No Vacancy Live and No Vacancy News
Your home for No Vacancy with Glenn Haussman as well as Friday Night Audit and more! Each show features incredible hospitality leaders that educate and empower listeners.
info_outline
1011: The Decision That Led to a Hotel Management Merger
02/05/2026
1011: The Decision That Led to a Hotel Management Merger
This episode of #NoVacancyNews looks at how a hotel management merger came together — the conversations, timing, and decisions that led up to it. I spoke with Len Wolman, Chairman & CEO of Waterford Hotel Group, and Bob Habeeb, Founder & CEO of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants, about how their relationship developed, how long the process took, and what needed to line up before they moved forward. They explain what they focused on early, why they chose not to rush, and how owner needs and operational realities shaped their decision. They walk through the steps as they happened, without wrapping the story in theory or hindsight. We cover: 🤝: How the initial conversations started ⏱️: Why timing mattered 🏨: What they needed to see at the property level 📊: How owner considerations influenced decisions 🔄: What surprised them during the process 📈: Why this structure made sense when it did Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39967980
info_outline
Why RevPAR Isn’t Enough for Most Hotel Owners — and What to Do About It
02/04/2026
Why RevPAR Isn’t Enough for Most Hotel Owners — and What to Do About It
The gap between luxury hotels and everyone else keeps getting wider — and ignoring it won’t make it shrink. Suraj Bhakta, CEO & Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Advisory, and I spoke on #NoVacancyNews about what’s driving that divide. More important, we talked through actionable insights owners outside the luxury segment can actually implement. Suraj and I get into why upper upscale and #luxury continue to separate from the pack, how price sensitivity hits other segments harder, and why relying on rate alone only goes so far. We also talk through practical ways owners are looking beyond RevPAR and starting to think about total revenue without taking on massive capital projects. We cover: 🏨: Why luxury continues to outperform other segments 💸: How price sensitivity affects margins outside luxury 📊: Why owners look beyond RevPAR to total revenue 🚲: Experiential #hotel revenue ideas that actually move the needle 🧳: Why extended stay keeps attracting owners and capital 📈: How transaction activity could shape the second half of the year Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39967935
info_outline
1010: How Resorts World Las Vegas Uses F&B as a Return-Visit Magnet
02/03/2026
1010: How Resorts World Las Vegas Uses F&B as a Return-Visit Magnet
Food and beverage does more than fill seats — it creates memories, reasons to return, and stories guests take home. That’s the focus of this episode of #NoVacancyNews, filmed across Resorts World Las Vegas. I’m joined by Josef Wagner, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Resorts World Las Vegas, for a walk-and-talk look at how a modern integrated resort uses F&B to drive engagement beyond gaming. Josef shares how Resorts World approaches pop-ups, immersive lounges, celebrity chef partnerships, and venue flexibility — all with the goal of giving guests something new to experience every visit. From rooftop mixology activations to food hall experimentation and live entertainment integration, this conversation shows how F&B becomes a strategic growth engine, not just an amenity. What stood out to me is how intentionally the team tests ideas before locking them in. Pop-ups act as real-time focus groups, allowing the guest — not a spreadsheet — to decide what stays. We cover: 🍸: Why immersive lounges matter more than ever 🍽️: How pop-ups reduce risk while encouraging innovation 🎶: Using entertainment and dining together to extend guest stays 🏨: Designing F&B for locals, repeat guests, and first-time visitors 📊: Letting guest behavior guide long-term concepts For operators, this episode shows how food and beverage drives differentiation, loyalty, and revenue when experience leads the strategy. Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39853565
info_outline
ALIS Design: Why Hotel Restaurants Often Miss the Mark
02/02/2026
ALIS Design: Why Hotel Restaurants Often Miss the Mark
Most hotels look good. That’s not the problem. The harder part is giving people a reason to stay longer, spend more, and remember why they were there in the first place. In this episode of #NoVacancyNews, I talk with Alexis Readinger, Founder of Preen, about food-and-beverage design and how often hotels get it almost right — and why “almost” usually isn’t enough. Alexis and I get into why so many hotel restaurants and bars start to feel interchangeable, how that happens, and what gets lost when design decisions don’t start with a clear point of view. We talk about experiential dining, design trends, capital choices, and why solid food alone doesn’t save a space that doesn’t quite work. This interview was supposed to happen in person at ALIS Design. We ended up doing it remotely, which is pretty on-brand for how plans tend to go.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39962315
info_outline
ALIS Day 3: How Hotel Owners Are Allocating Capital in 2026
