What does it really mean to be a sustainable hotel?

In this episode, Ben Webster, General Manager of Hotel Marcel, joins us to break down how his property became the first and only all-electric, solar-powered, LEED Platinum-certified, fossil-fuel-free hotel in the U.S..

From historic preservation to cutting-edge energy solutions, Ben shares insights for hoteliers looking to embrace sustainability, the real costs (and savings) of going green, and why so many companies talk the talk but don’t walk the walk when it comes to hosting sustainable events.

Key Topics:

• What does it truly mean for a hotel to be sustainable?
• How does the hotel engage guests in its sustainability efforts?
• The Challenges and Trends in Sustainable Hospitality
• Why do many Fortune 500 companies claim to prioritize sustainability but fail to book sustainable venues?

If you're in hospitality, this episode is a wake-up call—because sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s the future.

Watch the FULL episode here: https://youtu.be/s5wShlHrLAc

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-webster-cha-91390181/

Hotel Marcel: https://www.hotelmarcel.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/134

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Monty Bennett, Chairman & CEO of Ashford Group of Companies, one of the leading real estate firms in hospitality. With over 30 years of experience, Monty has built an empire of over 100 hotels and advises two publicly traded REITs.

From his Cornell beginnings to navigating economic downturns, industry trends, and the evolving future of travel, Monty shares game-changing insights into hotel investment, sustainability, and the rising demand for leisure-driven experiences.

Key Topics:

• How does Ashford stay ahead in a volatile industry?
• Why are hotel tech adoption and sustainability such uphill battles?
• What’s coming for hospitality in 2025 and beyond?

Join Steve Carran and David Millili for an insightful and entertaining conversation with a true hospitality mogul.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the business of hotels, real estate, and leadership!

Watch the FULL episode here: https://youtu.be/n5UHFu27cu0

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Mont on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monty-bennett-592a7b1a3/
Website: https://montybennett.co/

Ashford Inc.: https://www.ashfordinc.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/133

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this special edition of The Modern Hotelier, we focus on one of the most significant events impacting the hospitality industry this month—the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

Joining us is Sarah Dandashy, an industry expert and longtime LA resident, who shares her firsthand experience of the fires, the resilience of the community, and how hospitality businesses stepped up in a time of crisis.

Hosts Steve Carran and David Millili discuss the broader impact of the fires on tourism, hotel occupancy, and the travel industry, drawing parallels to past crises like 9/11 and the Maui wildfires. They also explore how businesses and individuals can prepare for emergencies and provide tangible ways to support those affected.

Key Topics:

• How LA residents, businesses, and the hospitality industry came together to support those affected.
• The Community Response & Hospitality Industry’s Role
• The Fires’ Ihttps://www.facebook.com/AskAConcierge/mpact on Hospitality & Tourism
• Why is it important to have an emergency plan

If you're looking for insights on disaster response in hospitality, community resilience, and ways to help LA rebuild, this episode is a must-listen.

Watch the FULL episode here: https://youtu.be/dBuWKfp3Kks

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahdandashy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askaconcierge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AskAConcierge/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AskAConciergeTV

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AskAConcierge/

Ask a Concierge: https://askaconcierge.tv/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/132

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

Did you know how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of the hospitality industry?

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, we sit down with Harriet Brown, VP of Product at Mobi.AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the hospitality industry. Harriet shares insights from her impressive career, spanning AI, machine learning, and travel technology, including her time at Google and ITA Software.

From personalization challenges to the future of AI in hospitality, Harriet offers a thought-provoking perspective on what’s next for the industry. Plus, hear her advice for businesses hesitant to adopt AI and her favourite "aha" moments while building at Mobi. AI.

Key Topics:

• How Mobi AI enhances decision-making and productivity for travelers and travel agents
• The importance of emotional loyalty in travel, alongside transactional loyalty
• What are Harriet's insights on adapting AI tools effectively and avoiding analysis paralysis
• Tips for creating loyalty through technology-enhanced experiences.

