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
Gen Z, Millennials, and the Vacation Ownership Shift
06/05/2026
Gen Z, Millennials, and the Vacation Ownership Shift
Seventy-three percent of new vacation ownership purchases now come from Gen Z and millennials. That changes the pitch, product strategy, and member experience conversation for every company in vacation ownership. During ARDA Spring Conference, I spoke with Gordon Gurnik, COO of Hilton Grand Vacations, about younger buyers, points-based flexibility, AI, and the experiences HGV builds around ownership. 🎟 HGV runs about 3,800 member experiences a year, so ownership means access, not just more space 🏎 At Elara in Las Vegas, HGV brings F1 into the owner experience with viewing areas, concerts, food, and beverage 🎤 Chef dinners, wine tastings, baseball suites, and private concerts create moments members may not arrange on their own 🤖 AI opens a path toward more personal recommendations, especially in markets like Las Vegas where too many choices can overwhelm a trip 👨👩👧 Points-based ownership helps younger buyers adapt as their families, schedules, and vacation habits change Gordon also talks about why hospitality keeps people hooked: travel, food and beverage, construction, marketing, sales, entertainment, and the moments when guests create memories right in front of you. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41546705
info_outline
Hotel Owners Facing Tough Choice: PIP, Sell, or Switch Management
06/04/2026
Hotel Owners Facing Tough Choice: PIP, Sell, or Switch Management
Hotel owners staring down PIPs have three choices: spend the money, sell the asset, or rethink management. During NYU IHIF, I spoke with Ben Perelmuter, CEO of Remington Hospitality, and Scott Geres, General Manager of Hotel Edison, from inside the Hotel Edison in Times Square. Ben says hotel deal activity has finally picked up after several slower conference cycles. Owners face brand pressure, capital decisions, and asset sales, and Remington Hospitality has already added 17 new third-party deals in the first four months of the year. 🏨 PIPs and capital pressure now push owners toward harder decisions 📈 Remington has added 17 new third-party deals this year 🔁 Asset sales can create new management opportunities 🌎 Remington continues expanding in the Caribbean and Latin America, including Grand Cayman, Peru, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Mexico 🗽 Scott shares what Hotel Edison sees from the middle of Times Square, including a strong first quarter, softer international demand, and future demand around the World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary We also got The Godfather hallway, Luca Brasi, and a reminder that some hotel interviews come with better scenery than others. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41533365
info_outline
Undergraduate by Hilton: A New Hotel Brand for College Towns
06/03/2026
Undergraduate by Hilton: A New Hotel Brand for College Towns
During NYU IHIF, Hilton debuted Undergraduate by Hilton, a brand-new conversion product aimed at university markets where a full Graduate Hotel may not fit. Jenna Hackett, SVP, Global Leader, Lifestyle Brand Management at Hilton, joined me for a conversation about how Undergraduate by Hilton connects with Graduate Hotels while giving owners a more affordable, scalable conversion option. 🎓 Graduate Hotels brings bespoke, university-adjacent storytelling across more than 35 locations 🏨 Undergraduate by Hilton gives Hilton a growth path across hundreds of additional university markets 🔁 Owners can use the brand for conversion and new-build opportunities 🎨 Hilton created a playful university feel and gave owners room for local color through artwork, paint, and design details Jenna also talked about Hilton’s broader conversion momentum, including Curio Collection, Tapestry Collection, and Outset Collection. University markets keep creating opportunity, and Hilton sees more room for growth. Watch the full conversation on #NoVacancyNews.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41521335
info_outline
Red Roof Builds an AI-Driven Website: How It Wins Search Next
06/02/2026
Red Roof Builds an AI-Driven Website: How It Wins Search Next
At NYU IHIF, I talked with Zack Gharib, President of Red Roof, because the brand made three moves worth watching at the same time: entered Canada, pushed tech growth, and rebuilt the website around AI search. Then the numbers back it up: app performance up 55%, loyalty enrollments up 29%, and 54,000 app downloads across Q1/April/May. 🇨🇦 First Canada deal: Vancouver airport market, 168 rooms, local operating partner 📈 Zack says Red Roof beat the economy-segment forecast and grew year over year through Q1, April, and May ⭐ Quality scores climbed about 2 points year over year, plus stronger social and mystery scores 📱 Tech momentum: 55% app performance lift, 29% loyalty enrollment lift, 54,000 downloads across Q1/April/May 🧠 Next push: AI-driven website strategy focused on findability and direct bookings 🚗 Summer read: strong interstate and suburban pace as families choose drive-to travel, pacing double digits over last year Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41506860
