961: Honing the Human Edge: Hotel Leadership Lessons from Top Hotelier

A&O Hostels CEO Oliver Winter shares how he built one of Europe’s largest hostel brands—and why it’s resonating with Gen Z, solo travelers, and digital nomads. From one property in Berlin to 42 locations across Europe, A&O Hostels has become a leader in affordable, sustainable hospitality. In this episode of No Vacancy News, Glenn Haussman and Dr. Suzanne Bagnera talk with Oliver about:  ✅ Why solo travel is booming—especially among women ✅ How A&O achieves an 80% lower CO₂ footprint than competitors  ✅ Converting vacant office buildings into profitable hostels ✅ Building social spaces, work zones, and safety features Gen Z travelers expect ✅ Lessons from growing up in East Berlin and building with freedom in mind  🔗 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com #NoVacancyNews #HostelTravel #BudgetTravel #HotelDevelopment #Actabl

In this episode of No Vacancy News, Glenn Haussman heads to IHG’s Design Center in Atlanta to explore the evolution of Candlewood Suites, Atwell Suites, and Staybridge Suites with IHG brand leaders Karen Gilbride and Justin Alexander. 🔍 What’s inside: The $19B+ suite segment opportunity—and why IHG is doubling down How “Smart Studios” reduce room size while maximizing functionality Flexible layouts that help developers fit more keys per floor Design features tailored for modern travelers, from wet bars to Zoom-ready spaces  Growth update: 6 Atwell Suites open, 50+ in the pipeline Plus: Candlewood’s new Costa Coffee program & Staybridge’s evolution for dual-use guests This behind-the-scenes tour breaks down how IHG is making suites smarter, more efficient, and more attractive to both guests and developers.    📣 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com 👇 Watch the full walkthrough and subscribe for more hospitality insights! #NoVacancyNews #IHG #HotelDesign #ExtendedStay #HospitalityInnovation

Edward Mady has led some of the most iconic hotels in the world. Now, he’s turning decades of experience into a leadership blueprint that blends purpose, accountability, and human connection. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn and Anthony chat with the longtime GM of The Beverly Hills Hotel and author of Honing the Human Edge to talk about what it takes to build high-performing teams and lasting cultures in hospitality—and beyond.  📌 Key takeaways:  • How to build team culture by creating a sense of shared responsibility  • Why personal setbacks can fuel leadership clarity  • The role of pressure and purpose in developing emotional resilience  • A formula for guest satisfaction that puts people first—and delivers results • Lessons from leading legendary properties like The Bel-Air, Ritz-Carlton, and Fairmont Edward’s leadership style is direct, intentional, and deeply human.  This episode offers a sharp perspective on how to lead with focus and build teams that thrive.  Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

The data is in—and it’s not just about pipeline volume, it’s about what the numbers really mean. In this #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman sits down with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics. They’re breaking down the latest U.S. #hotelconstruction pipeline data and uncovering the trends shaping where and how hotels will renovate and build next. 📊 Highlights include: • Why older hotels from 2005–2009 are driving a surge in conversions and renovations • Which markets (Dallas, Nashville, Atlanta) are still leading #HotelDevelopment and why • How upper midscale and extended stay are winning the development game • Why lenders want brand certainty—and how that’s reshaping who gets funded • The crucial role of CapEx planning in franchise negotiations and ownership decisions • A sneak peek at 2027–2028 forecasts and what it’ll take to kickstart new construction And yes, Vegas gets a mention (spoiler: don’t expect that new Hard Rock by New Year’s 2027). Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

