Checking In with Anthony & Glenn

Latest Episodes:

803: Creating a Foundation For Incredible Guest Experience Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

One thing every hotel wants to do is create a positive, memorable experience for their guests. Every hotel has its unique challenges to accomplish this goal. Ashley Ewing Parrott, Principal at AEP Hospitality Consulting & The Saturday Crowd, has helped hotels accomplish just that and she is here to share some of her tips.

802: Navigating Rate Cuts, Recession Fears, and Flexibility in the Hotel Industry Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

Are interest rate cuts about to shake up the hotel industry? Our latest podcast dives deep into this hot topic with Anthony and Glenn!

📉 Here's a taste of what we discussed:

Will a half-percent rate cut really change the game for hotels? How are rate cuts greasing the wheels for hotel deals and lending opportunities?

As we approach 2025, why are rising salaries, taxes, and expenses concerning hotel owners? The big question: What happens if transient demand softens, while group business thrives? 🏨 💡

Plus, we share thoughts on the future of flexible working models in hotels and how smart hoteliers are keeping talent by offering work-life balance. 🌍💼

Tune in to hear: Real insights on hotel profitability trends Expert takes on recession fears and what rate cuts signal for the industry Hilarious banter on headlamps, mine exploration, and a few pith helmet jokes! 😆🪖 📅

Watch now on YouTube & LinkedIn! Don't miss out on valuable strategies and the latest industry forecasts.

799: Designing Immersive Experiences Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

Designer Paul Bishop shares his expertise on creating unforgettable hospitality experiences. From his work in Dubai's iconic developments to his latest projects, Paul discusses the power of design in shaping memorable guest journeys. Discover how he blends creativity, functionality, and storytelling to craft unique and captivating spaces. Learn about the latest trends in hotel design, the importance of immersive experiences, and the challenges and opportunities in the evolving hospitality landscape.

Main Points:

The role of design in creating memorable hospitality experiences
Insights into Paul Bishop's career and work in Dubai and beyond
The importance of balancing functionality and aesthetics
The impact of immersive experiences on guest satisfaction
Trends and challenges in the contemporary hospitality design landscape

#hospitalitydesign #hoteldesign #designinspiration #travel #tourism #hospitality #interiordesign #experienceeconomy #innovation #creativity #Dubai #designthinking

798: An Update on the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center Sep 09, 2024

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Mike Stengel is back and he brings the new GM for the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center to talk about all the amazing things happening with this project.

797: Vegan Cuisine in Hospitality: Boosting Profitability and Sustainability Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

Ignore vegans at your peril!!! Today we discuss the vegan cuisine trend in the hospitality industry. Meredith Marin, CEO of Vegan Hospitality, shares insights on how hotels can boost profitability and enhance sustainability by offering plant-based menu options.

Learn about the importance of menu engineering, overcoming guest hesitations, and creating a seamless dining experience for all guests.

Key Points:

The rise of vegan cuisine as a profitable and sustainable trend in hospitality.
How Resorts World in Las Vegas set a precedent with its plant-based restaurant, Crossroads Kitchen.
The connection between sustainability and plant-based food, focusing on lower carbon emissions.
Strategies for integrating vegan options into existing menus without compromising on taste or guest experience.
The importance of training staff to understand and effectively communicate vegan options.
How offering plant-based dishes can attract a wider audience, including traditional meat eaters.
Overcoming the "veto vote" where one vegan guest influences the choice of dining venue for an entire group.
The role of strategic planning in successfully implementing plant-based menus in hotels.

796: Navigating the RFP Season: Insights with IHG VP Cesar Wurm Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

It's RFP (Request for Proposal) season! Cesar Wurm, VP of Commercial and Premium Brands at IHG joins us to explore crucial topics you need to know to maximize success with group business.

Main Points:

Understanding RFP Season: What it is, why it matters, and how it impacts the hospitality industry.
Market Projections: Cesar discusses the anticipated 2-3% growth in the coming year and the factors influencing these projections.
Customer Sentiment: How the general sentiment in the hospitality industry is surprisingly positive despite economic uncertainties.
Impact of Work-from-Home: The role hybrid work models play in driving group business and the demand for meeting spaces in hotels.
Evolution of RFP Processes: A look at how RFPs have evolved from static to dynamic pricing models and the importance of total revenue yield management.
Sustainability and Well-being: Increasing focus on sustainability, well-being, and how these factors are becoming critical in RFP considerations.

795: Developing High Performing Teams Aug 24, 2024

Show notes

Shane Green, Founder and President of SGEi, talks about how to inspire people and companies to move beyond the mundane and out of status quo to exceed the expectations of their employees and customers. What are ways that organizations can attract the right talent, retain that talent, and wow the customer?

794: LivAway Suites Debuts! We Tour It! Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

Discover the secrets behind the success of LivAway Suites, an innovative upscale economy extended stay hotel. In this episode, COO Kevin Dailey and I explore the brand's unique approach to guest experience, technology integration, and property design.

Learn how LivAway Suites is redefining the extended stay market with its focus on essential amenities, efficient operations, and strategic expansion plans. From check-in kiosks to smart parcel lockers, this episode reveals the cutting-edge features defining LivAway Suites.

Main Points:

• Introduction to LivAway Suites, an upscale economy extended stay hotel

• Focus on guest needs over wants

• Technology integration for enhanced guest experience and operational efficiency

• Unique property design and layout for optimal guest comfort

• Expansion plans and franchising strategy

793: Navigating Hotel Development Evolution w Vision's Mitch Patel Aug 17, 2024

Show notes

We discuss current trends and challenges in the hospitality industry with Mitch Patel, CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, focusing on the rise of extended stay hotels, innovative development strategies, and the importance of creating memorable guest experiences.

Mitch shares his expertise on:

Extended Stay Success: Why extended stay properties have become a "darling" of the industry, and how Vision Hospitality has leveraged this trend.

Development Challenges: Navigating construction cost volatility, labor shortages, and high interest rates in today's hotel development landscape.

Lifestyle Select Service Hotels: The growing popularity of lifestyle select service hotels, combining boutique elements with efficient business models.

Experiential Design: How hotels are prioritizing memorable guest experiences, from room design to public space activation.

Profitability Beyond Room Rates: Innovative strategies to boost profit per available customer through food and beverage, rooftop bars, and more.

This episode offers valuable insights for hospitality professionals, developers, and anyone interested in the future of hotel design and operations.

792: Closing Hotel Deals in a High-Interest World Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Today we discuss the current state of the hospitality industry, including challenges and opportunities in the market. Ryan Bosch, Principal of Arriba Capital, Glenn and Anthony discuss impact of interest rates on hotel deals, the evolving lending landscape, and insights into the booming extended stay sector. Discover strategies for securing financing, common pitfalls to avoid, and expert advice on navigating the complex world of hotel investment.

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