057: Creating Unique On-Property Experiences
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Release Date: 09/25/2023
079: Local Love: Travelers are Shifting Toward Unique, Family-Owned Stays
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
The quiet luxury trend that took off in 2024, where travelers sought more meaningful and authentic experiences, is shifting in 2025. This year, guests are choosing family-owned lodging for the warmth, connection, and comfort it offers. Family-owned, independent properties are in a perfect position to meet this demand by creating stays that feel like home. In this episode, Mandy Murry, founder of Hospitality Concierge, discusses how small stays can deliver these high-touch experiences. She also shares her “Undercover Boss”-style approach to consulting and the other trends she’s seeing...
info_outline
078: Increase Margins Through Direct Bookings
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
For independent lodging operators, direct bookings are the ultimate goal. Yet, many struggle with optimizing their online presence to achieve this. Tarun Goyal, Founder & CEO of Simplotel, discusses how their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are helping over 3,000 hotels worldwide improve their booking processes and maximize direct reservations. Now expanding into North America, Simplotel offers independent properties a better way to increase margins, reduce OTA reliance, and enhance the guest booking experience. We are very thankful to Tarun for sharing his insights with us....
info_outline
077: What to Do (and Not Do) Marketing-Wise When Selling a Property
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Many owners dream of selling their properties for maximum value down the line. While operational efficiency is key, one critical aspect is often overlooked -- marketing. Chris Kelly, a seasoned consultant at White Stone Brokers, shares invaluable insights on why regularly auditing and optimizing marketing strategies is essential. Not only can this boost your revenue, but it can also significantly enhance your property's overall market value. We are very thankful to Chris for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about White Stone Brokers at . Our podcast is presented by the...
info_outline
076: Louisville Awaits: A Sneak Peek at the 2025 ALP Conference with Sarah Gazi, CEO
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
What do the Kentucky Derby, hand-crafted bourbon, southern charm, a vibrant culture of arts, cuisine, and independent lodging all have in common? Louisville, Kentucky -- the host city of the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace taking place March 24–27. Sarah Gazi, ALP CEO, provides a preview of what to expect at this year’s conference, which will host 50 educational sessions and lots of southern-themed networking and fun. We are very thankful to Sarah for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about the 2025 ALP Conference & Marketplace at Our podcast is...
info_outline
075: Peeling Back the Layers for Better Marketing Decisions
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Centralized online marketing tools are increasingly essential for independent lodging professionals, allowing innkeepers to focus more on their daily operations. Data Bing consolidates all marketing efforts and provides robust insights to make better decisions that drive more bookings. Matt Cooke, CEO of Data Bing, shares how this solution can optimize your online marketing. We are very thankful to Matt for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Data Bing at . Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like...
info_outline
074: Protecting Transactions: Essential Payment and Cybersecurity Practices for Credit Card Processing
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
Data breaches and cyberattacks are growing challenges for the independent lodging sector, highlighting the need for property owners to safeguard their data. The right payment processing solutions can help innkeepers save money, streamline operations, and protect sensitive information. Wynn Salisch, Founder of Casablanca Payments, shares insights on payment processing and cyber hygiene. We are very thankful to Wynn for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about Casablanca Payments at Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that...
info_outline
073: Coming to Iowa: MWInns 2024 Conference & Trade Show Preview with Kerri Thiel and Randy Bangs
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
As the newly rebranded (MWInns) continues to expand in the region and provide marketing value for its members, the organization is about to kick off its annual conference. Taking place December 3rd to 5th in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the Show will gather industry experts, vendor partners, and other innkeepers to explore issues, challenges, and opportunities to enhance the guest experience. We are very thankful to Kerri Thiel, Executive Director of MWInns; and Randy Bangs, who is the Board VP Marketing Chair of MWInns, for sharing their insights about the conference with us. You can learn more...
info_outline
072: Perseverance in Action: From Navigating Cease-and-Desist Orders to Successful Urban Property
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
In 2004, when Julie McAferty and her husband Blayne purchased a 1920s-era home in Seattle, WA they did not anticipate the obstacles that they would encounter. From facing cease-and-desist orders to navigating changes in local laws, their perseverance and advocacy for the lodging industry were key to their triumphs. Overcoming these obstacles early on, helped them master a strategic approach to running their business. As urban lodging owners, it soon became apparent that providing guests with personalized recommendations to local attractions was essential for creating memorable guest...
info_outline
071: Simplify, Connect, Grow: One B&B Owner’s Secret to Success
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
The challenges of independent lodging professionals can be overwhelming. Sometimes innkeepers need to be reminded to simplify their approach and connect more effectively with guests in order to grow. Jan Smith, owner of Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House, shares how she has transformed her business by improving the experience of her guests, streamlining operations, and building stronger relationships with local businesses. We are very thankful to Jan for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about the Maple Cove Bed & Breakfast and the August House at .
info_outline
070: Protect Your Lodging Business - Insurance Essentials
Frictionless Innkeeper Podcast
In today’s uncertain world, the need for lodging insurance has become more critical for property owners. Though, lodging insurance is not always black and white. There are many often-unknown liabilities to consider. Thankfully, Mitch Pies of the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency, which is part of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality, can provide the right insurance policy to protect your property and business. We are very thankful to Mitch for sharing his insights with us. You can learn more about the Mitchell J. Pies Insurance Agency at . Our podcast is presented by the...
info_outlineDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, lodging professionals often needed to find creative ways to incent guests to stay at their properties. Some owners and managers did so by developing new on-property experiences for their guests which they had never offered in the past.
Doug Bagnasco and Jim DeBlasi, the co-owners of the Devonfield Inn, were among that group of astute lodging professionals who focused their energies on developing a wide-range of on-site guest experiences, by leveraging the strengths of what their property has to offer and partnering with local businesses to bring unique services and activities to their Inn. Most of these offerings became so popular that they live on today as essential ways of providing unique guest experiences.
We are very thankful to Doug and Jim for sharing their insights with us. You can learn more about the Devonfield Inn at devonfield.com.
Our podcast is presented by the Frictionless Guest App, the digital concierge that helps your guests live like locals. To learn more, visit frictionlessguest.com.