If you’re passionate about hospitality, tech innovation, or travel, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 🌟

Watch the FULL episode to learn how artificial intelligence is transforming the hospitality industry: https://youtu.be/u7rQ80TuRx4

This episode is sponsored by Mobi.AI: https://www.mobi.ai/

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Harriet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-brown-170a793/
Mobi.AI: https://www.mobi.ai/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/131

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

How can authenticity, kindness, and a focus on guest satisfaction drive success in the hospitality industry?

In this inspiring episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David and Steve sit down with Bart Berkey—founder and CEO of Most People Don't, international keynote speaker, podcast host, and bestselling author. Bart shares his unique journey from growing up in Pittsburgh to becoming a global executive for Ritz Carlton, and now, an entrepreneur empowering individual to do what most people don't to achieve professional and personal success.

Discover how Bart's passion for guest satisfaction and authentic connections shaped his career, hear his key lessons from the luxury hospitality industry, and learn practical insights on creating unforgettable guest experiences, overcoming industry challenges, and becoming an exceptional leader.

Packed with actionable advice, heartwarming stories, and Bart's contagious positivity, this episode is a must-listen for hoteliers, entrepreneurs, and anyone aspiring to make a meaningful impact.

Key Highlights:

• The power of focusing on service excellence and customer-centricity.
• How Bart's book Most People Don't and Why You Should inspires better living.
• Leadership lessons from the Ritz Carlton that apply to any industry.
• Tips for staying ahead of hospitality trends in 2025.

Watch the FULL episode now on YouTube for a dose of inspiration and practical wisdom: https://youtu.be/kq98F-bC_3w

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Bart's on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartberkey/

Bart's Website: https://www.bartaberkey.com/

Bart's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L4NZWMZ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_6D7Q6NKDX3NE2YKF2A62/

Bart's Podcast: https://www.bartaberkey.com/podcast

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/130

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In this episode, hosts David and Steve, welcome Ryan Daniel, the founder of EHVA. They explore the capabilities of EHVA, an AI platform designed to handle customer service inquiries, make reservations, and conduct interviews with a natural human-like interaction.

Ryan shares his entrepreneurial journey from growing up in West L.A. and starting his first internet company to working in restaurant design with his father and eventually creating EHVA. Listeners also experience a live conversation with EHVA, demonstrating its realistic and efficient response in handling typical guest service interactions.

Ryan discusses the importance of realistic AI voices and the future of AI in the hospitality industry, emphasizing that AI will serve as an augmentation rather than a replacement for human staff.

Key Topics for This Episode:

• The Evolution of Conversational AI in Hospitality
• How EHVA helps mitigate labor shortages and growing payroll costs
• What is the step-by-step process for integrating EHVA into hotel operations

Watch the FULL EPISODE and see how EHVA.AI handles real guest service interactions on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AMbtIUsv_GY

This episode is sponsored by EHVA.AI

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
EHVA.AI: https://ehva.ai/
Ryan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-daniel-630933307/?originalSubdomain=pr

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/129

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

We're launching something new. This is the first episode of our new "Hotel Experience" series where we give you a behind the scenes look with some amazing hoteliers and beautiful properties.

On this episode, we bring you inside San Antonio's beautiful riverwalk hotel, Hotel Contessa. Miguel David, the Director of Sales, shows us around the property and shares what make it special.

To watch of the full Hotel Experience of Hotel Contessa head over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/3AfIn7_rRb4

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Hotel Contessa: https://www.thehotelcontessa.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/128

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...

In the inaugural 2025 episode of The Modern Hotelier, the hosts introduce exciting changes and new initiatives, including the launch of Modern Hotelier Media. This new venture will encompass video production, event marketing, social media management, and more. A new episode format called 'The Hotel Experience' will offer behind-the-scenes looks at innovative hotels, starting with Hotel Contessa in San Antonio.

Furthermore, they plan to increase the frequency of episodes to twice a week, release a monthly newsletter, and offer exclusive merchandise drops.

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/127

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil...