962: How A&O Hostels is Redefining Budget Travel for Gen Z and Solo Adventurers
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
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...
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IHG is Reimagining the Suite Experience — And We Got the Inside Tour
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
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...
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961: Honing the Human Edge: Hotel Leadership Lessons from Top Hotelier
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
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...
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960: Decoding the Hotel Pipeline: Trends Every Owner Should Know
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
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...
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U.S. News Names Best Hotel Rewards Program for 2025. We Find Out Why
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Loyalty matters—but only if it’s worth something to the traveler. In this episode of, Glenn Haussman sits down with , Senior Travel Editor at , to reveal he just-released rankings of the best hotel rewards programs for 2025–2026. 💳 Here’s what you’ll learn: Why '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 's World of Hyatt a standout for both luxury and value-focused travelers Why continues to dominate airline loyalty — 11 years...
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FNA 183: The Burda's Back
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
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!
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959: Reimagining Meetings: Hilton on Gen Z, Quiet Zones & No More “Lifestyle Chic”
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
From awkward dress codes to overstuffed agendas, meetings needed a reset — and Hilton listened. On this episode of, Glenn Haussman and Anthony Melchiorri talk with , VP of Sales Engagement & Special Events at , about how her team is rewriting the rules of modern events based on feedback from 10,000+ attendees. 📋 What you’ll take away: • Why isn’t “fragile”—they’re just honest about what makes a good event • Why dropped general sessions and added etiquette training (yes, really) • How showing menus in advance and designing "networking menus" (no spinach!) is...
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958: What Hotel Investors Are Getting Wrong — And How to Build Smarter in 2025
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
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...
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Inside Avid & Garner: Why IHG’s Newest Midscale Brands Are Gaining Major Momentum
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Midscale doesn’t mean middle of the road — and is proving that with two rising stars: and Garner. In this special tour, Glenn Haussman visits Hotels & Resorts' Design Center in Atlanta with , VP of Brands for avid, Garner, and . They walk through real model rooms, explore growth strategies and , 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...
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957: Why Service in Hotels Still Wins
No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
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...
info_outlineIn today’s bonus episode, we speak with Sky Tucker of Bartech Systems International. Glenn gets schooled in minibars and the guys go through all the classic arguments why investing in minibars is a horrible thing to do. Truths revealed about how this amenity influences guest satisfaction, while creating a new profit center. Sky also shares combat duplicitous guests looking to steal minibar booze.
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