No Vacancy Live!

Latest Episodes:

967: Boutique Hotel Strategies with Stephen Wendell of Mountain Shore Properties Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Boutique hotels are more than just design statements — they're lifestyle-driven businesses that can transform communities and create powerful guest loyalty.

In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, Stephen Wendell, CEO of Mountain Shore Properties, talks about what makes #boutiquehotel projects work — and how his company approaches development in unique markets.

📌 Key takeaways: • How boutique hotels stand out in today's competitive hospitality landscape • The role of authenticity and local storytelling in attracting guests • Why flexibility in operations is critical for independent properties • Lessons from building in both urban and resort destinations • How Mountain Shore balances financial returns with a memorable guest experience

🎯 Special thanks to my advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

966: Why Timeshare is Winning Over Today's Travelers Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Timeshare isn't what it used to be — and that's exactly the point. In this episode of No Vacancy Live, I'm joined by co-host Anthony Melchiorri and Jason Gamel, President & CEO of ARDA, for a fast-moving and surprisingly eye-opening discussion on the state of vacation ownership.

🏖️ Whether you're a hotelier, investor, or curious traveler, you'll want to hear this:

• How the reputation of timeshare has dramatically shifted — and why guests are embracing it again • The rise of branded vacation ownership: Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, and beyond • Why prepaid ownership leads to more on-site spend and more stable revenue • How tech, loyalty programs, and demand for unique experiences are reshaping the product • Why Gen Z and millennials now make up over half of all new timeshare buyers • The hidden opportunities for hoteliers to collaborate with nearby timeshare resorts • Plus: surprising facts about international growth, maintenance fees, and what's next for independent properties

👀 Want guaranteed occupancy, predictable revenue, and happy returning guests? This episode might make you rethink how timeshare fits into the hospitality ecosystem.

🔊 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com

#NoVacancyNews #HospitalityLeadership

965: Inside California's Coolest Coastal Hotels Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of No Vacancy Live, Anthony Melchiorri and I sit down with Charlie Lopez, VP & Managing Director of ETC Hotels, the group behind the iconic Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Together, we explore what true luxury means in today's hospitality climate — and why it's more relaxed, more local, and more personalized than ever.

🌴 Here's what you'll get from this high-level conversation:

• Why "California cool" is redefining global luxury standards • How major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics are shaping Santa Monica's future • The shift from stuffy opulence to laid-back, personalized service (and why guests expect both access and autonomy) • The power of hyper-local partnerships to enrich guest experiences • Why daily team standups are a non-negotiable in luxury operations • How ETC is thriving without a big brand flag — and why it's freeing • Mentorship, staff training, and how to "raise people in this business" • What makes the concierge (and guest relations) your hotel's ultimate power duo

💡 Bonus: Why today's top hoteliers are teaching staff how to think, not just follow SOPs.

🔊 Special thanks to our sponsor: Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com

#NoVacancyNews #LuxuryHospitality

Luxury Travel Trends You Need to Know — Virtuoso's Misty Belles Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

The luxury travel market isn't slowing down — it's evolving. At Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, I sat down with Misty Belles, VP of Global Public Relations at Virtuoso, to uncover what's really happening in high-end travel and how hotels can adapt to meet shifting guest expectations.

📌 Key takeaways: • Virtuoso's latest research shows 12% year-over-year growth in luxury travel for the first half of 2025 • Solo female travel is on the rise — led by women 65+ who are exploring on their own and going off the beaten path • Guests are embracing shoulder season travel with double-digit booking increases in fall • Domestic travel remains strong, keeping rates stable even amid economic uncertainty • Personal connections between advisors and hotels still drive the most memorable experiences — with tech enhancing, not replacing, the human touch • Why discounting is rarely the answer when the goal is to preserve brand value

Luxury travelers are proving to be less impacted by broader economic swings — and hotels that deliver on service and experience are well-positioned to capture this market.

🎯 Special thanks to my advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

#NoVacancyNews #LuxuryTravel

FNA 184: The Matt Attack Aug 09, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Friday Night Audit, we welcome back the incredible Matt Hostetler, CDO at Red Roof to join us for some laughs, drinks and more. Watch at your own risk!!

Hotel Development Heats Up Across the Americas — Here's Where There's Growth Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

964: Myrtle Beach's Hotel Boom — and the Locals Who Used to Be Tourists Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

📍 Myrtle Beach has more golf courses than you can count — but the real story is how former tourists are becoming full-time residents, and how hoteliers are adapting.

On this #NoVacancyNews, I speak with Patrick Norton, CMO of Brittain Resorts & Hotels, about how they're navigating market shifts, driving demand, and building loyalty in one of the country's fastest growing cities.

Here's what you'll take away: • Why #MyrtleBeach's growth is a blessing and a challenge • How Brittain is investing in renovations and F&B to attract locals and tourists alike • What "drawbridge tourists" are — and why they matter • Creative ways to compete without dropping rates • Why email is still the king of marketing • How micro-influencers and #GenZ staff are changing the game

🎧 Bonus: Patrick shares how a simple contest for "Vacation for Life" helped generate millions in new contacts and fans.

Thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com.

How Choice Hotels Is Making Extended Stay History Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

The extended stay category just got its first-ever national ad campaigns — and Choice Hotels is leading the way. In this episode of hashtag#NoVacancyNews, I speak with Matt McElhare, VP & Segment Lead for Extended Stay at Choice Hotels International, about why now was the moment to go big on marketing, how the campaigns are shifting guest perception, and what it all means for owners and guests alike. 📌 What you'll learn: • Why Choice launched the first-ever national ad campaigns in the hashtag#extendedstay space • The emotional insights behind "Stay in the Rhythm" for Everhome and MainStay Suites • How "The WoodSpring Way" focuses on general managers as the heartbeat of the brand • WoodSpring's results: Over 250 open properties and 4 straight J.D. Power wins • Why guests want routine, not escape — and how extended stay delivers that • How Choice's multi-brand strategy gives owners flexibility across economy and midscale · Plus, give Matt a little love as he has a new baby at home!!! Yay Matt and family! This isn't just branding — it's a shift in how the industry thinks about loyalty, consistency, and guest connection in long-term hashtag#lodging. 🎯 Special thanks to my advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit — visit Actabl.com

963: Springboard's Ben Rafter on Building Smarter, Faster, and More Human Hotels Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Ben Rafter, President & CEO of Springboard Hospitality, doesn't pull punches. In this #NoVacancyNews, we get into the real conversations hoteliers should be having — not just about technology, but also leadership, workforce strategy, and making the numbers work.

We cover a ton of ground, including: • Why getting your financials out on time is a non-negotiable • How to use AI where it matters — think labor, not gimmicks • What "table stakes" really means for hospitality leaders • Building a culture of innovation without losing the human touch • Rethinking recruitment: why hospitality must sell itself harder to Gen Z • Why mid-sized operators must become tech-fluent to stay competitive • Balancing startup speed with scaled operations

Ben shares how Springboard's merger with Hotel Equities gives them the scale to grow — without losing their edge.

💡 Thanks to my advertiser: Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit them at Actabl.com

962: How A&O Hostels is Redefining Budget Travel for Gen Z and Solo Adventurers Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

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