In today’s episode, David and Steve talk with Mark Keiser, President of Development at Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, about his journey from a suburban upbringing and a year abroad in France to leading the brand’s global growth. Mark shares early career lessons—including taking on a GM role with zero hotel experience—the evolution of luxury lifestyle hospitality, and Viceroy’s approach to creating authentic local experiences, from tequila tastings in Mexico to beekeeping in Portugal. They also explore emerging markets, branded residences, and how Viceroy balances profitability with memorable guest connections.
With over 25 years in hospitality, Mark has led the growth of iconic hotel brands and now drives Viceroy’s global expansion. He shares his journey, lessons learned, and the brand’s vision for redefining luxury travel.
Topics include:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dRWZdK5tcOg
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:
Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-keiser-a4a5152/
Viceroy Hotels and Resorts: https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/199
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 Hospitality Hot Topics edition of The Modern Hotelier, hosts Steve Carran and David Millili are joined by Ryan Rivett, President & CEO of My Place Hotels, to unpack July’s biggest hospitality trends.
From the TSA finally ditching the shoe-removal rule, to the rise of micro-cations and adventure travel, to the luxury sleep experience movement, the trio explores how these shifts are shaping guest expectations and industry strategies. Ryan also gives an insider look at My Place Hotels’ rapid growth, their tech-forward approach to guest loyalty, and how they’re adapting to evolving travel patterns.
If you want a fast-paced, insightful conversation about what’s next in hospitality—plus a few laughs—this episode delivers.
Topics Covered:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nu9eqGeZvN0
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:
Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rivett-09984311
Ryan on X: https://x.com/RyanJRivett
My Place Hotels: https://www.myplacehotels.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/198
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.
On today’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Michael Hirschler, Chief Growth Officer at Staypineapple, live from Staypineapple Chicago. Michael shares how the brand is redefining boutique hospitality through a combination of 'friend-style' service, a bold brand identity, and guest-focused innovation.
They dive deep into Staypineapple’s growth strategy—from owner-operator beginnings to expanding through licensing and management—and how their flexible, cost-effective model provides a compelling alternative to legacy hotel brands. Michael also unpacks their cutting-edge tech stack, the role of AI in enhancing (not replacing) hospitality, and why true guest service still starts with emotionally intelligent people.
Topics covered include:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A-WLXWkThTE
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:
Staypineapple: https://www.staypineapple.com/
Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhirschler/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/197
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.
Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Chef David Fingerman, Corporate Executive Chef at Staypineapple, live from The Atwood in Chicago. From delightful afternoon treats to Chicago’s gritty, authentic food and dive bar culture, Chef David shares what makes Staypineapple’s F&B program pop, and why hospitality is more personal when the staff has a hand in the experience.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aencrVr7krM
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:
Staypineapple: https://www.staypineapple.com/
Atwood Chicago: atwoodchicago.com
David Fingerman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-fingerman-21763a76/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/196
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.
What happens when playful luxury meets bold hospitality?
In this insight-packed episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Beth Anne King, Regional Director of Operations Staypineapple, to explore the playful luxury and deeply personalized service that define the brand. From high-end bedding that encourages you to sleep naked to surprise-and-delight moments that leave a lasting impression, Beth Anne shares the philosophy, backstories, and operational secrets behind Staypineapple’s unique guest experience.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W8wCpH3pk6k
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:
Staypineapple: https://www.staypineapple.com/
Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-anne-king-0a639ab/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/195
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.
Today's episode, we sit down with Daniel McGarry, the Regional Director of Revenue Management of Stonebridge, and an HSMAI Rising Leader. From mowing lawns in Lancaster to managing revenue strategy across historic Marriott tribute properties, Daniel shares his unique journey through hospitality — and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
We dive into:
Whether you're a hospitality pro or just curious about how data and experience collide in modern hotels, this conversation is packed with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of value.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qN31gPuxpws
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:
Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mcgarry-2baa958a/
Stonebridge Companies: https://www.sbcos.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/194
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 Millili and Steve Carran sit down with industry veteran John Keeling, Executive Vice President of Valencia Hotel Collection. With over 40 years in hospitality, John shares the unexpected path that led him from Middle Eastern studies to becoming a pioneer in independent hotel development.
You'll learn about:
If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a world of cookie-cutter brands, this episode is for you.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VsVE3hNp1TU
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:
John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-keeling-5b829210/
Valencia Hotel Collection: https://www.valenciahotelcollection.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/193
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 Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Bill Graf, the visionary founder of ONDA Hotels, to uncover how a former finance exec traded spreadsheets for surf towns and is now building a hospitality brand for the modern traveler.
