The Modern Hotelier

Join Steve Carran and David Millili as they sit down with Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Resorts, to discuss how AI-driven technology is revolutionizing the guest experience and easing staff challenges at high-end resorts like the Argonaut in San Francisco. In this episode, we cover:The front desk challenges at luxury resorts, including high phone call volume and guest service expectations.Why traditional AI solutions failed to meet authentic guest interaction standards.How Steven discovered EHVA through The Modern Hotelier podcast and why it stood out from other automation tools.Integration of EHVA with existing hotel systems like Actabl and Core Park, and the importance of technology partnerships.Implementation process and staff adoption of EHVA, making it easier to maintain Forbes-level service standardsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4ncSX5P6v0Links:Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smaraisnoblehouse/Noble House Hotels & Resorts: https://www.noblehousehotels.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/233Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

Join us on this episode of The Modern Hotelier as we go live from the Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! We sit down with Tim Hansen, VP of Sales for hotels, resorts, and cruise ships at Agilysys, to explore how modern technology is transforming the hospitality industry.Tim shares his journey from a California upbringing and college basketball dreams to leading a sales team that’s revolutionizing hotel operations. We dive into how Agilysys’ integrated software solutions are helping hotels, resorts, and cruise lines understand their guests like never before—turning data into personalized experiences, improving operations, and driving revenue.In this episode, we cover:How integrated software is revolutionizing hotels, resorts, and cruise operations.The importance of knowing guest intent and creating personalized experiences.Leveraging data to improve service, staff efficiency, and revenue.How modern software is driving repeat visits, guest satisfaction, and operational insightsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jQcdKVgc-TgLinks:Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-hansen-6489095b/Agilysys: https://www.agilysys.com/en/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/232Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we’re live from the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! Steve and David are joined by Gabriella Forss, Hospitality Engagement Leader of North America for SALTO Systems — one of the leading providers of electronic access control in hotels around the world.Gabriella shares her journey from Cornell’s Hotel School to over eight years with SALTO, and explains how the company is helping hotels modernize access control while keeping the guest experience seamless. She breaks down how SALTO’s connected ecosystem reaches far beyond guestroom locks — spanning back-of-house access, lockers, padlocks, parking gates, and more, all within one scalable platform.We dive into major topics shaping the future of hotel technology:Mobile keys & how SALTO balances frictionless access with high-level encryptionIntegrations with PMS, POS, and guest apps to create a cohesive hotel tech ecosystemThe expansion into facial recognition and smart energy solutionsSALTO’s commitment to sustainability, carbon neutrality, and eco-friendly credentialWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kr1_Javur7YLinks:Gabriella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellaforss/SALTO Systems: https://saltosystems.com/en/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/231Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Randy Haveson, Founder & President of Worth@Work, to explore how personal empowerment and team culture can transform the hospitality industry.Randy shares his journey from psychology and counseling to speaking, coaching, and consulting in hospitality. Discover how his unique approach—focusing on staff energy, self-esteem, and communication—helps hotels improve morale, reduce turnover, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.What you'll learn in this episode:The philosophy behind Worth@Work and empowering hotel staffHow to create a positive workplace culture that increases guest satisfactionHow Randy uses personalized programs and follow-ups to create lasting changeThe importance of listening to your “best friend voice” over the “bully voice”Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jpsa495idYULinks:Randy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-haveson/ WORTH@WORK: https://worthatwork.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/230Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, hosts Steve Carran chat with Will Gilbert, Co-Founder of Bodhi, live from the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado.Will shares the original “aha moment” behind creating Bodhi — a platform born from 25+ years of systems integration and a real-world need for hotels and mixed-use properties to manage smart devices under one pane of glass. What began as one-off software has evolved into a global solution trusted by integrators, manufacturers, resorts, and hotels worldwide.In this episode, we cover:How a single high-end property inspired the creation of BodhiWhy being manufacturer agnostic is Bodhi’s biggest competitive advantageThe tech behind predicting and preventing guest experience issuesHow BodhiGPT, GuestGPT, and their AI Super-Agent enhance operations and 5-star reviewsExpansion into the multifamily & residential marketFrom AI-powered automation to quarter-million data messages per second, Bodhi is transforming how properties manage systems, respond to guest needs, and create unforgettable stays.Whether you're running luxury hotels, select-service properties, or multifamily communities — this episode is packed with insight into the future of smart operations.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NeThDs6pbbsLinks: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/229Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

How do you keep hotel laundry running when every minute counts? In today’s episode, Steve Carran sits down on the trade show floor with Zach Yaeger, Business Development Manager at LaundryLux — a company making major waves in the hotel laundry and commercial laundry space.Zach shares how he went from college intern to spending 12+ years growing with LaundryLux, why their European-engineered Electrolux equipment is changing the game for hotels, and the biggest challenges they solve for hoteliers — especially fast lead times, reliability, and utility savings.What you’ll learn in this episode: How LaundryLux stands out from other laundry companiesWhy technology and efficiency are becoming critical in hotel laundry roomsHow fast lead times and stocked equipment protect hotels from downtimeThe future of laundry in hospitality and growing demand nationwideWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WxkMXOo7Y2wLinks:Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-yaeger-77ab9499/LaundryLux: https://laundrylux.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/228Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we’re coming to you live from the bustling show floor of The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado, inside the WorldVue booth. Steve Carran sits down with four of WorldVue’s top leaders to uncover how the company has evolved into one of the most trusted hotel technology partners in the world — and where guest experience technology is headed next. Tune in for real talk on global rollout, partnership criteria, AI & IoT personalization, and making hotel tech “invisible” for better stays.What you’ll hear in this episodeThe WorldVue origin story and growth mindset How WorldVue evaluates partners and technologyBalancing global consistency with local execution and guest expectationsDeep dive on Compass — extending the guest experience beyond the room using AI & IoT Practical examples of guest personalization and why “people first” still winsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gLK3KQZSGBELinks:WorldVue: https://www.worldvue.com/ Robert Grosz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-g-9806552/ Chris Guthery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisguthery/ Scott Jamison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jamison-yyz28/ Mark Schaps: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mschaps/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/227Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

In this episode, we’re live on the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado, sitting down with Wendy Zapach, Chief Revenue Officer at Optii. We dive into the major shifts happening in hotel technology, why mergers and acquisitions are shaking up the industry, and what hoteliers should be demanding from their tech partners moving forward.Key Topics Discussed:Why consolidation in hotel tech is creating innovation gapsHow tech mergers affect operators, guest experience & trustWhat hoteliers should ask when a tech partner changes ownershipHow to tell real AI solutions from AI “fluff”Why bigger tech ecosystems don’t always mean better outcomesWendy shares insider insights on predictive intelligence, machine learning, open APIs, data transparency, and how hotel teams can protect guest experience while modernizing operations.Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BRH7_W6sVZsLinks:Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyzapach/Optii: https://www.optiisolutions.com/For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/226Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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 leaderWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y7li-1ysP6gLinks: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/225Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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/zYPYxG0AZJALinks: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/224Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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/D1KdWNEIC78Links: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/223Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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-CPw7a7YLinks: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/222Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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/85Tti4IPHA8Links: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/221Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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/V8hnpGv2IIALinks: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/220Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

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_xZWfZz36ALinks: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 MelchiorriFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/219Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.