Connect with Max: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-porterkhamsy/

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

—

Every once in a while on this show, I get to share news that I'm personally invested in — and this is one of those episodes.

A few weeks ago, Journey acquired Epicurate, a private chef and experiences platform that has become one of the most beloved platforms in the luxury segment of the short-term rental world. If you operate in the high-end residence rental space, there's a good chance you've either used Epicurate yourself or you've stayed somewhere that does. The platform powers private dining, in-home wellness, gear rental, grocery delivery, and a growing list of curated services for some of the most respected vacation rental brands in the country — AvantStay, Abode Luxury Rentals, and Red Cottage just to name a few.

The man behind it is Max Porterkhamsy, and his story is one of my favorite kinds. A would-be patent lawyer who walked away from mechanical engineering to go to culinary school. He went on to work at a storied michelin star restaurant in New York, then designed and executed a 7-course tasting menu for a tasting room in Sonoma, to cooking private dinners and running concierge for vacation rental guests staying at some of the most coveted homes in wine country. And then, Max started noticing something the rest of us in this industry had been drowning in for years — concierge is broken. The relationships are there. The talent is there. But the tooling underneath it all is a tangle of spreadsheets, email chains, and tribal knowledge that doesn't scale.

So Max built the platform he wished he'd had as a chef. And six years later, it's become the connective tissue between operators who want to deliver hotel-grade hospitality and the local providers who actually make that magic happen.

In this conversation, we get into all of it — Max's path from growing up in farm in New Hampshire to how covid rocked the hospitality industry but accelerated Epicurate’s growth, what hotels can learn from the private external concierge model, and why Journey acquired Epicurate. 

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Max.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

The hospitality industry was supposed to print money during the 2026 World Cup. Instead, nearly 80% of hotels across the eleven US host cities are pacing significantly below forecasts, with Kansas City operators calling it a non-event and Boston, Philly, and San Francisco not far behind. On this week's episode, Zach is joined by Edwin Kramer, Scott Eddy, and Ben Wolff to unpack what went wrong — visa friction, FIFA's extortionate ticket pricing, geopolitical headwinds, and a hospitality industry that mistook the World Cup logo for a marketing strategy. Edwin offers a sharp European perspective on why the math was always going to be brutal for international travelers, while Scott levels a familiar critique: hotels keep believing their own projections instead of doing the basic work of telling guests how to actually get to the match.

From there, the conversation moves to Priceline's surprisingly sharp William Shatner TikTok play (and what booking's parent strategy says about the OTA wars), Under Canvas's CEO transition and the missing middle in outdoor hospitality, and the slow death of Spirit Airlines — a story that opens up a wider debate about whether the ultra-low-cost carrier model can survive in the US the way it has in Europe. Ben, calling in from Onera Fredericksburg, makes the case that commodity businesses can't run on razor-thin margins forever, and Edwin walks through the European low-cost graveyard nobody's talking about.

The episode closes on Aman's reported move into the Texas Hill Country — a development Ben sees as the ultimate validation of a market he bet on years ago, and a signal that ultra-luxury is now defining itself by space rather than density. Plus spice of the week: Instagram's new metrics hierarchy, why most brands still can't do basic marketing, and Edwin's pitch to the next generation of hoteliers.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro
09:10 — Story #1: World Cup Hotel Demand Falls Short
24:13 — Story #2: Priceline Revives the Negotiator
31:47 — Story #3: Under Canvas’ Next Chapter
40:10 — Story #4: Spirit’s Collapse and the Low-Cost Airline Model
50:13 — Story #5: Aman Bets on Texas Hill Country
54:44 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

This week’s conversation pulls apart a reality the industry has been circling for months—but is now impossible to ignore: travel demand is no longer being created, shaped, or captured by the companies that actually deliver the experience.