Bill shares the bold story of how a sabbatical, a motorcycle, and a post-COVID pivot led to the creation of ONDA—a growing hotel brand designed to bring trusted, high-vibe stays to off-the-beaten-path destinations. From his first property in Costa Rica to his vision of scaling globally through a franchise model.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZEiYFVyL5vk
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:
Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamgraf/?originalSubdomain=cr
ONDA: https://www.stayonda.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/192
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.
Today's episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Travis Mckie, former pro basketball player turned champion for independent hotels at AHLA (American Hotel & Lodging Association).
Travis shares his fascinating journey from the courts of Wake Forest and international basketball leagues to leading the charge for boutique and independent hoteliers across the country. He opens up about what makes independent hotels so memorable, the shift in guest expectations, and how AHLA is reshaping its approach to support these unique properties.
Highlights include:
Tune in to hear why the future of hospitality is anything but cookie-cutter — and how leaders like Travis are making sure independent hotels have a powerful seat at the table.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jWqwLlodqTk
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:
Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-mckie-68555b209/
AHLA: https://www.ahla.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/191
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 Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dean Stambules, Chief Investment Officer at Sage Hospitality Group, live from the ILC CONfab in Chicago.
Dean shares his unique path into the hospitality world—from his family's deep roots in the industry to his early career in appraisal work that led to a passion for hotel investment. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sage Hospitality's growing independent hotel platform, including exciting properties like the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and Circa 39 in Miami Beach.
You’ll also get an insider's preview of Dean’s recent talk on deal-making, where he breaks down the complexities of hotel acquisitions, partnerships, and value creation—highlighting the transformative renovation of One Ocean Resort in Florida.
If you’re passionate about hospitality development, deal strategy, or just love hearing about iconic properties, this one’s for you.
Tune in now to hear:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/60QBnHZtMtY
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:
Dean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-stambules-30a11046/
Sage Hospitality Group: https://sagehospitalitygroup.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/190
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 welcome back Jeremy Wells, author, brand strategist, and co-owner of The Ozarker Lodge and the newly reimagined Parker Hotel in Colorado.
Jeremy shares what it’s been like since opening The Ozarker Lodge—lessons learned, community wins, and how indie spirit fuels every project. He also dives into his second book, Indie Hotels, a heartfelt blend of memoir and hospitality insights that's already making waves across the industry.
Joining the conversation is Stephen Chan, co-founder of Eagle Point Hotel Partners, the investment group behind both The Ozarker Lodge and Parker Hotel. Stephen gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the $24M Parker property acquisition and talks trends in boutique hotel investing, including their new stealth-mode venture, Arbus Hospitality.
We explore:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KuAExHR7BHA
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:
Jeremy Wells
Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wellsjeremy/
Longitude°: https://longitudedesign.com/
INDIE HOTEL: Why Hoteliers Are Breaking Free from Chains and Choosing Independence Book: https://www.amazon.com/INDIE-HOTEL-Hoteliers-Breaking-Independence/dp/B0CHL4713K
Stephen Chan
Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-chan-1b70142b/
Eagle Point Hotel Partners: https://www.eaglepointhotels.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/189
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 Millili and Steve Carran sit down with the dynamic Meg Gutowski, Executive Director of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC), live from ILC CONfab in Chicago. Meg shares her unconventional journey from catering weddings to leading one of the most vibrant communities in independent hospitality.
She opens up about what makes ILC truly special—from building real partnerships with host properties to curating events where business gets done, but fun is never far behind. From rooftop cocktails to Miami shenanigans, you’ll hear how Meg and the ILC team are redefining what it means to connect in this industry.
Whether you’re an independent hotelier, event producer, or just love hospitality done differently, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of heart.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DmZ_h4o24KM
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:
Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gutowski-09b33972/
ILC: https://ilcongress.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/188
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: Hospitality’s Most Engaged Podcast, David Millili, Steve Carran, and Jon Bumhoffer take a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead as we hit the halfway point of 2025.
From standout interviews and hotel experiences to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and the hustle of live events, the trio shares their favorite memories, biggest surprises, and what it really takes to keep the podcast (and media company!) running at full throttle.
Highlights include:
This isn’t just a recap—it’s a celebration of hospitality, creativity, and the people behind the stories.
Tune in to laugh with us, learn with us, and see where we’re heading next.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X3xEpY8dxZk
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
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/187
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, we sit down with Michael Cole, the Director of Sales and Marketing at the iconic Warwick Melrose Dallas, to explore how this historic hotel has gracefully evolved over the past century. From its roots as 1920s apartments to a luxurious modern-day destination, Michael shares the rich story behind the walls—and what makes this hotel truly one of a kind.
What you'll hear about in this episode:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zHJX_H3-_JU
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:
Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cole-96a08b20/
Warwick Melrose - Dallas: https://www.warwickhotels.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/186
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, we sit down with Executive Chef Patrick McElroy of Landmark Prime Rib inside the iconic Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas. Chef Patrick shares his journey from a small island in South Jersey—where fresh seafood was caught just minutes from home—to his rise through French and Italian kitchens across the Northeast, and eventually his return to the place he now calls home: The Melrose.
We talk about the unique character of the Warwick Melrose, the revival of prime rib as an everyday luxury, and how nostalgia and neighbourhood ties have shaped this historic hotel into a modern-day favorite.
If you love stories of culinary heritage, community connection, and bringing classic hospitality back to life—this episode is for you.
In this episode, we explore:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zmFVQPBIauQ
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:
Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcelroy-74763052/
Warwick Melrose - Dallas: https://www.warwickhotels.com/warwick-melrose-dallas
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/185
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, we sit down with Mahwish Saleem, Head of Sales at FCS Solutions, to explore how hotels can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and improve guest satisfaction—all by simplifying their tech stack.
Mahwish shares her first impressions of HITEC, what excites her about the future of hotel tech, and how FCS is helping hoteliers stay ahead in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OQLYoLfKBNM
This episode is sponsored by FCS Solutions: https://www.fcshub.com/en
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:
Mahwish on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahwish-saleem-17ab1283/?originalSubdomain=ca
FCS Solutions: https://www.fcshub.com/en
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/184
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.
Today, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Tony Ross, Director of Sales at Craftable, to talk about how technology is helping operators tackle today’s biggest hospitality challenges — especially rising costs and profit pressure.
Tony brings decades of industry experience and shares how Craftable is streamlining operations, cutting down bloated tech stacks, and helping hotels make smarter, faster decisions with AI and automation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yQbyFZraJRI
This episode is sponsored by Craftable: https://craftable.com/
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:
Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaross1/
Craftable: https://craftable.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/183
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 live episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili sit down with Jason Jenkins, Vice President & Managing Director of the Americas, HRS, to talk all things hotel tech—from AI-powered upselling to seamless system integration.
Whether you’re a HITEC veteran or a tech-curious hotelier, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how HRS is streamlining operations and enhancing the guest experience in a rapidly evolving landscape.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
This is one episode you don’t want to miss—straight from the show floor with insights that could shape your tech strategy this year.
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9w05FN3UAYA
This episode is sponsored by Americas, HRS: https://hrsinternational.com/
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:
Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jenkins/
Americas, HRS: https://hrsinternational.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/182
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 episode of The Modern Hotelier, we’re live from the Dallara IndyCar Factory at HITEC—and yes, the cars are as fast as the tech talk.
We’re joined by Phil Crawford, Head of Hospitality at Adyen, who dives into how they're reshaping the future of payments for the hotel industry.
From solving the chaos of fragmented systems to leveraging true AI (not just buzzword fluff), Phil breaks down how Adyen’s unified commerce approach is creating seamless, data-driven guest experiences. He shares real-world applications—from fraud prevention to global API integrations—and how they’re listening to their clients to build smarter, faster, and more flexible tools.
Whether you're a hotelier struggling with outdated systems or just a tech geek who loves a good innovation story, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.
Tune in for:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2z2e61p_Xds
This episode is sponsored by Adyen: https://www.adyen.com/
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:
Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crawfordphil/
Adyen: https://www.adyen.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/181
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, we’re joined by a hospitality tech powerhouse: Robert Dawson, Chief Strategist and Product Officer at IRECKONU.
Robert shares his journey from front desk college job to C-suite, how he fell in love with the hotel industry, and why solving fragmented data problems became his mission. We talk all things AI, automation, data management, and CRM evolution — and what’s making waves at HITEC this year.
We talk about:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7X3r0-OPuWc
This episode is sponsored by IRECKONU: https://ireckonu.com/
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:
Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hospitalitytechnologyexecutive/
IRECKONU: https://ireckonu.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/180
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.