Loyalty matters—but only if it’s worth something to the traveler. In this episode of#NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman sits down with Elizabeth Von Tersch, Senior Travel Editor at U.S. News & World Report, to reveal he just-released rankings of the best hotel rewards programs for 2025–2026. 💳 Here’s what you’ll learn: Why Choice Hotels International's Choice Privileges earned the top spot — and how guests can snag free nights in just 9 stays Which brands are offering perks sooner (some at just 10 nights, vs. 25+ elsewhere) What makes Hyatt's World of Hyatt a standout for both luxury and value-focused travelers Why Alaska Airlines continues to dominate airline loyalty — 11 years and counting How travelers are shifting toward right-now rewards vs. long-term status chasing As loyalty programs evolve, smart hoteliers—and smart travelers—are recalibrating what real value looks like. Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com Visit NoVacancyNews.com

Friday Night Audit champion Kate Burda rejoins to go toe to tow with Glenn, Craig and Producer Dave. Join us for soem happy hour fun and laughs as we kick off the weekend!

From awkward dress codes to overstuffed agendas, meetings needed a reset — and Hilton listened. On this episode of#NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Kelly Knowlen, VP of Sales Engagement & Special Events at Hilton, about how her team is rewriting the rules of modern events based on feedback from 10,000+ attendees. 📋 What you’ll take away: • Why#GenZ isn’t “fragile”—they’re just honest about what makes a good event • Why#Hilton dropped general sessions and added etiquette training (yes, really) • How showing menus in advance and designing "networking menus" (no spinach!) is changing the game • The shift from breakout rooms to “learning labs” like pizza-making and putting greens • A sneak peek at what’s coming to the newly restored Waldorf Astoria NYC 💡 If you plan meetings, attend them, or just hate guessing what “resort casual” actually means, this one’s worth your time. Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

With new labor mandates, interest rate pressure, and legal complexity at an all-time high, hotel development is no longer a game of instinct — it’s about precision. In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with Guy Maisnik, Vice Chair of the Global Hospitality Group at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, about what today’s hotel owners need to understand to stay profitable in a shifting marketplace. 📌 Key insights include: Why operators must stress-test financials with wage hikes reaching $30/hour by 2028 How asset managers and ownership alignment can make or break a property The legal implications of America’s evolving hospitality labor laws Where foreign capital is flowing — and why EB-5 is back in a big way What asset types (hello, airport hotels and extended stay) are winning in uncertain times And the #1 question new investors should ask — but usually don’t Whether you're building your first hotel or restructuring your fifth, this is a masterclass in what separates smart deals from costly missteps. Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

Midscale doesn’t mean middle of the road — and IHG Hotels & Resorts is proving that with two rising stars: Avid Hotels and Garner. In this special hashtag#NoVacancyNews tour, Glenn Haussman visits hashtag#IHG Hotels & Resorts' Design Center in Atlanta with Karen Gilbride, VP of Brands for avid, Garner, and Atwell Suites. They walk through real model rooms, explore growth strategies and hashtag#HotelDevelopment, and reveal why these brands are resonating with both travelers and owners. 💡 Key takeaways: Avid’s “basics done exceptionally well” approach—and how it’s outperforming the market with RevPAR growth double the industry average Garner’s flexible conversion model that lets owners invest only where needed, without compromising guest experience How IHG’s design and support make it easier to move fast—whether you’re building new or repositioning an asset Why consistency, comfort, and clean design are winning with guests across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico This is brand development with purpose—and performance to match.

It’s not about thread count—it’s about people. On #NoVacancyNews, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri chat with hospitality consultant and author Kate Buhler, whose career has taken her from the world’s most iconic hotels to coaching today’s front-line staff and executives. 🔍 Topics that matter: Why today’s luxury service challenge is more about managers than guests The real impact of tech and AI—and why guests still crave a human touch Why and how elegant upselling can feel like #hospitality, not a hustle The problem with staffing algorithms and how they’re killing team culture How top-performing hotels are balancing profitability with purpose Smart strategies for building confident, emotionally connected staff 💬 Plus: Hilarious war stories, heartfelt moments, and hard truths about what’s working—and what’s not—on hotel floors today. Special thanks to our advertiser: Actabl gives you the power profit — visit Actabl.com