RainesCo’s Big Moves: Growing, Innovating & Building New Deals | Hunter Hotel Conference
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Release Date: 03/25/2025
Inside Sonesta’s Bold Bet on Extended Stay
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is at ’s with Brian Quinn, Chief Development Officer of , to discuss the brand-new Sonesta Simply Suites prototype to new game-changing AI development tools. 🎯 Key Moments: [00:20] Sonesta’s momentum during uncertain market conditions [00:48] New Sonesta Simply Suites prototype revealed (3-story & 4-story models) [01:40] Why extended stay is still the most attractive segment [02:38] The 3 segments to watch: luxury, extended stay, and economy [03:30] How Sonesta is using AI & its partnership with Paraffin to help developers [04:45] Visualizing your hotel before it’s built:...
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Red Roof’s Game-Changing Strategy: Exclusive with President Zack Gharib at AAHOA
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Catch this exclusive AAHOA floor interview with Red Roof President Zack Gharib where we discuss his first year in this role and where Red Roof is headed next! 🔍 What You’ll Learn: [00:40] Zack reflects on his first year as President: What went right, what changed, and how 2024 reshaped Red Roof [02:25] The PMS overhaul to HotelKey and why it’s a foundational move for future tech integration [03:05] Big reveal: Red Roof’s new AI-powered revenue management partnership with HotelIQ [05:45] How automation and analytics are helping owners stop leaving money on the table ...
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FNA 172: The Michael Jordan of Hotels
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Bruce Jordan is a writer, podcaster and hotelier. But tonight he enters the Happy Hour zone with Glenn,. Craig and Producer Dave. We talk more hotel pet peeves, best hotels and stuff we wouldn't say if drinking wasn't involved.
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945: Hospitality Chaos or Comeback? Market Moves, Pipeline Shifts & Survival Tactics for Hoteliers
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📉 The hotel industry is navigating turbulent times — again. But this episode of isn’t about panic — it’s about real talk from the frontlines. I'm joined by () and () to break down what’s happening right now in hospitality — and what savvy operators must do to stay ahead. 👇 Highlights: [00:55] Market jitters & hotelier anxiety: The instability nobody's talking about [3:45] Convention cancellations & the silent collapse of government-adjacent demand [5:20] Economic ripple: Loss of city taxes, F&B revenue, and restaurant closures [7:45] Canadian travelers vanish...
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944: Why $1,000 Hotel Rooms Are Booming & Service is Sinking
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Luxury is booming, but so are guest complaints. Today, discusses the return of Starwood Hotels, the explosive growth of ultra-luxury hotels, and systemic service failures plaguing the hotel industry. 🛎️ Special thanks to our advertiser, – giving hoteliers the power to profit. Visit for more. 📌 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why courage—not experience—is the leadership trait hotels desperately need right now Why $1,000+ hotel rooms are no longer rare—and who’s actually staying in them What makes Treehouse Hotels quirky and Baccarat Hotels ultra-luxurious How...
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Is Hotel Development on Pause? CoStar's Freitag Breaks Down the Industry’s Crossroads
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The hotel business is shifting whether we like it or not. I speak with , National Director of Hospitality Analytics at , at the Leadership Conference in Nashville. insights hoteliers, developers, and investors need to hear right now. 👉 In This Episode: 📉 Why operators are nervous — and why developers might be even more so 🏗️ How tariffs and rising material costs are impacting hotel renovation and new builds 💸 The real story behind interest rates and why they might not be the silver bullet ✈️ The dramatic drop in Canadian and European travel—and what it could mean for...
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FNA 171: Gen Z Shows Up Gen X and Baby Boomers
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We're joined by Fiona Henry, an Analyst at Partner Valuation Advisors. She's new to the industry and lost a raffle during CLIC. Now, she has to be our guest. Let's see how she fares against Glenn, Craig, and Dave. Plus, we introduce April Anarchy, our March Madness rip-off focused on hotel pet peeves.
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943: True Hospitality: Emotional Connections, Industry Insights, and Concierge Secrets
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Experience the future of hospitality in this thought-provoking deep dive with , Chief Brand Officer at ! Discover how top brands are reshaping guest loyalty, exclusive experiences, and human connection—all while navigating the rise of AI. 🔥 What You'll Learn: - The power of human connection in hospitality—why tech should enhance, not replace it - How Sonesta is redefining loyalty beyond points—giving members brag-worthy access - Exclusive partnerships with...
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942: Inside Delmonico’s: Secrets of the Legendary Steakhouse
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Today we’re going back in time to the oldest fine dining restaurant in the U.S.; Delmonico’s. Managing Partner of DHG, shares its fascinating history, revival, and modern-day magic of this legendary steakhouse! 🍽️🔥 Also on we explore: • 🏛️ The incredible 186-year history behind Delmonico’s and its impact on American dining. • 🍷 How the new team is balancing tradition with fresh innovation. • 🥩 The secret behind their legendary steaks (yes, we asked!). • 💡 The role of hospitality in creating an unforgettable dining experience. • 🎭 The myths, the...
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941: True Hospitality: Emotional Connections, Industry Insights, and Concierge Secrets
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We’re joined by , author of True Hospitality: Lessons Learned from Behind the Concierge Desk. On this we talk: · Hospitality Industry Predictions: Anthony shares his take on upcoming challenges and opportunities. · The Power of Emotional Connections: Learn how creating genuine connections can transform guest experiences. · Concierge Stories Unveiled: Jamie shares jaw-dropping moments from her time as a concierge, including a Botox-saving wedding miracle!...
info_outlineWhile at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference I spoke with Grey Raines and Kerry V. Ranson from Raines Company. They discuss how they’ve managed to scale their company, integrate new technologies, and keep momentum going while staying true to their values.
✅ Key Highlights:
📈 Added 23 new hotels in 2024, including ground-up developments and third-party management.
💡 Leveraging technology and accounting system alignment to maximize efficiency.
🏨 Innovative deal structures using historic adaptive reuse, tax abatements, and forgivable loans.
🔥 Exciting openings ahead, including three new properties and expanding the investor base.
😅 Balancing high growth while avoiding burnout—plus some self-deprecating humor on the grind!
🎯 Why Watch:
Get inspired by how RainesCo keeps expanding without compromising quality. Plus, enjoy the humor and honest insights about the challenges of hotel growth.
💙 Special Thanks to Our Advertiser:
A big shoutout to Actabl— actabl gives you the power to profit! Check them out at actabl.com.
👍 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights from the Hunter Conference!