01/30/2026
ALIS Day 3: How Hotel Owners Are Allocating Capital in 2026
What hotel owners and investors are doing matters more than what gets said on stage. In this episode of No Vacancy, Glenn Haussman connects with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, as he reports from ALIS in Los Angeles. Bruce shares what he’s seeing in the data and hearing in off-the-record conversations. The discussion focuses on how owners weigh new development versus conversions, how capital continues to move, and what influences decision-making as the industry looks toward 2026. Topics include: • How owners compare new development, conversions, and recapitalization • Where cost pressure continues to affect returns • How AI conversations sound more practical than speculative • Why certain asset types keep attracting investment • How labor and operating costs affect large hotels • Why portfolio reshaping and consolidation remain on the table Sponsored by Unifocus — technology that drives value. Learn more at Unifocus.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39934190
info_outline
Why Hotel Development Keeps Shifting Toward Conversions and Renovations
01/29/2026
Why Hotel Development Keeps Shifting Toward Conversions and Renovations
This Day 3 ALIS update focuses on what the data shows — not predictions, not sentiment. In this episode of No Vacancy, Glenn Haussman connects remotely with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, who is on the ground at ALIS in Los Angeles. Bruce walks through current pipeline data and how it lines up with conversations happening at the conference. The discussion stays focused on pipeline mix, renovation volume, brand activity, and where capital continues to move across markets. Topics include: • How conversions and renovations show up across the pipeline • Where midscale brands appear most frequently in current data • What renovation volume looks like compared to prior cycles • How brand consistency factors into development discussions • How financing conditions shape development decisions • Which markets continue to show momentum Sponsored by Unifocus — technology that drives value. Learn more at Unifocus.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39927575
info_outline
1009: Why Casino Resorts Now Compete Like Destination Hotels
01/29/2026
1009: Why Casino Resorts Now Compete Like Destination Hotels
Regional casino resorts don’t win anymore by adding square footage — they win by designing experiences that keep guests longer and spending more. That’s the focus of this episode of #NoVacancyNews. I’m joined by Kelly Devine, Principal and Partner, and Emily Marshall, Principal and Interior Design Leader at HBG Design, and guest host Dr. Suzanne Bagnera to talk about the evolution of regional gaming resorts and what operators should be paying attention to right now. We use Gun Lake Casino Resort in Michigan as the case study, breaking down how design decisions directly affect length of stay, guest behavior, operational efficiency, and profitability. This isn’t about pretty spaces for Instagram — it’s about building resorts that actually perform. What stood out to me is how intentionally HBG starts with operations first. They design the engine before the body, which explains why these projects drive measurable business results instead of just visual impact. We cover: 🎰: Why regional casinos now compete with Vegas-style destination resorts 🏨: How hotel design influences gaming behavior and length of stay 🧠: Designing rooms guests enjoy — without keeping them away from the casino 🧹: Why housekeeping flow, durability, and turnover time matter more than finishes 🎤: Programming spaces to keep locals and repeat guests coming back 📈: How smart design directly ties to revenue growth For hotels and casino operators, this conversation shows how design becomes a business tool, not a vanity project. Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39812295
info_outline
ALIS Day 2: Why Hotel Loyalty Only Works When Guests Come Back
01/28/2026
ALIS Day 2: Why Hotel Loyalty Only Works When Guests Come Back
Hotel loyalty gets talked about a lot. This conversation focuses on how it actually works. For this #NoVacancyNews, I spoke with Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, about what loyalty looks like when you stop chasing vanity metrics and start paying attention to repeat behavior, engagement, and direct bookings. Chris explains how GHA approaches loyalty across a global portfolio of independent brands — where cooperation matters more than competing for attention and where repeat stays tell you far more than raw membership numbers. We recorded this conversation during ALIS in Los Angeles. Chris made the trip in from Dubai. I got snowed in on Long Island, where I’m still slightly bitter days later, watching conference badges from afar and missing hanging with everyone. We cover: 🔁: Why repeat stays matter more than total member counts 📊: How GHA defines “active” loyalty members 🌍: Why international, multi-brand stays outperform single-brand loyalty 💻: Shifting business away from expensive third-party channels 🏨: How independent hotels compete globally without inventing new brands 📈: Why direct bookings and engagement keep accelerating Special thanks to Unifocus — technology that drives value. Check them out at Unifocus.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39910575
