Hilton Launches Outset Collection: Giving Indie Hotels with Soul a Global Stage

Longtime friend and shadowy industry figure Chris Daly briefly emerges from his cicada like cocoon to bestow us with some laughs and wisdom during our happy hour salute to the weekend. Plus, Bruce Ford makes a suprise appearance while Producer Dave shares some legit news.

Just unveiled at #TheLodgingConference, Hilton’s Outset Collection is redefining what it means to be an independent hotel — giving “indie gems” a global stage to shine while staying true to their identity. In this interview, Glenn Haussman chat with Kevin Osterhaus of #Hilton to talk about how Outset empowers hotels that have soul — properties that fit their place, not a mold.  Kevin shares how Hilton is bridging the gap between individuality and brand strength, with properties launching in Los Angeles, Moab, Chicago, and Upstate New York — and more than 60 active conversations in the works.   🎙️ Presented by #Actabl— giving you the power to profit through smarter insights and operational excellence.    👉 Learn more at Actabl.com #hotelindustry #hospitalitynews #boutiquehotels #OutsetCollection #HiltonHotels

Starting a new business is never easy — but after 39 years in the#hotelindustry, Greg A. Presley decided it was time to bet on himself. I caught up with Greg on the show floor during The Lodging Conference for #NoVacancyNews, where we talked about his leap of faith to launch Presley Hospitality, the power of relationships, and why getting “back to the basics” in #hotelmanagement might be exactly what the industry needs right now. Greg’s focus on smaller#hotelowners, personalized service, and good old-fashioned integrity is a refreshing reminder of what hospitality is all about. A big thank-you to my friends at Entegra — helping hotels stay profitable through smarter purchasing with the power of a GPO. Learn more at Entegra.com

I had the chance to interview keynote luncheon speaker Mitch Patel, President & CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, on stage during the Southern Lodging Summit this past August. Here's that keynote session for you.  We covered a lot of ground — from the early days when Mitch cashed out his 401(k) to build his first hotel, to how he’s navigating today’s market with a laser focus on #operationalexcellence, smart development, and a culture built to last. Mitch talked about how passion drives everything he does, why hospitality is “the most beautiful business,” and what it takes to build a company that thrives through every market cycle. His insights on #leadership and staying resilient through uncertainty are ones every hotel owner and operator should hear. Big thanks to my friends at Actabl for supporting conversations like this and for helping hoteliers turn insight into action. Learn more about how they’re empowering teams with better data and tools at actabl.com.

Zack Gharib is running up success after success as President of Red Roof. We think that streak is about to end as he joins Glenn, Craig, Producer Dave and Doctor Producer Suzanne for some drinks and laughs to kick off the weekend.

Extended stay is dominating the hospitality pipeline, but not all brands are the same. For #NoVacancyNews, I spoke with Jennifer Kearney, CMO of StayAPT Suites, about how they’re redefining the category with a true apartment-style experience. During The Lodging Conference we discussed the psychology of space, the importance of privacy and independence, and why StayAPT’s purpose-built design is attracting both long-term and transient guests. This isn’t just about sleep — it’s about living your life on the road. #extendedstay #hospitalitydesign 🎧 Key takeaways: • StayAPT offers full suites with separate living, kitchen, and bedroom spaces • Guests enjoy full-size appliances, furnished kitchens, and real privacy • The brand blends apartment comfort with hotel flexibility • A secure interior courtyard adds lifestyle value to the property • Transient guests are increasingly drawn to the space and amenities • StayAPT rents by the night, week, or month — built for how people actually live 💡 Special thanks to my friends at Unifocus — technology that drives value. Visit Unifocus.com to see how smarter labor and operations tools can transform your bottom line.

Doing more with less — that’s the reality for every #hotel operator today. I spoke with Cam Schultz, CEO of Foodbuy, about how smarter #procurement strategies and better technology are helping hoteliers protect margins, manage supply chains, and keep kitchens running smoothly — even when staffing is tight. Cam shared how #Foodbuy is giving operators a clearer look at costs, helping teams cut waste and focus on what really matters: creating great guest experiences. If you’re trying to control expenses without cutting quality, this is a must-watch.

Great hospitality starts with confident employees. Without them, guest satisfaction—and the bottom line—suffers. That’s why I hosted a Hotel Business Hot Topics roundtable with: 👉 Eric Rubino – Chief Operating Officer/Principal, extreme hospitality 👉 James Carroll – CEO, Crestline Hotels & Resorts 👉 Jessica Lee – Global Officer, Talent Acquisition + Associate Development, Marriott International 👉 Melissa Burghardt – CEO, Axonify  We explored how #technology, #training, and empowerment come together to build operational agility and deliver better guest experiences. Here’s what stood out: ✔️ Empowerment only works if leaders back employees’ decisions, not punish them for trying ✔️ Microlearning and daily reinforcement create lasting confidence on the front line ✔️ Hiring must focus on personalities and potential, not just experience ✔️ Tech should remove friction so associates can spend more time with guests ✔️ Purpose and variety matter to Gen Z and the generations coming next Hospitality thrives when associates feel trusted, supported, and inspired. Give people the tools, the training, and the freedom—and they’ll give guests unforgettable experiences. 🙏 Thanks to Axonify for making this conversation possible.  

When the market gets wobbly, some run scared — others lean in. For #NoVacancyNews, I spoke with Doug Rigoni of West Coast Hospitality and Mark Hope of Coast Hotels at The Lodging Conference to explore how uncertainty is creating real opportunity across the West Coast and Canada. We talk about RevPAR trends, risk-taking mindsets, and why tertiary markets are struggling while primary cities still show promise. From Hawaii to Whitehorse, these operators are thinking differently — and that’s where the growth is. #hospitalitystrategy #hoteldevelopment 🎧 Key takeaways: • Doug sees uncertainty as a signal for opportunity — not retreat • West Coast RevPAR is down, but new deals are emerging in California, Oregon, and Hawaii • Coast Hotels spans from San Diego to Anchorage, with Canada in the middle • Canadian travelers stayed local in 2025, boosting domestic occupancy and rate • Growth in Canada is strongest in primary and secondary cities — tertiary markets are hurting • Coast is eyeing Whitehorse for expansion, proving small markets still matter 💡 Special thanks to my friends at Unifocus — technology that drives value. Visit Unifocus.com to see how smarter labor and operations tools can transform your bottom line.

What if your hotel stay felt like a backstage pass? In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Oscar Serrano of UMusic Hotels about how Universal Music Group is transforming hospitality into a full-blown entertainment ecosystem. From a 1945 theater at the heart of their Madrid flagship to genre-personalized guest experiences, this isn’t your typical luxury hotel. They explore how music drives design, revenue, and community — and why the room is just one part of the journey. 🌐 Explore benchmarking insights at HotelData.com from our sponsor Actabl  📌 What you’ll learn:  • Why UMusic Madrid is a theater with a hotel — not the other way around • How music is embedded in every space, from rooftop to retail  • Why open-door hospitality is key to local engagement and revenue • How UMusic is scaling globally — with or without hotel rooms  • What Oscar learned from launching the first property — and what’s next  👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge the status quo in hospitality.   #experientialtravel #hospitalityinnovation #music