It’s happening upstream.
What starts as a discussion around TikTok and AI quickly evolves into something bigger—a structural shift in how travelers decide. Discovery is no longer destination-first. It’s scroll-first. A piece of content sparks interest, AI compresses consideration, and by the time a traveler reaches a booking interface, most of the decision has already been made.

That shift leaves hotels, airlines, and even OTAs reacting instead of leading.

The episode unpacks what that means in practice. Why a digitally ambitious airline like Riyadh Air still defaults to legacy distribution before launch. Why Uber entering hotel bookings isn’t about inventory—it’s about embedding travel into habit. And why every major brand—from Airbnb to Minor Hotels—is racing to become more than just a single touchpoint in the journey.

Underneath all of it is a more uncomfortable truth: the industry has over-rotated on storytelling without solving distribution. And storytelling alone doesn’t close the transaction.
There’s also tension between strategy and reality. Independent operators are told to “create demand,” but many are still constrained by ownership structures focused on 30- to 90-day performance windows. Attribution remains murky. Investment decisions follow what can be measured—not necessarily what drives long-term growth.

The result is a fragmented ecosystem where inspiration, validation, and booking live in entirely different places—most of which operators don’t control.

The question isn’t whether this shift is happening. It’s who adapts to it—and who becomes invisible within it.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro
05:15 — Story #1: TikTok, AI, and the Hijacked Travel Funnel
28:50 — Story #2: Uber Enters Hotel Booking Through Expedia
38:35 — Story #3: Riyadh Air’s Direct-Booking Reality Check
47:28 — Story #4: Minor Hotels Bets on Private Jet Luxury
57:32 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

Connect with Vikas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikassapranyc/

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

—

In just a moment, you’ll meet Vikas Sapra—DJ, tech founder, and the guy who’s quietly rewiring how the world’s best hotels and restaurants think about sound. Vikas has played for A-list celebrities like Jay-Z and Kanye, just to name a few. He’s collaborated with Mark Ronson and Questlove. He’s the rare DJ who can play a rock set on Friday, an R&B crowd on Saturday, and a Brooklyn warehouse the weekend after that. And at every venue he’s played, the GM said the same thing: “Dude, take over our music. What does it take to get you full-time here?”

Well, after the hundredth time of being asked, he did. And that’s how Raina was born.

Today, Raina powers the sound in over 600 hospitality spaces—from Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, to The Moxy in the East Village, to José Andrés’ restaurants, Tao Group’s rooftops, Auberge properties, and so much more. They’re a preferred vendor for Hyatt, and they’re doing something no one else is doing. They’re combining a DJ’s ear, an operator’s mindset, and a tech founder’s instinct for what to build.

Vikas’s thesis is sharp: music isn’t decoration—it’s a behavioral lever. The right tempo changes dwell time. The right familiarity changes the average check. And most operators, even the great ones, still treat it as an afterthought.

This conversation is about how he’s changing that.

Here’s my conversation with Vikas Sapra, founder of Raina.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

Luxury hospitality has a credibility problem: the industry keeps charging more while delivering sameness, ceremony, and aesthetic shortcuts that increasingly feel hollow. Joining the quad this week is Bashar Wali—hotel operator, industry veteran, and one of hospitality’s most outspoken critics—known for pairing irreverence with sharp, experience-backed insight. He wastes no time arguing that the old markers of luxury no longer match what modern travelers actually value: time, privacy, ease, and the feeling of being genuinely seen.

The conversation expands into a broader critique of ownership, brands, and the “muddy middle.” Bashar reframes hotels not as service businesses, but as retailers selling a perishable product—one that must earn loyalty through experience rather than points or perks. Ben pushes on capital constraints, Scott questions whether human-first hospitality can scale, and Edwin highlights how far the industry has drifted from its roots. The tension is clear: technology should remove friction, not replace human connection.