info_outline
ALIS Day 2: Why Hotel Owners Aren’t Making Big Moves Yet
01/27/2026
ALIS Day 2: Why Hotel Owners Aren’t Making Big Moves Yet
I’m still not at ALIS — snowstorms and airlines had other plans — but that doesn’t stop the conversation. This episode of #NoVacancyNews brings Day 2 coverage straight from Los Angeles. Our roving reporter is Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, reporting live from ALIS while I hold down the Haussman Resort Pool Club & Smokehouse under about 10 inches of snow. Bruce and I talk through what keeps coming up in conversations right now — not panic, not optimism, but a sense that the industry has landed on a plateau and hasn’t figured out the next move yet. We cover: 🏔️: Why forecasts for 2026 feel muted 🔄: How this cycle echoes 2003 more than people admit 🛠️: Why renovations and conversions keep winning 💻: Where owners actually spend money on technology ⚽: How the World Cup may help some cities — but not everyone It’s a practical check-in from the floor, with a little Jets trauma and snow shoveling mixed in.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39897595
info_outline
Why Food & Beverage Has Become the Hotel Differentiator
01/27/2026
Why Food & Beverage Has Become the Hotel Differentiator
When rooms, tech, and amenities start to feel the same, hotels lean on food and beverage to differentiate — and that’s the focus of this episode of #NoVacancyNews, recorded during ALIS. I’m joined by Phil Colicchio and Trip Schneck of Colicchio Consulting, talking from Los Angeles while I deal with snow back home. We talk about the pressure hoteliers feel around food and beverage right now — rising costs, operational stress, and the need to make restaurants work financially without turning them into generic hotel outlets. What stood out to me is how directly they connect F&B to experience. Hotels use tableside service, presentation, fire, buyouts, and flexible programming to give guests a reason to choose one property over another. We cover: 🍽️: Why experiential F&B drives differentiation 🔥: How presentation and design create built-in entertainment 🏨: How hotels use restaurants to support asset value and repeat visits 🍷: Why differentiation doesn’t require celebrity chefs ☕: How wine bars, coffee programs, and flexible concepts perform 🎯: Designing F&B around the actual audience, not trends
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39894505
info_outline
1008: Why Apartment-Style Living Is Reshaping Extended Stay in Hotels
01/27/2026
1008: Why Apartment-Style Living Is Reshaping Extended Stay in Hotels
As markets mature, they begin to specialize. That’s something we’re seeing more in extended stay and this episode of #NoVacancyNews shows the next stage of evolution when hotels borrow from apartment living and do it thoughtfully. I’m joined by Kate Thompson, Director of Commercial at Sage Hospitality Group, to talk about The Ann Savannah—an apartment-style hospitality concept built for guests who want independence without giving up service. The Ann offers fully equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms, longer stays without daily intrusion, and a host-driven service model instead of a traditional front desk. At the same time, it still works for one-night stays, groups, and business travelers who want space and flexibility. What stands out is how intentional the operation feels. This isn’t about removing service—it’s about delivering it when guests actually want it. We cover: 🏠: Why apartment-style living fits modern extended stay 🧳: How guests mix long stays, short stays, and group travel 🧹: Rethinking housekeeping, privacy, and guest control 🛎️: The role of a “host” instead of a concierge 🍳: Why full kitchens matter more than ever 👥: Leading teams in a lighter-staffed, cross-trained environment For hotels, this is a real look at how hospitality keeps pulling ideas from its own past and adapting them for today. Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39796680
info_outline
The ALIS Conversation Hotel Owners Are Really Having
01/26/2026
The ALIS Conversation Hotel Owners Are Really Having
I didn’t make it to ALIS this year thanks to a snowstorm — and Delta taking our pilot as we were boarding!! But we’re not letting 2,500 miles get in the way of a little #NoVacancyNews content. Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, is reporting from ALIS while I shovel snow back at the Haussman Resort Pool Club & Smokehouse. Bruce and I talk #hotel franchising trends right now: 🏗️: Why conversions continue dominating new development 💰: Why financing cash flow beats financing new construction 🏨: How midscale conversion brands from Hilton, IHG, and Marriott keep accelerating 🔄: What brand proliferation really means for owners ⚖️: Why public brand growth helps shareholders but complicates owner decisions ⚽: How FIFA World Cup cities may outperform — and why others need to rethink strategy Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39886830
info_outline
FNA 199: Craig Flees to Hawaii
01/24/2026
FNA 199: Craig Flees to Hawaii
In TV we'd call this a filler episode. Craig is in Hawaii and we're sure he wants to be elsewhere. Plus we have no guest. Glenn claims he has some stories though while Suzanne shakes her head in disbelief. Tune and find out!
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39861345
info_outline
1007: Why Sonesta Flattened Its Organization—and What Happens Next
01/22/2026
1007: Why Sonesta Flattened Its Organization—and What Happens Next
Building franchise relationships isn’t about brand standards — it’s about listening, flexibility, and time in the field. That idea sits at the center of this episode of #NoVacancyNews. I’m in Massachusetts at the global headquarters of Sonesta International Hotels, talking with Phil Hugh, Chief Development Officer. Phil walks through how stepping into the CDO role pushed him out of the office and onto the road for roughly 60 days, visiting properties, meeting with owners, and seeing firsthand what it actually takes to operate hotels across the economy, midscale, and upscale segments. What comes through clearly is how Sonesta has changed how it shows up for owners — from flattening its organization to putting real focus behind Americas Best Value Inn, refining its portfolio, and structuring franchise agreements around long-term success instead of short-term wins. We cover: 🏨: Why Sonesta streamlined its leadership structure 📍: How non-competing brands benefit owners 💰: What the flat-fee model means for profitability 🪧: Why curb appeal and signage still matter 📈: How Sonesta plans to grow heading into 2026 🤝: What owners actually want from a franchisor today Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39750370
info_outline
1006: How Authentic Hospitality Gets Delivered Every Day
01/20/2026
1006: How Authentic Hospitality Gets Delivered Every Day
Luxury shows up in the small moments, not the marble — and that idea sits at the core of this episode of #NoVacancyNews. I spent time with Christophe Baraton, General Manager of Shutters on the Beach, to talk about what hospitality looks like when you lead from the property level instead of a spreadsheet. Christophe runs a 30-year-old beachfront hotel with deep roots in its local community, long-tenured team members, and guests who return because they feel known. We talk about leadership during crisis, how Shutters became a refuge for locals during the Los Angeles fires, and why anticipation—not opulence—defines modern #luxury. What stood out to me is how clearly he connects culture to results. When employees feel cared for, guests feel it immediately. We cover: 🏨: What authenticity actually means to guests 🔥: Leading through crisis with empathy and action 👥: Building culture that keeps people for decades ✨: Why anticipation beats excess in luxury 🍸: Adapting to low-ABV and non-alcoholic beverage trends 🤖: How hotel leaders approach AI without losing the human touch For #hotels, this comes down to leadership, consistency, and care — delivered every single day. Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39748965
info_outline
FNA 198: The One Where We Try to Coury Favor
01/17/2026
FNA 198: The One Where We Try to Coury Favor
Hotelier and comedian Alex Coury returns to join Glenn, Craig and Doctor Producer Suzanne to kick off the weekend with a hilarious (they wish) happy hour.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39766625
info_outline
1005: Why Hotel F&B Has to Lead With Story, Not Square Footage
01/15/2026
1005: Why Hotel F&B Has to Lead With Story, Not Square Footage
Hotel food & beverage doesn’t fail because of trends — it fails when concept, design, and execution never fully line up. On #NoVacancyNews, I’m joined by Ami Alexander, Managing Partner at Barrel Aged Management, to talk about how #hotel #restaurants actually get built, refreshed, and kept relevant over time. Ami’s background spans luxury hotels, global restaurant groups, and lifestyle brands, including time with Hakkasan, Sydell Group, Montage, and Pendry. That perspective shapes how she thinks about storytelling, training, and why hotels can’t afford to treat F&B as an afterthought. What stood out to me is how often restaurants get compromised long before they open — furniture chosen too early, kitchens designed without the menu in mind, or concepts forced to fit an already built box. We cover: 🍽️: Why the concept needs to come first, not the floor plan 🎨: How design, furniture, music, and menu all tell the same story 👥: Training teams when experience is scarce but expectations are high 🌍: Lessons from global restaurant expansion that apply directly to U.S. hotels 🔄: When restaurants need a refresh — and how to do it without starting over For hotels, it’s a practical look at how strong F&B becomes a competitive advantage instead of a constant headache. Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39650215
info_outline
1004: Food, Culture, and Leadership Inside a High-Performing Hotel F&B Team
01/13/2026
