What does it really take for a boutique hotel to stand out in the crowded world of social media?

In this episode, host David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dino Jevric, Social Media Marketing Manager at Arlo Hotels, to explore how hotels can thrive in today’s digital world.

From Dino’s early days in social media to running creative campaigns for Arlo Hotels, we dive deep into strategies that connect travelers with authentic experiences. Discover how Arlo leverages culture, personality, and behind-the-scenes content to redefine boutique hotel marketing—and why authenticity is more important than ever in social media.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Arlo Hotels builds engaging campaigns without relying solely on promotions
• The balance between polished visuals and authentic, “run-and-gun” content
• Tips for hotels struggling with social media: leaning into culture and personality
• How Arlo’s social media creates connection before guests even step on property

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FvaCNK7_vYc

Links:
Dino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-jevric/
Arlo Hotels: https://arlohotels.com/
Arlo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlohotels/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/238

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Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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, Steve Carran and David Millili is joined by Luis Segredo, CEO of Hapi, to discuss the biggest hospitality news and trends from November. They dive into the recent dissolution of the Marriott–Sonder partnership, exploring why integrations and siloed technology can make or break hotel collaborations.

Steve and Luis also examine the rise of direct bookings, the impact of loyalty programs, and how travelers are navigating Black Friday and Travel Tuesday deals. They share insights on how hotel brands are adapting to changing customer expectations, leveraging technology to create seamless experiences, and preparing for the future of hospitality.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Marriott & Sonder partnership dissolves: lessons learned from failed integrations and siloed tech.
• Why hotel brands are leading in U.S. travel searches.
• Thanksgiving travel trends: record-breaking numbers, road vs. air travel, and insights from personal experiences.
• How hotels can innovate faster with harmonized data across multiple property management systems.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IeKEY3anr54

Links:
Luis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luissegredo/
Hapi: https://www.stayhapi.com/

Mariott Terminates Sonder Agreement
Brands lead US Travel searches
Thanksgiving Travel
Black Friday or Travel Tuesday deals
Tell us more about the findings of The Future of Hotel Data Report
What is new at Hapi?

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/237

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Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

Join Steve Carran and David Millili on The Modern Hotelier as they sit down with Brittney Jones, Chief Development Officer at Brittain Resorts & Hotels, to explore her inspiring journey from working on-property at a hotel to becoming a C-level executive.

In this episode, Brittney shares insights on:

• The career lessons that shaped her path in hospitality
• How curiosity, humility, and adaptability have fueled her success
• The intricacies of hotel development, acquisitions, and third-party management
• Strategies for aligning owners and operators for long-term success
• Emerging trends in leisure and experiential hospitality, from condo hotels to upscale RV resorts
• Advice for aspiring hospitality executives looking to grow in the industry

Brittney also opens up about her personal journey, the values instilled growing up in South Carolina, and the small wins that have made a big impact throughout her career.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pNG3z7i_RLg

Links:
Brittney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-s-jones/
Brittain Resorts & Hotels: https://www.brittainresorts.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/236

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

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

How can video content and influencer partnerships actually drive bookings and engagement?

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eileen Santiago, social media strategist at The Modern Hotelier, to explore how hotels can elevate their digital presence, drive engagement, and boost bookings through social media.

Topics Covered:

• Why video content is king for showcasing hotels
• How to use influencer collaborations effectively
• Choosing the right influencers for your hotel (location, niche, engagement, reach, aesthetics)
• Leveraging giveaways to create buzz and attract guests
• Creative video hooks to stop scrollers in their tracks
• Tips for working with micro and nano influencers on a budget

If you’re a hotelier, marketer, or anyone in hospitality looking to stand out on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, this episode is packed with practical, actionable insights.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rS88tQw9VAY

Links:
Eileen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-santiago-76a8115/
topVue Marketing: https://topvuemarketing.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/235

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

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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, David and Steve sit down with Sarah Jarnicki, the Creator of BrandClave, the AI-powered platform redefining how hotel brands are created, validated, and brought to life.

Sarah shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Cincinnati to working in global commodities, traveling the world, and ultimately building a revolutionary system that predicts traveler desires before they hit trend reports.

We cover everything from:

• How AI, emotional design, and Web3 will reshape hotels by 2030
• Why traditional hotel branding is “broken” — and how BrandClave fixes it
• How Sarah built a 7-day process that delivers fully investor-ready hotel brands
• The rise of identity tourism, digital hotels, and immersive Web3 hospitality
• Why Middle Eastern cities like Dubai & Saudi Arabia are leading hospitality innovation
• How local culture, wellness, and technology will define the next decade of travel

Sarah also reveals her bold initiative to build the world’s first Web3 hotel, co-created with 100 influential women across hospitality, crypto, finance, and design. If you're a hotel developer, hospitality leader, futurist, or just curious about where travel is heading — this is a must-watch.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g7Lv21KxWjw

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

BrandClave Hotels: https://brandclavehotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/234

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

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

Join Steve Carran and David Millili as they sit down with Steven Marais, Vice President of Rooms at Noble House Resorts, to discuss how AI-driven technology is revolutionizing the guest experience and easing staff challenges at high-end resorts like the Argonaut in San Francisco.

In this episode, we cover:

• The front desk challenges at luxury resorts, including high phone call volume and guest service expectations.
• Why traditional AI solutions failed to meet authentic guest interaction standards.
• How Steven discovered EHVA through The Modern Hotelier podcast and why it stood out from other automation tools.
• Integration of EHVA with existing hotel systems like Actabl and Core Park, and the importance of technology partnerships.
• Implementation process and staff adoption of EHVA, making it easier to maintain Forbes-level service standards

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m4ncSX5P6v0

Links:
Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smaraisnoblehouse/
Noble House Hotels & Resorts: https://www.noblehousehotels.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/233

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

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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

Join us on this episode of The Modern Hotelier as we go live from the Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! We sit down with Tim Hansen, VP of Sales for hotels, resorts, and cruise ships at Agilysys, to explore how modern technology is transforming the hospitality industry.

Tim shares his journey from a California upbringing and college basketball dreams to leading a sales team that’s revolutionizing hotel operations. We dive into how Agilysys’ integrated software solutions are helping hotels, resorts, and cruise lines understand their guests like never before—turning data into personalized experiences, improving operations, and driving revenue.

In this episode, we cover:

• How integrated software is revolutionizing hotels, resorts, and cruise operations.
• The importance of knowing guest intent and creating personalized experiences.
• Leveraging data to improve service, staff efficiency, and revenue.
• How modern software is driving repeat visits, guest satisfaction, and operational insights

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jQcdKVgc-Tg

Links:
Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-hansen-6489095b/
Agilysys: https://www.agilysys.com/en/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/232

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

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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, we’re live from the trade show floor at The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado! Steve and David are joined by Gabriella Forss, Hospitality Engagement Leader of North America for SALTO Systems — one of the leading providers of electronic access control in hotels around the world.

Gabriella shares her journey from Cornell’s Hotel School to over eight years with SALTO, and explains how the company is helping hotels modernize access control while keeping the guest experience seamless. She breaks down how SALTO’s connected ecosystem reaches far beyond guestroom locks — spanning back-of-house access, lockers, padlocks, parking gates, and more, all within one scalable platform.

We dive into major topics shaping the future of hotel technology:

• Mobile keys & how SALTO balances frictionless access with high-level encryption
• Integrations with PMS, POS, and guest apps to create a cohesive hotel tech ecosystem
• The expansion into facial recognition and smart energy solutions
• SALTO’s commitment to sustainability, carbon neutrality, and eco-friendly credential

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kr1_Javur7Y

Links:
Gabriella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellaforss/
SALTO Systems: https://saltosystems.com/en/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/231

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

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

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