The episode ultimately lands on a sharper test for any hotel claiming luxury status: strip away the scent machine, the coffee table books, the scripted welcome—what’s left? If it isn’t care, competence, character, and soul, the product was never luxury to begin with.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Special Guest:

Bashar Wali — This Assembly

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

—

• How a rental gone wrong became a 400-property portfolio — and why saying yes to everything was the right move early on
• What "historic luxury" actually means, and how Corey's team blends 18th-century architecture with modern amenities
• Why Savannah's hotel-first culture forced his team to operate at a higher standard from day one
• How he's thinking about AI — including a dedicated budget line item for 2026
• The case for casting a narrow net in an industry that rewards specialization
• And why the operators who stayed disciplined through the post-COVID hangover are the ones getting the calls back

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

The hotel industry is telling two very different stories right now — and this week, the squad unpacks both.

First up: a Skift deep dive exposes the brutal math crushing America's hotel owners. Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt are posting record profits while the people who actually own the buildings are hemorrhaging cash — franchise fees, loyalty fees, F&B fees, spa fees, stack an OTA commission on top and owners could be handing over 40% of revenue before paying a single employee. The panel doesn't hold back. Edwin calls it a deadlock. Ben calls it a hostage situation. Scott says the cracks show up the moment growth slows — and right now, they're everywhere.

Then: the man behind Six Senses is back. Bernard Baumgartner's new venture, Discover Collection, ditches OTAs entirely for a membership-based model with 32 villas in Oman and a bombshell incentive — travel advisors earn 12% commission on lifetime guest spend. It won't scale. That's the point.

Wyndham makes a surprise appearance with a genuinely clever social campaign — a $20K Route 66 road trip giveaway pairing grandparents with grandkids, comp stays at Days Inn and Super 8, full content documentation required. The most valuable guest isn't the highest spender — it's the best storyteller.

And Coachella? Ben drops a reality check. It didn't sell out in 2023. Random April weekends outperformed festival weekends at his Palm Springs hotel. Justin Bieber saved it this year. The takeaway: demand anchors are powerful, but they're lineup-dependent, not brand-dependent.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro
05:12 — Story #1: Hotel Owners Get Crushed While Brands Cash In
26:46 — Story #2: Bernard’s Members-Only Hotel Bet
40:13 — Story #3: Wyndham’s Grandparent Route 66 Play
48:57 — Story #4: Coachella Became a Hospitality Engine
59:13 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

This week, Scott, Ben, and Zach discuss the growing disconnect between industry strategy and traveler behavior.

New data from Cloudbeds shows OTA share continuing to rise for independent hotels, even as operators double down on direct booking initiatives. At the same time, Hyatt tied executive compensation to improving direct channel performance—and failed to meet the target, underscoring how difficult the shift has become, even at scale.
In parallel, short-term rental data suggests demand has not weakened, but rather evolved. Travelers are taking longer to convert, prioritizing flexibility, and increasingly relying on platforms during moments of uncertainty.
And in the Caribbean, tourism reached record levels despite severe hurricane disruption—highlighting both the strength of global demand and the growing importance of long-term resilience.

Taken together, these stories point to a broader shift: success is no longer determined by capturing demand more efficiently, but by creating it earlier—and owning it before the booking ever begins.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro
03:15 — Story #1: OTAs Gain Share as Direct Booking Push Stalls
27:02 — Story #2: Hyatt Ties Executive Pay to Direct Booking Goals
40:16 — Story #3: Caribbean Tourism Rebounds Despite Disaster Losses
45:06 — Story #4: STR Demand Isn’t Falling—It’s Delaying and Shifting
51:21 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

In just a moment you'll meet Diana Stobo, the founder and visionary behind The Retreat Costa Rica — a 25-room luxury wellness destination and healing center with three farm-to-table restaurants, about an hour west of San José. Condé Nast just named it the number one destination spa in the world.