1004: Food, Culture, and Leadership Inside a High-Performing Hotel F&B Team
Hotel food & beverage only works when culture, consistency, and leadership line up — and that’s exactly what this #NoVacancyNews conversation explores. I’m joined by Greg McGowan, Regional Director of Food & Beverage for Kolter Hospitality and Executive Chef at Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, recorded on site in South Florida. Greg’s path through country clubs, hotels, and leadership roles gives him a grounded view of what actually keeps F&B teams strong over time — especially in high-volume, full-service environments where turnover, burnout, and guest expectations collide. We talk about: 🍽️: Why different price points and experiences matter inside one property 👥: Building culture that keeps teams together for years, not months 🧠: Mental health, flexibility, and why burnout is no longer a badge of honor 📍: Balancing locals and transient guests in seasonal markets 🎯: Creating repeat business through genuine guest connection For #hotels, it’s a practical look at how strong leadership shows up every day — in kitchens, on the floor, and behind the scenes. Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com to learn more.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39648410
info_outline
1003: How Resorts World Las Vegas Uses Technology Without Losing the Human Touch
01/08/2026
1003: How Resorts World Las Vegas Uses Technology Without Losing the Human Touch
I did this one from the 66th floor Alle Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas, with Shannon McCallum, VP of Hotel Operations, about how the property continues evolving four-plus years after opening. Resorts World operates more than 3,500 rooms across three brands -- Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords -- all under one roof. That scale forces real decisions about technology, guest choice, and efficiency — especially when different guests expect very different experiences. Shannon walks through how the team thinks about: 📱: Digital check-in and Apple Wallet keys without forcing app adoption 🏨: Giving guests a choice between self-service and human interaction ⚙️: Replacing interconnected systems without breaking the operation 📊: Using guest feedback and data to guide tech decisions 🚶♂️: Reducing friction at arrival while improving front desk flow 🤖: Where AI and digital assistants actually help — and where they don’t The throughline here is intention. Technology works when it supports the guest journey instead of dictating it. Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit, visit Actabl.com. Smarter operations make it easier to support experiences at this scale.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39648950
info_outline
1002: Why Beverage Trends Matter More Than Ever for Hotel Profitability
01/06/2026
1002: Why Beverage Trends Matter More Than Ever for Hotel Profitability
Beverage has moved from a supporting role to a real revenue driver in hotel F&B, and that shift isn’t accidental. #NoVacancyNews I’m joined by Adrian Biggs, Director of Advocacy at Bacardi, to talk through what their latest global trends report reveals about how — and when — guests are actually drinking. This isn’t guesswork. Bacardi builds this report using global ambassador insight, consumer research across multiple countries, and real operator behavior. The result is a clearer picture of where beverage demand is heading and how hotel bars can respond. What stood out most to me is how timing, intentional drinking, and experience now matter as much as what’s in the glass. Afternoon drinking is rising, cocktails are getting lighter and more deliberate, and guests expect bars to deliver something worth remembering — not just something strong. What we cover: 🍸: Why earlier drinking is becoming the new norm 📊: How beverage trends affect menu design and staffing 🌱: The growing importance of transparency, sourcing, and storytelling 📍: What hotel operators should adjust now to capture more revenue Special thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Better data and smarter operations make it easier to turn trends like these into real results.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39625785
info_outline
Friday Night Audit Flashback: Where This Whole Mess Started
01/02/2026
Friday Night Audit Flashback: Where This Whole Mess Started