info_outline
Bar Profit Leaks: The 2 Quick Tests Owners Can Run Tonight
06/01/2026
Bar Profit Leaks: The 2 Quick Tests Owners Can Run Tonight
7.2 seconds behind the bar can cost about $1.1M a year. That’s how Tobin Ellis, a 30-year bar industry veteran, thinks about bar design: eliminate problems before they happen, then let the team sell more with fewer steps. 👀 Quick test: nonstop walking behind the bar kills selling time and guest connection 🍸 Quick test: “order → disappear → return” kills second rounds 📏 Tobin builds “Zero Step” stations so bartenders stop running laps ⏱️ Tobin measured 7.2 seconds of waste per bartender and tied it to about $1.1M/year on one rooftop bar 🏨 Use the timing: conversions and PIPs give owners the best window to fix the bar correctly 📚 Start cheap: Bar Design Essentials Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41485320
info_outline
Most Hotel Websites Don’t Use Video—That’s Why Guests Bounce
05/31/2026
Most Hotel Websites Don’t Use Video—That’s Why Guests Bounce
One frustrating thing about hospitality: guests want to research rooms visually, but most hotel websites don’t include video. When hotels force guests to imagine a room, they simply move on. So I talked with Jason Craparo, CEO of hovr, and Ethan Wiseman, VP of Product Management at aven hospitality, about what hotels can do right now to fix that disconnect. 🎥 Audit your site: count how many videos you actually show per room type, view, and suite category 📱 Build a “video path” that matches how guests shop: room → view → bathroom → balcony → public spaces ⚡ Add video without slowing the site: protect load speed or you lose the guest before they see the content ♿ Treat accessibility as a baseline, not a bolt-on: make video usable for more guests from day one 🏨 Use video to reduce uncertainty on high-consideration stays: fewer surprises means fewer abandons and fewer complaints 💰 Track what happens when guests watch video: more video consumption often lines up with higher spend, so measure it and price accordingly Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41485840
info_outline
FNA 210: The Poland Adjustment
05/30/2026
FNA 210: The Poland Adjustment
We’re back in the Hotel Pet Peeves bracket… but first, we nearly lose the plot over Glenn’s “Haussman Resort Pool Club Smokehouse & Dispensary Brewery” (still a working title). Friday Night Audit brings Craig Sullivan, Dr. Producer Suzanne Bagnera, and our guest Elyse Poland (“Bucket Hat”) back for the Infuri-Eight—plus the usual friendly violence. 🍻 Pet Peeves tournament returns 🛠️ Glenn’s studio remodel enters year 3 of the “3–5 years left” plan 😇 Craig ships Glenn a giant happy-face package so we can finally call him Mr. Sunshine 🎭 Southern Lodging Summit reunion planning, with dates we say confidently and refuse to fact-check 🃏 Trading cards, sprinkler-head nonsense, and other bad ideas we fully commit to Watch it, laugh at us, then go vote for the pet peeve you hate most on #NoVacancyNews.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41473560
info_outline
Vacation Ownership Loyalty vs Hotel Loyalty: What's Different
05/29/2026
Vacation Ownership Loyalty vs Hotel Loyalty: What's Different
During the recently held ARDA Spring Conference, I met Scott Weisz, EVP Strategic Business Operations at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, and we got into loyalty—because it doesn’t work the same way in vacation ownership as it does in hotels. We talk about what actually keeps owners coming back: the booking journey, real service on-property, and experiences that match how younger travelers want to travel now. 📅 Loyalty starts before arrival: make booking easy and help owners match the right trip to what they own 🤝 Service builds loyalty: deliver consistent hospitality across the whole journey 🏝️ Two owner styles show up fast: families who return to the same resort every year vs owners who want new destinations each trip 🌍 Younger travelers want variety, flexibility, and more destination immersion 🧒 Resorts win with activities across age groups so families don’t split up 💬 Loyalty shows up in behavior: buy more points, travel more often, and bring friends and family along Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41403935
