In this episode of The Modern Hotelier Hospitality Hot Topics, Steve Carran and David Millili welcome Simone Harms, Managing Director of The Ameswell Hotel, to discuss the latest trends shaping the hospitality industry.

The conversation explores the ongoing hotel worker strikes in Chicago, the rapid growth of luxury travel, and the importance of personalized guest experiences. They also examine the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in hospitality, the challenges of implementing AI without a clear strategy, and how technology can streamline hotel operations while allowing teams to focus on delivering exceptional service.

Simone shares insights into The Ameswell Hotel’s innovative experiences, including its immersive seven-course dining experience, NASA-inspired dinners, and stargazing experiences. She also discusses the property’s partnership with AI Hospitality Group and how AI-powered solutions can simplify hotel technology systems and improve the guest experience.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Union Hotel Workers Strike in Chicago
• Luxury Continues Growth Globally
• Adopting & Beta Testing A.I. in Hotels
• What's New at The Ameswell Hotel
• Partnership with A.I. Hospitality Group

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D_sIoekPCC0

Links:
Simone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-harms-3a77024

Company Website: https://www.theameswellhotel.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/345

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, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Oksana Gyulnazaryan, Area General Manager at Viceroy and Highgate, to discuss her journey in hospitality, leadership lessons, and the importance of creating unique, locally inspired guest experiences.

From starting as a front desk agent to leading two distinctive Washington, D.C. properties, Oksana shares how working across different hotel brands, departments, and markets shaped her leadership philosophy. She also discusses her recognition as Viceroy Hotels and Resorts’ 2026 General Manager of the Year and what makes Viceroy Washington, D.C. and Hotel Zena stand out.

Oksana explains how hotels can maintain consistent service standards while developing their own identities, build meaningful connections with local communities, and create team cultures that reflect their property's values. She also offers advice for aspiring hospitality professionals and shares why genuine passion for the industry remains essential.

The conversation wraps up with a discussion about the future of hospitality, including how artificial intelligence and technology can support hotel teams, streamline operations, and enhance guest service without losing the human connection at the heart of hospitality.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Oksana built her career from front desk agent to hotel leadership
• What leading two distinct hotel properties requires
• How Hotel Zena celebrates women's stories through art, design, and culture
• Why local partnerships and authentic experiences matter to today's hotel guests

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pgWVvN73Cug

Links:
Oksana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksana-gyulnazaryan-68011039/
Highgate: https://www.highgate.com/
Viceroy Hotels and Resorts: https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/344

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 Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Rocco Bova, founder of the Summit Latinoamericano Branded Residences, to discuss the future of hospitality in Mexico and Latin America, the growth of luxury branded residences, and the importance of human connection in the guest experience.

With a career spanning international hospitality brands such as Jumeirah, Four Seasons, Hilton, Aman, and St. Regis, Rocco shares how his global experiences shaped his leadership philosophy and inspired him to launch hospitality-focused summits and challenge traditional approaches to industry education.

In This Episode, You'll Learn About:

• How working across different countries and cultures shapes better hospitality leaders and strengthens people-management skills.
• Why hospitality education needs to evolve to attract younger generations through shorter, more practical training programs.
• What is driving the growth of branded residences in Mexico and what developers and investors need to understand about these business models.
• Why Mexico presents significant opportunities for luxury hospitality development and investment.
• How hotels can build financial resilience and prepare for economic uncertainty without relying primarily on workforce reductions.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OYtV98L5C18

Links:
Rocco on LinkedIn: https://mx.linkedin.com/in/roccobova
Summit Latinoamericano Branded Residences: https://sumexhosp.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/343

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.