Is Hotel Development on Pause? CoStar's Freitag Breaks Down the Industry’s Crossroads

Bruce Jordan is a writer, podcaster and hotelier. But tonight he enters the Happy Hour zone with Glenn,. Craig and Producer Dave. We talk more hotel pet peeves, best hotels and stuff we wouldn't say if drinking wasn't involved.

📉 The hotel industry is navigating turbulent times — again. But this episode of hashtag#novacancynews isn’t about panic — it’s about real talk from the frontlines. I'm joined by Bruce Ford (Lodging Econometrics) and Craig Sullivan ([CLIC] Media) to break down what’s happening right now in hospitality — and what savvy operators must do to stay ahead. 👇 Highlights: [00:55] Market jitters & hotelier anxiety: The instability nobody's talking about [3:45] Convention cancellations & the silent collapse of government-adjacent demand [5:20] Economic ripple: Loss of city taxes, F&B revenue, and restaurant closures [7:45] Canadian travelers vanish — a crushing blow to Northeast U.S. tourism [11:35] How to tap your local market like a pro — your community is your new customer [15:25] The pipeline paradox: Record project counts but shrinking room size [18:40] A wave of listings hits the market — who's buying and who's just fishing? [23:10] Why developers are hitting pause — and what smart ones are quietly doing now [27:15] Small business pain: Rising input costs, shrinking margins, and $12 lattes [31:00] Brand conversions, property tax appeals & getting hyper-local for room nights [37:40] Bonus: Bruce’s Vegas weekend + Glenn’s BBQ adventures 🍖🔥 🙌 Special thanks to our advertiser: Actabl, Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com for more.

Luxury is booming, but so are guest complaints. Today, hashtag#novacancynews discusses the return of Starwood Hotels, the explosive growth of ultra-luxury hotels, and systemic service failures plaguing the hotel industry. 🛎️ Special thanks to our advertiser, Actabl – giving hoteliers the power to profit. Visit actabl.com for more. 📌 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why courage—not experience—is the leadership trait hotels desperately need right now Why $1,000+ hotel rooms are no longer rare—and who’s actually staying in them What makes Treehouse Hotels quirky and Baccarat Hotels ultra-luxurious How Starwood’s brand comeback is shaking up the luxury space What irrationally good service really means (and why it’s now table stakes) Glenn & Anthony’s take on economic instability and how it’s impacting hotel development The real reasons why international travelers are skipping the U.S.

The hotel business is shifting whether we like it or not. I speak with Jan Freitag, National Director of Hospitality Analytics at CoStar, at the Starwood Hotels Leadership Conference in Nashville. hashtag#NoVacanyNews insights hoteliers, developers, and investors need to hear right now. 👉 In This Episode: 📉 Why operators are nervous — and why developers might be even more so 🏗️ How tariffs and rising material costs are impacting hotel renovation and new builds 💸 The real story behind interest rates and why they might not be the silver bullet ✈️ The dramatic drop in Canadian and European travel—and what it could mean for U.S. destinations like Disney and beyond 🌍 The geopolitical ripple effect ahead of the 2026 World Cup being held in the USA that could disrupt travel behavior 💼 Why luxury hospitality is still thriving—and how to win with affluent travelers 🧠 Smart strategies for branding, guest experience, and surviving economic uncertainty 💥 Special thanks to our advertiser, Actabl – giving you the power to profit. Learn more at www.actabl.com #costar#JanFreitag#Actabl

We're joined by Fiona Henry, an Analyst at Partner Valuation Advisors. She's new to the industry and lost a raffle during CLIC. Now, she has to be our guest. Let's see how she fares against Glenn, Craig, and Dave. Plus, we introduce April Anarchy, our March Madness rip-off focused on hotel pet peeves.

Experience the future of hospitality in this thought-provoking deep dive with Elizabeth Harlow, Chief Brand Officer at Sonesta Hotels! Discover how top brands are reshaping guest loyalty, exclusive experiences, and human connection—all while navigating the rise of AI. 🔥 What You'll Learn: -       The power of human connection in hospitality—why tech should enhance, not replace it -       How Sonesta is redefining loyalty beyond points—giving members brag-worthy access -       Exclusive partnerships with Rolling Stone, SailGP & Rioja—making unforgettable travel experiences -       he secret to differentiating brands in a competitive industry beyond price wars Why humor, authenticity & resonance create stronger brand-customer bonds A special thanks to Actabl— Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com to learn more! 🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of travel!

Today we’re going back in time to the oldest fine dining restaurant in the U.S.; Delmonico’s. Managing Partner of DHG, Dennis Turcinovic shares its fascinating history, revival, and modern-day magic of this legendary steakhouse! 🍽️🔥 Also on hashtag#novacancynews we explore: • 🏛️ The incredible 186-year history behind Delmonico’s and its impact on American dining. • 🍷 How the new team is balancing tradition with fresh innovation. • 🥩 The secret behind their legendary steaks (yes, we asked!). • 💡 The role of hospitality in creating an unforgettable dining experience. • 🎭 The myths, the legends, and the real stories behind this institution. 💼 Special thanks to our advertiser, Actabl, they give you the power to profit. Visit them at @actabl.com for supporting this episode! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insider stories from the hospitality world!

We’re joined by Jamie Cooperstein, author of True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk. On this hashtag#novacancynews we talk: ·      Hospitality Industry Predictions: Anthony shares his take on upcoming challenges and opportunities. ·      The Power of Emotional Connections: Learn how creating genuine connections can transform guest experiences. ·      Concierge Stories Unveiled: Jamie shares jaw-dropping moments from her time as a concierge, including a Botox-saving wedding miracle! ·      Finding Passion in Hospitality: From sports journalism to hotel lobbies — Jamie’s journey proves life can surprise you. ·      Practical Advice for Hospitality Pros: How to navigate uncertainty, adapt, and excel in this ever-changing industry. Special thanks to our sponsor, Actabl— giving hoteliers the power to profit. Visit actabl.com today Find Jaime’s book: https://lnkd.in/eSnWsRbQ Don't miss this thought-provoking, fun, and insightful conversation! Like, subscribe, and share to stay tuned for more inspiring episodes. hashtag#Actabl hashtag#truehospitality

📄 I’m joined by Steve Palmer, Founder of Indigo Road Hospitality Group, where we discussed rethinking hotel F&B  to drive profitability and create unforgettable guest experiences. Recorded during the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference. 🔥 In this episode: 🍽️ Why "Hotel Restaurants" Are Outdated – Build restaurants inside hotels that locals love. 💡 Revolutionize F&B Profitability – Learn how some hotels see 50% of total revenue from food and beverage. 🧠 Break Free from Old Habits – Stop doing things "just because we've always done them." ☕ Creating Vibrant Spaces – Coffee bars, brunch options, and innovative dining that enhance the guest stay. 🤝 When to Bring in an F&B Operator – Why it's crucial to involve experts early and avoid last-minute failures. 🏨 Elevate the Emotional Connection – Turn a stay from "just a bed" into a complete experience. 🙌 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: A big shoutout to Actabl—they give you the power to  profit! Check them out at actabl.com to learn how to supercharge your hotel's profitability. 👉 Don’t miss this game-changing discussion! Like, share, and subscribe to stay updated with the latest insights in hospitality.   #HotelF&B #HospitalityInnovation #FoodandBeverage #HotelProfitability #Actabl #NoVacancyLive #HotelRestaurants #GlennHaussman #HunterConference

Tonight we welcome the first father and son duo on the show, Paul Coury and Alex Coury of Coury Hospitality. They'll be sharing cocktails and stories with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. as we celebrate the end of the week.