Because it’s STILL the holidays, I’m rerunning something that still makes me smile — episode one of Friday Night Audit. This show started in 2021, smack dab in the middle of COVID, when a lot of us in the hotel business felt disconnected, stuck at home, and spending way too much time on video calls. We also missed the best part of conferences: hanging out at the bar afterward, talking shop, telling stories, and laughing at how completely cuckoo this business can be. So we built Friday Night Audit to feel like that moment. The idea was simple: hotel people as real people, having a drink, reacting to the week, and letting the conversation go where it goes. No scripts. No polish. Just the kinds of conversations that usually happen after the badges come off. Early 2026 marks five years of the show, and we’ll hit 200 episodes in February, right around that anniversary. And yes, it still feels a little ridiculous considering how this all started. This first episode sets the tone immediately, with me and Craig Sullivan, joined by our first-ever guest Kate Burda — who shotguns a beer. Producer Dave also makes his presence felt early, adding strong insulting power as we figure this show out in real time and clearly have way too much fun doing it. Highlights from episode one: 🍺: Immediate regret about starting the show — followed by leaning into it 🎤: The first guest appearance and the rhythm that stuck 🏨: Real hotel stories, awkward guest moments, and industry inside jokes 🤣: A lot of laughter that probably wouldn’t have survived editing if this weren’t a live show If you’ve ever stayed late at the bar after a conference because the conversation beat the session schedule, this show was made for you. Question: Did you find Friday Night Audit early, or did you come across it later once the chaos was already established?
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39545745
info_outline
Flashback to Just Before Everything Changed: A Live Conversation from Early COVID
12/29/2025
Flashback to Just Before Everything Changed: A Live Conversation from Early COVID
This week, as I look back on podcasts that mattered to me over the last 10 years of No Vacancy and Rouse Media, I’m sharing some episodes that reflect where the industry — and all of us — actually were at the time. This one is difficult, but important. It’s one of the first live shows we ever did, recorded just before COVID shut everything down. At that point, we were still learning what this virus was, how it spread, and what it might mean for travel and hotels. I went live on LinkedIn with Anthony Melchiorri and Dr. Primas, a New York–based physician with deep experience in travel health. Anthony had known Dr. Primas since 1991, going back to his days at The Plaza, and we brought him on because we needed expert insight — not speculation. Within 48 hours of this episode airing, I lost almost my entire business. That wasn’t unique to me — far from it. We all experienced loss. That’s part of why this episode stands out. It captures the exact moment before everything changed. I’m rerunning this not to relive it, but to document it. It’s a snapshot of what the hotel industry was thinking, fearing, and trying to understand in real time. In this episode: 🦠: What we knew — and didn’t know — about COVID at the time 🏨: Early concerns about travel, hotels, and guest safety 🧠: Medical context instead of rumor or panic 📉: The uncertainty facing the hospitality industry in that moment 📍: A live conversation recorded just before shutdowns began There’s no sponsor on this episode. It stands on its own as a record of a moment none of us will forget.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39545955
info_outline
What FIFA 2026 Really Means for Hotel Development
12/23/2025
What FIFA 2026 Really Means for Hotel Development
Everyone talks about FIFA 2026 like it’s a guaranteed win for hotels. The reality is more complicated. I connected with Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics to look at the actual hotel development, renovation, and conversion activity tied to FIFA host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — and to answer a question hoteliers ask every time a mega-event comes to town: Should you really build for this? On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce breaks down where hotels are being added, where renovations matter more than new builds, and why most smart owners don’t bet long-term strategy on short-term events. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What we cover: ⚽: Why FIFA doesn’t drive hotel demand the way many people assume 🏨: Where full-service hotels make sense — and where they don’t 🏗️: The difference between building for an event vs. building for a market 🔄: Why renovations and conversions dominate many host cities 🏟️: How stadium districts like Dallas, Miami, and Atlanta actually work 🎓: Why teams and staff often stay in dorms — not hotels 💰: How owners still capitalize on short bursts of extreme rate compression
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39515095
info_outline
Help Support Rock Out Myeloma — January 15
12/22/2025
Help Support Rock Out Myeloma — January 15
I spoke with Allen Rolleri about his family’s experience dealing with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable form of cancer. The Rock Out Myeloma fundraiser takes place January 15, raising funds to support families facing the financial realities that come with long-term treatment. On #NoVacancyNews, Allen explains what the diagnosis meant in practical terms, how quickly his family had to learn about the disease, and why costs outside of medical bills often become part of the challenge. The conversation stays focused on awareness gaps, everyday expenses people don’t anticipate, and how support often comes in specific, practical forms. Topics covered: 🎸: What Rock Out Myeloma funds and how it helps families 🧠: What a multiple myeloma diagnosis looks like day to day 💸: Financial pressure tied to long-term treatment 📉: Why this cancer receives limited attention and funding 🤝: How targeted support actually makes a difference More information is available at fightingagainstmyeloma.com.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39493600
info_outline
FNA 196: Old Year, New Friends
12/21/2025
FNA 196: Old Year, New Friends
Happy Holidays! In our 2025 sendoff show Glenn, Craig and Dr Producer Suzanne welcome Raj Chudasama and Sara Pinto of M1Intel. They seem nice enough so the crew thought it would be fun to get to know them over some happy hour cocktails and some laughs to kick off the holiday season Friday Night Audit style.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39484690
info_outline
1001: Hospitality’s 2025 Reckoning — And What Comes Next in 2026
12/19/2025
1001: Hospitality’s 2025 Reckoning — And What Comes Next in 2026
We got something cool for episode 1001! Props to at the podcast for this one. I joined an end-of-year roundtable with some of the most thoughtful voices in media to reflect on what actually mattered in 2025 and what could reshape 2026. Huge thanks to everyone who brought real perspective (and disagreement) to the table: 🎙️: Katie Cline — Suite Success 🎙️: — 🎙️: — 🎙️: & — On , I focused on two things that kept showing up in every conversation this year — and won’t go away in 2026: • the confusion and overconfidence around AI, and • the growing economic bifurcation between ultra-luxury and everyone else. I also shared why I think profitability pressure, critical thinking, and realistic expectations will define the next cycle — and why hospitality needs to stop parroting talking points and start asking harder questions. A big thanks to — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit . What this roundtable covers: 🧠: Where helps — and where the industry oversells it 💰: Why protecting profit mattered more than top-line growth in 2025 🏨: The growing gap between ultra-luxury and the rest of the market 🤝: Why loyalty programs face an identity crisis 🎤: Why conferences, panels, and media need real voices — not scripts 🔮: What each of us sees coming in 2026 (and what worries us) Question for you: Which 2025 trend do you think hoteliers misunderstood the most heading into 2026?
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39468185
info_outline
Episode 1,000: Still Showing Up 10 Years Later
12/18/2025
Episode 1,000: Still Showing Up 10 Years Later
Well… this happened. This is episode 1,000 of No Vacancy is live. What started as me, a mic, and no real plan (OK, the original plan was to dominate the universe, but that proved too ambitious) turned into a platform that somehow became part of how this industry talks to itself. This episode purposely short. No guest. No agenda. Just a pause to acknowledge the milestone — and the timing. In 2026, turns 10, which makes this episode feel a lot like a major milestone with everything lining up. On , I touch on how the show started, how it shifted from audio to video, and why consistency matters more than getting it perfect. Why this episode exists: 🎙️: Because 1,000 episodes feels worth acknowledging and is great for shameless self-promotion 📺: Because moving to video changed everything - forcing me to get in better shape. 🤝: Because this only works with a real community behind it – like I mean it! 🏨: Because hospitality people show up, even when things get complicated. Like during Covid when most everyone became ‘real' 😅: Because sticking with something this long is still shocking for a lazy lug like me If you’ve listened, watched, shared, disagreed, or stopped me in a conference hallway over the years — thank you. And if we haven’t met yet, I can’t wait to be of your acquaintance. Next stop: episode 1,001… and year 10. Thanks to my amazing team: , and Happy Holidays and we’ll see you in a couple of weeks with some great new episodes!!!
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39453805
info_outline
What the Global Hotel Pipeline Actually Says About 2026
12/17/2025
What the Global Hotel Pipeline Actually Says About 2026
Everyone keeps asking the same question: Is hotel development slowing down? The global numbers say something very different — and far more nuanced. I checked in with Bruce Ford of Lodging Econometrics for a worldwide pipeline update that cuts through assumptions and looks at what’s really happening across regions, segments, and timelines. On #NoVacancyNews, Bruce explains why room counts remain historically high, why developers deliberately push openings into later years, and why renovations and conversions now matter as much as ground-up construction. This conversation focuses less on hype and more on how capital actually behaves when markets tighten. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What the data actually shows: 🌍: Global pipeline remains massive — but not evenly distributed 🏗️: Projects already under construction tell a different story than announcements 🇨🇳: China still dominates room count, but activity continues to normalize 🏨: Luxury holds firm while other segments feel pressure 🔄: Renovations and conversions reshape supply faster than new builds 📆: Developers delay openings by choice, not panic 🎢: Orlando and Dallas attract momentum for very different reasons
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39439540
info_outline
Luxury Is Changing: What Matters Now According to Hotel Leaders in Las Vegas
12/15/2025
Luxury Is Changing: What Matters Now According to Hotel Leaders in Las Vegas
Luxury no longer means chandeliers and thread count. It means connection, memory, and how guests feel long after checkout. I caught up with Robert Reitknecht at INSPIRE Luxury, hosted by the International Luxury Hotel Association, live from Resorts World Las Vegas. (Important context: this was my 10th day in Vegas, so expectations were appropriately managed.) On #NoVacancyNews, Robert explains how luxury hotels move from performative service to genuine connection, why frontline teams shape the guest story more than any design element, and how leaders must “lean into the brand” without losing authenticity. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Key Takeaways: 🏨: Why luxury now centers on memory, not material things 👥: How frontline teams directly influence the guest’s emotional takeaway 🎯: Why leaders must engage staff before guests arrive 🧠: How listening creates better service cues than scripting ✨: The shift from perfection to progress in luxury operations 📖: Why guests remember stories — not lamps, lobbies, or furniture
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39404425
info_outline
999: How a 16-Unit Idea Became One of America’s Largest Resort Experiences
12/11/2025
999: How a 16-Unit Idea Became One of America’s Largest Resort Experiences
Some resorts talk about experiences — Westgate builds them at theme-park scale. I visited Westgate Vacation Villas with Jared Saft, Chief Business and Strategy Officer, to explore how this company evolved from 16 original units into a massive, guest-focused resort with 3,000 rooms, a full waterpark, a Chuck E. Cheese–powered arcade, an in-lobby movie theater, and a $120 million reinvestment underway. On #NoVacancyNews, Jared walks through how Westgate designs spaces for toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents at the same time, how they turned nostalgia into a modern attraction, and how they’re expanding into more than 40 new destinations in just seven months. A big thanks to Actabl — Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. What you’ll see on this tour: 🏨: How Westgate grew from 16 units to 14,000+ across the portfolio 🎬: Why they built a full movie theater right in the check-in lobby 🧒: How kid-first design keeps families engaged (and sane) on peak weekends 👾: Chuck E. Cheese partnerships, retro arcades, and Mystery Funhouse nostalgia 🍭: A candy shop with a waterslide literally running through it 🌊: Shipwreck Island — a full waterpark wrapping around the building 🌮: The strategy behind Los Amigos, Sid’s American Kitchen, and Megabytes 🚀: How Westgate thinks about thoughtful, entrepreneurial expansion Question for you: What’s the most impressive family-focused feature you’ve seen at a resort?
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/39165705