info_outline
Hotel Development 2026: Where New Builds Still Win
05/28/2026
Hotel Development 2026: Where New Builds Still Win
Our friend Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, joined me right after Lodging Econometrics released its Global Hotel Pipeline report—and it comes with a few surprises and some “pay attention to this” moments for owners, operators, brands, and suppliers. We walk through what the report shows across new construction, renovations, and conversions—and how the mix shifts depending on where you look. 🌍 Bruce breaks down where new builds keep accelerating and where renovations/conversions take the lead 🇨🇳 China stays on a different scale for rooms under construction 🕋 Mecca keeps projects moving, but timelines stretch 12–24 months as mega-project scope expands 🏙️ Luxury trends smaller on key counts, and developers stack residential into the deal 🎸 Las Vegas stays active with renovations plus a few big-ticket bets 🇺🇸 Conversions keep running in the U.S. because transactions trigger recapitalization and PIPs force decisions Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41403840
info_outline
Skytouch PMS Adds AI Tools for Front Desk and Ops
05/27/2026
Skytouch PMS Adds AI Tools for Front Desk and Ops
Skytouch ships AI tools. The tools help associates move faster, feel more confident, and stay engaged on shift. Hotels keep more good people, and guests feel the difference. I talked with Charlie Green at Skytouch Technology about what the AI handles now and what the roadmap adds next. 🤖 AI answers front desk questions fast: “How do I change rooms?” “Where do I find X?” 🧠 AI adds context. New associates learn priorities, not just clicks. ⚡ Skytouch expands AI beyond Q&A. The roadmap adds task execution and reduces busywork. 📈 Better support raises productivity and confidence. Teams stick around longer and ramp faster. 😊 Stronger execution lifts the guest experience because staff spends less time hunting for answers and more time helping guests. 🧾 Charlie highlights bulk actions, including checking out 30 rooms at once and sequencing housekeeping for group arrivals. Skytouchtechnology.com Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41403010
info_outline
How Hyatt Regency Orlando Uses Digital Signage That Drives Sponsor Value
05/26/2026
How Hyatt Regency Orlando Uses Digital Signage That Drives Sponsor Value
I’m at Hyatt Regency Orlando, where I’m with Managing Director Paul Joseph breaking down how the hotel uses Xpodigital to modernize the on-site event experience while adding profitability by selling digital signage as sponsor inventory through revenue share. 🖥️ Hyatt uses digital branding to give sponsors visibility in shared spaces ⏱️ The team pushes late planner changes live fast instead of missing print deadlines 💰 The hotel treats screens as sellable sponsor inventory and monetizes them through revenue share without upfront spend 👥 Xpodigital keeps on-site support in place, so updates and fixes happen immediately 📸 The front desk screen creates a true “stop-and-look” placement sponsors value 🤝 Sales brings Xpodigital in early—sometimes 12 months out—so the hotel builds signage into sponsor packages from day one Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866 for #NoVacancyNews.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41402620
info_outline
How Hotel Bars Sell More: Turn One Cocktail Into an Experience
05/23/2026
How Hotel Bars Sell More: Turn One Cocktail Into an Experience
Memorial Day weekend means higher bar volume. That’s the perfect time to raise drink quality without slowing service. I’m at in the Velvet Lounge with mixologist , making her Brain Teaser Margarita and talking through the real takeaway for hotels: build that look premium, taste balanced, and give guests a reason to trade up. 🍉 Yelena builds a watermelon margarita off a familiar base so guests order it quickly 📸 She designs it to win the menu moment: name + photo that makes people say “I’ll try that” 🧂 She uses a salt solution to brighten flavor and balance sweetness 🌿 She uses a watermelon + basil rim to add aroma and texture 🌼 She adds a buzz button tincture for a “super taster” twist guests remember 🍉 She finishes with a dehydrated watermelon cracker garnish that stays crisp and holds up in service Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from ? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41401915
info_outline
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Launches Experience-Driven Ownership: Inner Circle
05/21/2026
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Launches Experience-Driven Ownership: Inner Circle