But rewind about 25 years and Diana is 34 years old. Three kids at home. Husband travels Monday through Friday. And she's alone, projectile vomiting blood, calling a friend because she can't leave the house to get to the hospital. The doctors tell her she's raw tissue from one end to the other and hand her a prescription she'll need for the rest of her life. She never fills it.
Instead she eliminates six foods, loses 100 pounds, reverses every condition her doctors said was permanent, pioneers the raw food movement, writes 15 books, and sells 65,000 copies out of the trunk of her car.

Then comes the divorce. And on the same day it's finalized, she buys a property sight unseen on a quartz mountain in Costa Rica.

But there are years between that purchase and the property you see today. Years where there are no investors, no guests, and no money left. Years where she's draining her retirement savings to keep her staff on payroll during a global pandemic. And then there's the moment she walks into the Global Wellness Summit — the biggest gathering of hospitality and wellness executives in the world — ready to sell the whole thing. She's broke. She's overwhelmed. She's one woman paying every bill. And one by one, the biggest names in the industry start describing the future of hospitality — intimacy, authenticity, nature, homegrown food — and she realizes they're describing everything she already built.

She doesn't sell. She goes back to Costa Rica and buys the whole mountain.

This is one of the most remarkable founder stories we've had on Behind the Stays.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

06:39 — Story #1: Discovery Moved Upstream

32:16 — Story #2: Hotels Bet on Food as Identity

47:15 — Story #3: Trust Beats Price

56:01 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

02:06 — Story #1: Hilton’s Yotel Deal Turns Brand Into Distribution

27:18 — Story #2: Four Seasons Bets That Luxury Belongs at Sea

40:31 — Story #3: Thailand Makes Wellness a National Strategy

51:11 — Story #4: Netflix Is Now a Travel Demand Engine

01:04:37 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

David Kaplan didn't come up through the industry the traditional way. He went to art school, never tended bar a day in his life, and opened Death & Co in New York's East Village on New Year's Eve 2006 with a vintage cash register and zero business experience. What followed was twenty years of one of the most influential runs in American hospitality — a craft cocktail institution that helped shape how a generation drinks, thinks about bars, and expects to be taken care of.

But David was never just building a bar. He was building a brand, a culture, and eventually a company — Gin & Luck — that now spans consulting, multiple Death & Co locations, and his newest venture: Midnight Auteur Hotels, whose first property, Municipal Grand in Savannah, is already turning heads.

In this episode, David traces the full arc. We get into the origin story, the partnership drama that stalled expansion for years, why he walked away from a family office overlooking Central Park to raise $18 million from 5,000 individual investors instead, and what it actually takes to scale hospitality without losing the thing that made it special in the first place.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

• Why hotel F&B is becoming a growth engine (not a cost center)
• Hyatt’s aggressive expansion strategy — and what it says about the market
• What LOGE’s struggles reveal about outdoor hospitality
• Why “manufacturing demand” is now the only strategy that works
• And how hotels are losing (or winning) relevance faster than ever

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

06:26 — Story #1: Hotel F&B Shifts from Cost Center to Demand Driver

23:06 — Story #2: Hyatt Expands into Secondary Markets to Fix Distribution Gap

48:04 — Story #3: World Cup Demand Reality Falls Short of Industry Expectations

01:07:46 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

Drawing on leadership experience across Accor, Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings, Apple Leisure Group, and now Nocturne, Scott shares a clear-eyed perspective on brand building, loyalty, service, acquisitions, and the future of luxury travel. From why recognition matters more than rewards to how Nocturne balances local brand identity with platform-scale infrastructure, this conversation is a thoughtful look at what it takes to build trust in a category where no two homes are the same.

The conversation explores:

• What luxury hotels get right about marketing experience over function

• Why the tension between hotels and vacation rentals may have been overstated

• How Nocturne thinks about portfolio branding, local brand identity, and direct bookings

• What repeat rate, guest journey design, and live feedback reveal about true brand value

• How Scott evaluates acquisitions, luxury markets, and homeowner acquisition in an increasingly competitive landscape

This is a practical, strategic conversation for anyone building, marketing, or scaling a hospitality brand in the luxury travel space.

Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfwiseman/

Explore Nocturne Luxury Villas: https://www.nocturneluxuryvillas.com/

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

This week’s episode of This Week in Hospitality starts on a deeply human note, with the crew reflecting on the escalating conflict in Iran and the ripple effects being felt across the Middle East and global travel. Edwin, Scott, Ben, and Zach share firsthand accounts from friends and colleagues across Dubai, Kuwait, Doha, Beirut, and beyond — a sobering reminder that hospitality often becomes both refuge and frontline in moments of crisis. From bombed airports to stranded travelers to terrified interns far from home, the conversation grounds the industry in what matters most: people caring for people.

From there, the episode pivots hard into one of the biggest questions facing travel right now: what happens when AI stops being a novelty and starts becoming the interface? The panel unpacks Skift’s “Claude Effect” thesis — the idea that travel may be next in line for the same investor panic and business-model disruption already hitting legal, finance, and cybersecurity. Ben argues the OTAs are in the blast zone. Scott says the markets always overreact — but something big is clearly coming. Edwin drops a scorching hot take: the real endgame may not be Booking vs. Expedia, but an AI giant partnering with or buying one of them outright.

The back half of the episode tackles hotel brand sprawl and whether the industry has finally reached a saturation point. Are soft brands actually helping, or have they become watered-down middle children that confuse consumers and dilute meaning? The crew debates whether AI-powered discovery will make “brand count” irrelevant and force hotel groups to compete on clarity, trust, and true personalization instead.

Finally, the episode closes with a fascinating look at Kimpton, one of the rare boutique brands that seems to have scaled without completely losing its soul after acquisition. Scott and Edwin explain why Kimpton has worked when so many others have failed: separate teams, protected identity, and the discipline to let the back-end scale quietly without flattening the front-end experience.
Oh, and in true This Week in Hospitality fashion, the episode wraps with a spicy final challenge for the industry: if you’re a travel executive talking about AI but not personally using it every day, what exactly are you leading?

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

15:15 — Story #1: AI’s “Claude Effect” Comes for Travel Booking

34:53 — Story #2: Have Hotel Soft Brands Hit a Saturation Point?

45:58 — Story #3: Can Kimpton Scale Without Losing Its Soul?

53:12 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

• What really goes into building ultra-luxury hospitality
• Distribution vs. desire — and why the best brands don’t optimize for everyone
• Why most pitch decks fail (and what investors actually want to see)
• How authenticity becomes a moat in both hotels and media
• And why the future of luxury may belong to smaller, family-led operators who treat hospitality like art

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

The episode opens with a “ground truth” dispatch from Jason Henzell of Jake’s Hotel in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, laying out how community tourism, agritourism, and repeat-guest loyalty can anchor a destination—then how two major hurricanes force an operator to turn resilience into strategy.

From there, the hosts dissect Airbnb’s widening blast radius: airport transfers, grocery delivery tests, revived experiences, a bigger hotel push, and (again) a non-points loyalty experiment. Ben argues the ambition is coherent but execution has historically lagged—so the question is what Airbnb actually nails in the next 6–12 months.

Then the episode turns to the bigger tectonic shift: agentic AI and whether it breaks the OTA model. Scott calls it noise until it works; Ben and Edwin push that consumers will prefer conversational planning to endless deal-scrolling, pressuring commissions and “propping up mediocrity” less and less.

Spice of the Week closes on the coming job title nobody’s staffed for yet: the people who manage fleets of agents—and the businesses that still win because humans show up.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

01:44 — Ground Truth from the Owner: Jake’s Hotel & Treasure Beach rebuild

24:57 — Story #1: Airbnb’s “super app” push: transfers, hotels, loyalty

38:05 — Story #2: Agentic AI vs OTAs: Marriott/Wyndham integrations and Booking fears

53:01 — Story #3: Choice Hotels trims low-performing U.S. economy inventory

1:00:11 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

Accor isn’t just polishing the Orient Express legend — it’s trying to industrialize it. With LVMH in the mix, the play shifts from “luxury assets” to a full ecosystem built on narrative: trains, hotels, yachts, and a throughline of romance and mythology. Scott sees the upside in that long-game brand equity, but the panel keeps circling the same risk: storytelling can sell the dream, yet only flawless operations keep it from collapsing into cosplay.

