What do hoteliers need to know about PMS implementations, hospitality tech, and leadership today?

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ryan King, Senior Vice President of Americas at Shiji, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about hospitality, technology, leadership, and the future of guest experience.

Ryan shares his journey from working on-property in Washington, DC to leading Shiji’s growth across the Americas, including the strategic decision to shift operations to Mexico as a hub for North and South America. Along the way, he opens up about career pivots, leadership lessons, and why curiosity, humility, and communication are essential for long-term success in hospitality tech.

In this episode, we cover:

• What lessons from working on-property still shape Ryan’s approach to hotel tech today?
• How important are communication and change management during a system rollout?
• The Shiji’s philosophy on all-in-one platforms vs best-of-breed solutions
• What are the fastest wins hoteliers can achieve when adopting new technology?
• Why PMS implementations succeed or fail (and it’s not the technology)

This episode is sponsored by Shiji: https://www.shijigroup.com/

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/R3aCzbt_4Ac

Links:
Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-king-11083842/
Shiji Group: https://www.shijigroup.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/243

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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.

Ever wondered what it takes to run luxury and international hotel brands?

On this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ron Pohl, President of World Hotels and Head of International Operations for Best Western, to talk all things hospitality.

Ron shares his journey from growing up in Ohio to leading hotels across the globe, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run luxury, upscale, and international hotel brands. They dive into hot topics like hotel storytelling, guest experiences, sustainability, and how technology like AR, VR, and AI is shaping the future of hospitality.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The strategy behind growing Best Western & World Hotels into 18 brands worldwide
• How storytelling and crafted hotel experiences drive guest loyalty and ROI
• The role of sustainability and technology as revenue drivers
• Lessons on building a successful career in hospitality and leading teams

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sSky7DGRyTY

Links:
Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-pohl-8214205/
WorldHotels and International Operations for BWH Hotels: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US.html

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/242

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.

David Millili & Steve Carran sit down with Steve Slack, General Manager of the iconic Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego, for a deep dive into hospitality leadership, community-driven hotels, and what it takes to run a Michelin-recognized property.

In this episode, Steve Slack shares his journey from growing up in Oceanside, California, to leading one of the most talked-about boutique hotels in the country. From early days in golf operations to becoming a hotel general manager, Steve breaks down the mindset, hustle, and attention to detail required to succeed in modern hospitality.

We also explore the historic renovation and relaunch of the Lafayette Hotel, the unique ownership model behind CH Projects, and how food, beverage, and community engagement drive the hotel’s success. Steve opens up about earning a Michelin Key, traveling to Paris for the award ceremony, and how the Lafayette has reclaimed its place as a cultural landmark in San Diego.

Plus, we take you behind the scenes of the Lafayette’s legendary holiday transformation, including the viral hanging Christmas trees, in-house decorating process, and why guests and locals alike keep coming back.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why community-driven hotels outperform traditional models
• How CH Projects operates 20+ restaurants and boutique hotels
• The role of food & beverage in creating unforgettable guest experiences
• How the Lafayette Hotel became a San Diego destination again

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sa3tbaOzSF8

Links:
Steve Slack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveaslack/
The Lafayette Hotel & Club: https://lafayettehotelsd.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/241

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 special 2025 Year-End Recap, hosts David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer reflect on a massive year for The Modern Hotelier, filmed on location at the Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego, California.

From nearly doubling episode output and becoming hospitality’s most engaged podcast, to launching Modern Hotelier Media, producing high-impact hotel experience tours, and covering major hospitality events and trade shows across the U.S., this episode breaks down the milestones that defined 2025.

Topics Covered:

• Favorite moments from the year
• Behind-the-scenes stories from major hospitality conferences
• Lessons learned building a media company in hospitality
• What excites them most about 2026, including international expansion

If you’re a hotel owner, operator, hospitality professional, or hotel tech brand, this episode offers insight into where hospitality media is heading—and how storytelling, video, and community engagement are shaping the future of the industry.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j_zOdOB1kFI

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/240

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.

Steve Carran and David Millili join a special holiday roundtable led by Katie Cline (Suite Success), alongside Glenn Hausmann (No Vacancy), Josiah Mackenzie (Hospitality Daily), and Zach Busekrus (Behind the Stays), to unpack the biggest hospitality moments of 2025 and what’s likely coming in 2026.

From the long-awaited Waldorf Astoria New York revival and the acceleration of “ultra-luxury,” to loyalty disruption, trade show fatigue, boutique brands being gobbled up by the majors, and the industry’s messy (but inevitable) race to adopt AI—this conversation is packed with sharp takes, real operator perspective, and plenty of friendly debate.

They wrap with 2026 predictions, including the growing divide between luxury and everyone else, the next evolution of loyalty (beyond points), authentic content backlash against the “AI buffet,” workforce shifts driven by automation, and what’s next for branded short-term rentals and experience-led travel.

In this episode, we cover:

• 2025’s biggest headline: the Waldorf Astoria New York restoration and what it signals for luxury
• Why points can feel more like “bribery” than true loyalty
• AI in hospitality: confusion, hype, and the gap between “buzzwords” vs real results
• How AI should support staff (reduce stress, protect service) rather than replace people
• Travel behaviour shifts: more local trips, road trips, and value-driven getaways (without giving up travel)

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT3HtYbHDNY

Links:
Katie Cline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiecline13/

Host of Suite Success: https://www.suitesuccesspodcast.com/

Josiah Mackenzie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahmackenzie/

Host, Hospitality Daily: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/p/start-here/

Glenn Hausmann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennhaussman/

Host, No Vacancy: https://novacancynews.com/

Zach Busekrus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Host, Behind the Stays: https://www.journey.com/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/239

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.

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

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 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

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 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.