Live experiences drive operating success because they create reasons to travel, reasons to spend, and reasons to come back. That’s why Marriott Vacations Worldwide is building Inner Circle around them. I talked with Mike Flasky, President and COO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide, about what changes when the offer expands beyond the villa and into the full trip. 🎟️ Inner Circle launches June 22 and centers music, culinary, sports, and TV experiences 🎸 Launch example: a Lee Brice show in Orlando for about 300 owners 📊 Only about 6% of eligible North American households own vacation ownership today 🏨 The portfolio spans brands like Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Westin, Sheraton, Marriott, and Hyatt Vacation Club, with about 700,000 owner families 💳 Points give flexibility: choose unit size, choose trip length, bank the difference, and use points for flights, cruises, or Marriott Bonvoy 📍 The development lens shifts toward markets with big distribution potential, with Nashville high on the radar Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41377380
info_outline
Hotel Tech Careers in 2026: Pay, Bonuses, and Sentiment
05/20/2026
Hotel Tech Careers in 2026: Pay, Bonuses, and Sentiment
Only 40% of hotel tech revenue-side professionals hit their full bonus target. Glenn Haussman and Dr. Producer Suzanne Bagnera talk with Ed Clark, Founder of Hospitality Tech Jobs, about his new salary + sentiment report and what it says about hiring, comp, and career paths in hotel tech. 📊 About 66% of hotel tech roles sit revenue-adjacent 🎯 Bonus reality: most people miss full target, so companies need more transparency on comp plans 👩💻 Sentiment gap: women score negative on NPS while men score positive 💵 Base pay matches; realized earnings diverge by about $15K 🧠 Practical job-hunting tip: do more than “click apply,” and use a voice note to stand out Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41014520
info_outline
Multigenerational Travel: How Hilton Grand Vacations Builds for Groups
05/19/2026
Multigenerational Travel: How Hilton Grand Vacations Builds for Groups
F1 week in Las Vegas turns a stay into a full itinerary, and Hilton Grand Vacations builds owner value around the full trip, not just the nights. I talked with DeSalvia, EVP and Chief Customer Officer at , at the Spring Conference about owner benefits beyond the property, multigenerational , and how the trip stays seamless from booking through the experience. 🏎️ Derek uses F1 as the anchor example: build the week around one marquee event, then stack experiences on top 🎟️ The program adds value outside the resort stay through experiences and benefits 👂 Derek keeps the filter simple: listen to the customer and build what they want in that moment 🧳 Multigenerational travel drives the product: unit variety plus flexibility to book multiple units 🧩 Derek focuses on a connected journey so planning and in-market moments stay consistent Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866 for .
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41343535
info_outline
FNA 209: The Drinking Labbe
05/17/2026
FNA 209: The Drinking Labbe
Ryan Labbe owns and operates numerous restaurants in bars in Vegas including Rosina Cocktail Lounge at Venetian, voted one of the “best bars in Las Vegas” by Condé Nast Traveler. Glenn, Craig and Doctor Producer Suzanne ruin it all during tonight's weekend kickoff Happy Hour. How this
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41321355
info_outline
How Travel + Leisure Co Builds Loyalty With Margaritaville and Sports Illustrated
05/15/2026
How Travel + Leisure Co Builds Loyalty With Margaritaville and Sports Illustrated
Travel + Leisure Co turns Margaritaville and Sports Illustrated into something owners feel after the trip ends: access, events, and reasons to come back. At the ARDA Spring Conference, I talked with Louis Acosta, SVP Sports, Entertainment, Event Marketing and Sales at Travel + Leisure Co, about how the company uses brand DNA to build demand—and why that matters when budgets tighten. 🏝️ Margaritaville Vacation Club leans hard into the experience at Rio Mar, then points to Orlando as the next move 🏟️ Sports Illustrated Resorts uses sports + culinary events to keep the brand “alive,” not just visible 🎟️ The strategy centers on access you can’t buy off the shelf, then turns that into loyalty 🚗 Prepaid ownership keeps travel plans intact, especially for drive-to trips Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866 for #NoVacancyNews.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41258385
info_outline
Westgate Resorts: The Experience Strategy Driving Demand
05/14/2026
Westgate Resorts: The Experience Strategy Driving Demand
More than 40% of Westgate’s new timeshare buyers are millennials. I talked with Jared Saft, COO of Westgate Resorts, at ARDA’s Spring Conference in Las Vegas about why younger buyers want space, kitchens, and togetherness—and how Westgate drives demand with differentiated experiences. 👥 Buyer shift: Jared says millennials make up 40%+ of new buyers 🏠 Product fit: kitchens, multiple bedrooms, multiple TVs, and space for groups 🎢 Experience strategy: Chuck E. Cheese, a mystery fun house theme park, and a Florida dude ranch with glamping 🏟️ Group demand matters: Westgate fills slower quarters with convention guests who want extra space and meeting access 🤝 Vegas partnership: Westgate SuperBook powered by Caesars Sportsbook Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41258165
info_outline
The Procurement Playbook Behind Luxury Guest Experience
05/13/2026
The Procurement Playbook Behind Luxury Guest Experience
Luxury guests feel the difference in the details, and procurement decides many of those details. I talked with Denis Klurfeld, SVP of Procurement for Luxury & Lifestyle at Accor, about how procurement shapes the luxury guest experience, balances standards with local authenticity, and protects long-term owner value. 🛏️ He treats sleep as non-negotiable because it anchors the brand promise 🍽️ He gives properties more flexibility in culinary and amenities so hotels keep local authenticity 🧩 He builds frameworks instead of constraints: standards build trust, local choices build memories 💰 He evaluates decisions through total cost of ownership: durability, lifecycle, maintenance, and guest perception ♻️ He weights sustainability heavily in procurement decisions (30%+ of the scorecard) 🤝 He designs with operations so hotels can execute in the real world Thanks to Entegra for supporting this episode. Visit EntegraPS.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866 for #NoVacancyNews.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41210295
info_outline
Revenue-Share Digital Signage: Add Sponsor Income Without Upfront Spend
05/12/2026
Revenue-Share Digital Signage: Add Sponsor Income Without Upfront Spend
During the recently held AAHOACON, I talked with Andrew Russo from AAHOA and Tony Hodgins, Regional General Manager with Legends Global, which operates the Pennsylvania Convention Center, about their digital signage partnership with Xpodigital. 🖥️ Revenue share puts the screens in place without upfront capital, then pays out from sold sponsor inventory ⏱️ AAHOA added a sponsor two days before the show and still got them on the screens 🚶 Screens drive foot traffic by placing sponsor brands at key entry points 🧑💻 Zachary Italian from Xpodigital stays on site full-time to support execution and keep updates moving If your hotel has conference space (or you run a venue), you can create the same sponsor inventory and revenue-share opportunity. Message me and I’ll connect you. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866 for #NoVacancyNews.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41197285
info_outline
Timeshare Buyers Shift Younger: 73% Are Gen Z and Millennials
05/11/2026
Timeshare Buyers Shift Younger: 73% Are Gen Z and Millennials
Jason Gamel, President and CEO of ARDA, says vacation ownership holds up because owners lock in costs and plan differently than hotel-only travelers. I talked with Jason at ARDA’s spring conference in Las Vegas about tech, buyer trends, and what investors should watch in timeshare right now. 🤖 Jason says the conference puts a big spotlight on tech and where different companies sit in their AI journey 🧳 My “oh wow” moment: more space and a kitchen changes the entire trip for groups and families 📈 Jason points to strong occupancy, including a Marriott Vacations Worldwide outlook of 90%+ occupancy 👥 Jason says Gen Z and millennials make up 73% of new purchasers 🧾 ARDA starts an insurance captive to help tackle maintenance-fee pressure 🏗️ He sees mixed-use growth: hotel + timeshare + residential, plus hotel conversions in markets like Nashville and New York Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41257870
info_outline
Mohegan Sun Marketing: How a Casino Resort Personalizes Loyalty Fast
05/11/2026
Mohegan Sun Marketing: How a Casino Resort Personalizes Loyalty Fast
During the recently held DUETTO PERFORM, I interviewed Jesse Sturges, Director of Strategic Marketing at Mohegan Sun, about how one of the world’s largest casino resorts uses loyalty, influencers, and faster recognition to connect guests to tailored experiences. 🎸 Mohegan Sun marks 30 years at the property and 25 years for the arena, with Metallica booked for two nights 📣 Jesse uses influencers as a real growth lever, including slot influencers from New England and Vegas 🧠 Jesse focuses on motivation: who guests follow, what they respond to, and how to connect them to tailored experiences 🎭 The resort runs multiple experiences at once—comedy, concerts, shows—so different customers build different trips 🏷️ Jesse’s biggest tip: show loyalty value immediately, not after 10–25 stays, and personalize faster Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41015300
