a glimpse into his personal passions, from baseball cards and the Green Bay Packers to his commitment to family and meaningful relationships. The conversation then shifts to Jordan’s professional path, highlighting the mentors and pivotal moments that shaped his career. He unpacks the vision behind Intersection Development and how the team organically built a portfolio before stepping into the spotlight. At the core of the episode is the highly anticipated Atari Hotel, a bold, experience-driven destination blending gaming culture, hospitality, entertainment, and technology. Jordan explains how the project goes far beyond traditional hotel models, featuring immersive experiences, esports venues, live events, creator residencies, and community-driven ownership opportunities. The discussion also explores broader industry trends, including the rise of experiential hospitality, the importance of community-building, and how developers can future-proof projects through technology and adaptability. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why meaningful relationships are a key driver of long-term success in business  The vision and strategy behind the innovative Atari Hotel concept  How experiential hospitality is reshaping the future of hotels  How community-driven ownership is opening new opportunities for investors  Why developers must think beyond traditional hotel models to stay competitive Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nwhrekDrMFI Links:Intersection Development: https://intersectiondev.com/ Atari Hotels: https://invest.atarihotels.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/268 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.

    33 min

  5. APR 15

    #267: How this "Physical Internet" will Impact Hospitality | with Robert DeDomenico

    What if hotels could turn every delivery into a revenue stream instead of a cost? What if the “last mile” wasn’t a problem—but the biggest untapped opportunity in hospitality?  In this episode, host David Millili sits down with entrepreneur and innovator Robert DeDomenico to explore a bold vision for the future of hospitality logistics and last-mile delivery. Robert shares the origin story behind CargoFish, a concept aimed at transforming how hotels manage food and goods delivery by turning it into a utility-like infrastructure—removing friction, reducing costs, and challenging dominant delivery platforms. Drawing parallels to bridges replacing ferries, he explains why he believes the current last-mile system is inefficient, expensive, and overdue for disruption. Throughout the conversation, Robert walks through his unconventional journey—from growing up in New Jersey and serving as a nuclear submarine reactor operator in the U.S. Navy, to working in energy and business systems, and ultimately developing his startup idea after years of technical problem-solving and research. The episode also covers:  His persistence through early entrepreneurial setbacks, including Shark Tank auditions  How CargoFish aims to integrate with hotels to increase revenue and improve guest experience  Why hotels may be uniquely positioned to compete with platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats  The broader vision of turning delivery infrastructure into a scalable utility model for hospitalityWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1GSSmv5qwN0 Links:Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-dedomenico-0874b122/CargoFish LLC: https://www.cargofish.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/267 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.

    25 min

  6. APR 14

    #266: Inside the Hospitality Creator Summit: Elevating the B2B Creator Community | with Anna Blue and Anthony Melchiorri

    In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, host David Millili sits down with Hospitality Creators Summit co-founders Anna Blue and Anthony Melchiorri to unpack one of the most exciting new movements in the industry. They dive into the mission behind the Hospitality Creators Summit, an invite-only (but free) event designed to bring together creators, storytellers, and community builders across hospitality. From the growing importance of content creators in B2B spaces to the massive gap between traditional industry players and modern digital voices, this conversation explores why creators are no longer optional—they’re essential. Anna and Anthony share why the summit focuses on real, practical value: helping creators grow their platforms, increase engagement, monetize content, and build meaningful partnerships. They also tackle bigger themes like collaboration over competition, the power of community, and why the future of hospitality belongs to those willing to create, share, and show up authentically. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring creator, this episode highlights a major shift happening in hospitality—and why you don’t want to be left behind. Key Topics:  The rise of B2B content creators in hospitality  Why traditional marketing is no longer enough  The vision behind the Hospitality Creators Summit  Bridging the gap between generations and technology  Collaboration vs. competition in the creator economy  How creators can grow, monetize, and stand out Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YoYVR6gUP8o Links:Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-blue/Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymelchiorri/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/266 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.

    18 min

  7. APR 9

    #265: Death of The Goodtime Hotel, Good Hotel Design, Hilton & Marriott Partnering with Independents, & More | March Hot Topics with Bashar Wali

    Join Steve Carran and David Millili on this month’s episode of The Modern Hotelier: Hospitality Hot Topics as we break down the biggest happenings in March for the hospitality industry. This episode features a candid conversation with Bashar Wali, CEO, founder, and one of the world’s top social media influencers, as he shares insights from his global travels and perspectives on hospitality trends, hotel design, and industry challenges. Topics covered in this episode include: Government Shutdown & Airport SecurityHilton adds Yotel as First in Select by HiltonDesign Focused HotelsGood-Bye to the Goodtime HotelSize Does MatterBashar also shares his thoughts on creating hotels that inspire, deliver authentic experiences, and stand out in an increasingly copy-paste industry. Whether you’re a hotelier, traveler, or hospitality enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and lively discussion. Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LASK2yVHBU0 Links:Bashar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/265 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

  8. APR 7

    #264: Transforming a Route 66 Motor Lodge Into a Boutique Hotel | with Dr. Sharmin Dharas

    In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dr. Sharmin Dharas, Chief Experience Officer at Hotel ZAZZ and Chief Storyteller at HERstory Hospitality. Sharmin’s journey is anything but traditional. From growing up in a 13-room Route 66 motor lodge to becoming a physician, entrepreneur, author, and boutique hotel visionary, she shares how her diverse background shaped one of the most unique hospitality concepts in the country. The conversation dives into the creation of Hotel ZAZZ, a colorful and rebellious boutique motor lodge in Albuquerque that blends wellness, storytelling, and experiential design—including a hidden speakeasy unlocked by tapping the famous Golden Banana. Sharmin also shares how authenticity, creativity, and community partnerships helped the property gain global attention, including recognition from Forbes as one of the must-see hotels in the world. Along the way, the discussion explores entrepreneurship, Route 66 tourism, scaling independent hospitality brands, and Sharmin’s mission to empower more women to become hotel owners through HERstory Hospitality. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How Sharmin transitioned from medicine to boutique hotel ownership  Why authenticity is the secret to creating viral, Instagram-worthy hospitality experiences  How Route 66 tourism brings international travelers to boutique properties  The importance of community collaboration and hyper-local experiences Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SjlSwSoSD-M Links:Dr. Sharmin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmindharas/ Hotel ZAZZ: https://www.hotelzazz.com/ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/264 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.

    45 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
    272
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © David Millili & Steve Carran
  • Show Website
    The Modern Hotelier

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