info_outline
86K New Rooms vs 350K Renovations: What Hotel Suppliers Need to Know
05/10/2026
86K New Rooms vs 350K Renovations: What Hotel Suppliers Need to Know
Renovations and conversions are about to outpace new builds by a lot — and that changes who suppliers should sell to. Glenn Haussman talks with Bruce Ford, SVP at Lodging Econometrics, in Las Vegas while Choice Hotels International’s convention and HD Expo run in the same building. 🔁 Transactions drive conversions: trading hotels unlocks renovation + repositioning decisions 🏗️ Bruce puts numbers on it: about 86,000 new rooms vs about 350,000 renovated rooms this year 🏦 Expensive debt keeps new builds tough, while cash-flowing hotels still finance better 🧾 PIPs push decisions: renovate, sell, or exit 📦 Supplier reality: shipping costs jump 50–60%, and that hits hotel P&Ls fast 🤝 Supplier advice: sell accounts and partnerships with active ownership/management groups, not one-off quotes Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit Actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41211640
info_outline
Choice Drops Elite Status to 5 Nights: What Owners Gain
05/09/2026
Choice Drops Elite Status to 5 Nights: What Owners Gain
Choice’s loyalty refresh goes the opposite direction of most programs: easier to earn, easier to reach status, easier to redeem. During Choice Hotels International’s 70th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, I talked with Noha Abdalla, Chief Marketing Officer at Choice Hotels, about the Choice Privileges refresh, the Keegan-Michael Key campaign, and why owners should care. 🎭 Keegan-Michael Key helps Choice break through generic hotel marketing 💳 Choice Privileges changes: second + third stay bonuses, first elite tier at 5 nights (down from 10), plus a new Titanium top tier 🏈 Passion points: Learfield college sports + Trackhouse Racing/NASCAR for access members actually want 💰 Owner angle: loyalty members stay more often, spend more, and cost less to acquire 📈 Noha says members who joined in Q1 this year spent 5% more than members who joined in Q1 last year Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866 for #NoVacancyNews.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41210000
info_outline
Choice Hotels Controls 50% of Extended Stay New Builds: What That Means
05/08/2026
Choice Hotels Controls 50% of Extended Stay New Builds: What That Means
, Vice President & Segment Lead, Extended Stay at , says extended stay leads new hotel development right now, while conversions let owners move faster than new builds. I talked with Matt in Las Vegas about what Choice has in the pipeline, why conversions matter right now, and why he thinks extended stay still has a long runway. 🏗️ 2026 milestones: Choice expects the 600th extended stay to debut, the 300th , and the 30th 🏨 Choice share: Matt says Choice flags 50% of extended stay hotels under construction (WoodSpring + Everhome) ⏱️ Conversion window: roughly 3–6 months (sometimes faster) vs 18–24 months for new construction 🔄 conversion strategy: convert 100+ key transient boxes into extended stay ✅ Progress marker: Choice crossed 20 Suburban Studios transformations, with 30 more in the pipeline 📍 Everhome pipeline includes Las Vegas-area sites: Henderson and north of Vegas near the base Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41209800
info_outline
Why Hotel Conversions Need Transactions: Choice CDO Explains the Reset
05/07/2026
Why Hotel Conversions Need Transactions: Choice CDO Explains the Reset
David Pepper, Chief Development Officer at Choice Hotels, says Q1 turning RevPAR positive brought buyers back into the market. Glenn Haussman talks with David from Choice’s annual convention about why transactions drive conversions—and why extended stay keeps leading new builds. Conversions need transactions: buyers have to trade hotels for conversions to happen Q1 momentum: industry up, Choice up, investors start moving Choice relicensing up 50% in Q1 as buyers re-sign existing Choice hotels Country Inn & Suites up 50% this year Extended stay leads new construction: 50% of Choice’s pipeline runs extended stay WoodSpring + Everhome make up 50% of extended stay hotels under construction Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed? Text HOTEL to 66866. #ChoiceHotels #HotelDevelopment #HotelConversions #ExtendedStay #Hospitality #NoVacancyNews
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41196675
info_outline
Servers Leave $5,000–$8,000 a Year on the Table—Here’s Why
05/06/2026
Servers Leave $5,000–$8,000 a Year on the Table—Here’s Why
Hotel restaurants lose revenue in boring ways—slow first drink delivery, late refills, and servers who don’t know what they leave on the table. Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group, and Sloan Dean, former CEO of Remington Hospitality, break down CheckMax and the coaching system that uses POS data, leaderboards, and short training to drive stronger F&B performance. 🍸 Geoffrey targets an easy win: get the first drink out fast, then replenish sooner so tables order a third round 📊 CheckMax shows servers where they rank and what the gap costs them using leaderboards and gamification 📈 Geoffrey says outlets running the program see about 15% revenue per guest improvement year over year with the same servers 🎥 Sloan explains the “how”: POS data + coaching + short training content, including chef-recorded videos that teach servers how to sell key items 🧠 Geoffrey uses AI to spot patterns and turn messy POS data into coachable moments, including pairing strong servers with weaker ones for two weeks Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/40821510
info_outline
Hotel AI Use Case: Automate Reporting and Win Back Hours Every Day
05/04/2026
Hotel AI Use Case: Automate Reporting and Win Back Hours Every Day
During DUETTO PERFORM in Fort Lauderdale, I talked with Bob Matsuoka, Chief Technology Officer at Duetto, about AI in hotels the only way that matters right now: practical, operational, and money-saving. 🤖 Bob draws a clean line: machine learning does the work; AI makes it accessible 🚫 He warns against treating AI like an “answer machine” because it can hallucinate 🔁 He says AI wins today on operations: read emails, compile action items, synthesize reports, and stop wasting hours moving data between systems 📊 He shares a real example: revenue teams spend too much time pulling reports and building decks—AI can take that off their plate 🧩 He says AI works best as a translation layer between data and plain language, including writing the code behind the scenes 🗂️ His practical tip: connect AI to email + Google Drive and let it build your daily report while you sleep Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41014615
info_outline
HotelKey Self Check-In Kiosk: ID Scan, Face Verification, Keys in Minutes
05/01/2026
HotelKey Self Check-In Kiosk: ID Scan, Face Verification, Keys in Minutes
HotelKey’s self check-in kiosk scans an ID, runs face verification, and issues keys without a front desk line. I talk with , co-founder of , and , co-founder and CEO of HotelKey, about why kiosks only work when they connect directly to the . 🪪 Guests scan ID, complete face verification, pick an available room, and check in 🔑 The kiosk handles check-in, check-out, duplicate keys, stay extensions, room moves, and room-out-of-order 🧩 HotelKey builds the kiosk inside the PMS ecosystem instead of bolting on integrations later 🧑💻 HotelKey backs the kiosk with 24/7 live support so guests can tap a button and reach an agent 🏨 Owners testing it say lines shrink and staff shifts from desk transactions to guest interaction Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from ? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41120055
info_outline
1031: LGBTQ+ Hotel Brand Axel Hotels Targets U.S. Expansion
04/30/2026
1031: LGBTQ+ Hotel Brand Axel Hotels Targets U.S. Expansion
Axel Hotels runs 12 properties across four countries with nearly 1,000 rooms, and the brand focuses on the LGBTQ+ community. I talk with Efrain Castro, COO of Axel Hotels, about how the brand creates community-driven hotels and where the team wants to expand next. 🏳️🌈 Efrain calls Axel the largest hotel chain focused on the LGBTQ+ community, built as a “space of freedom” that welcomes anyone who wants that environment 🌍 Axel uses social spaces to connect travelers and locals, and that local/traveler mix drives repeat demand 🏨 Axel operates through leases, management agreements, and franchise deals, with a current push toward franchising 📍 US expansion sits on the table again; Axel previously operated in Miami Beach, and Efrain names Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and New York City as top targets 🧩 Efrain says Axel tailors the product to each deal—new build, conversion, or guidance on an existing asset 📩 Franchise and development inquiries: or the form on axelhotels.com Thanks to Actabl for supporting this episode. Actabl gives you the power to profit. Visit actabl.com. Want the weekly roundup of news, videos, and what you might’ve missed from #NoVacancyNews? Text HOTEL to 66866.
/episode/index/show/novacancy/id/41003980