Then the mood turns pragmatic with Casago’s post-Vacasa reality check. A founder-led franchise business runs on trust and alignment as much as tech and scale, and Steve Schwab’s CEO transition lands as a stress test for franchisees already bracing for integration chaos. Ben argues owners should protect optionality while the dust settles; Scott and Edwin frame it as a “psychological contract” moment where perception matters as much as governance.

Finally, Hyatt’s ChatGPT integration signals that AI discovery is becoming a real distribution layer, not a gimmick. If travelers are asking for “the right stay” conversationally, brands will win by training the narrative, not bidding on keywords. Spice of the Week closes with a blunt takeaway: creative is the only differentiator left — and hotels are still wasting money boosting the wrong posts instead of scaling what actually works.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

09:40 — Story #1: Accor + LVMH build Orient Express into a full luxury ecosystem

24:32 — Story #2: Casago’s Vacasa-era growing pains trigger franchisee unease

33:31 — Story #3: Hyatt embraces ChatGPT discovery as the next distribution layer

46:29 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

In this return episode, Jeremy shares what’s changed (and what hasn’t), plus Arcana’s biggest leap yet: a newly acquired 56-acre property that gives the brand the zoning, septic capacity, and infrastructure required to scale — without diluting the Arcana promise.

In this conversation, Jeremy and I discuss:

• How Arcana performed in the real world after launch (and why the early guests helped propel the waitlist)
• What the team learned from the pilot site — from cabin entrances and guest flow to privacy, operability, and experience design
• The truth about “tiny cabins” and how Arcana thinks about unit size, outdoor space, and central amenities
• What Jeremy’s acquisition checklist looks like (proximity to a major city, the right zoning, and why septic is everything)
• How Arcana is repositioning an existing, cash-flowing resort with seven cottages and two houses into an Arcana-level experience
• Brand strategy: how to expand into new sites while still honoring the flagship brand promise (and when a sub-brand might make sense)
• How Jeremy is weighing construction loan options (traditional bank vs private lender) and the realities of taking on debt in Canada
• The longer-term vision: Arcana across North America, what an exit could look like, and why consistency is the superpower in experiential hospitality

Arcana is targeting a summer 2027 opening for the fully repositioned property.

Learn more about Arcana

Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

In this week’s episode, the guys jump from Sub-Saharan Africa to budget roadside America to biohacking on a Caribbean beach—and somehow tie it all together. The throughline? Hotel groups are searching for growth in a market that feels mature at home and increasingly demanding everywhere else.

They start with Choice’s plan to open 100 hotels in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2035. Edwin argues that the real opportunity isn’t safari escapism, but dense capital-city demand driven by business travel, NGOs, and intra-African growth. With new-build pipelines lagging, conversions and franchising become the strategic edge. Ben adds that in markets without decades of “economy brand” stigma, Choice may find a cleaner runway than it has in the U.S.

Next, they unpack Wyndham’s contrarian stance on the struggling economy segment. While revenue has slid for more than a year, Wyndham’s CEO insists the downturn is cyclical—not structural—and teases a push into “budget lifestyle.” The guys debate whether affordability can actually feel aspirational, and whether travelers want to identify with “budget,” even when it’s cleverly rebranded.

Finally, they explore the shift from wellness to longevity—better framed as healthspan—as luxury hotels move beyond spa aesthetics into diagnostics, personalization, and clinic-level programming. In Spice of the Week, they take aim at hotels adopting performative anti-AI creative policies, arguing that resisting innovation in the name of authenticity may be the fastest way to fall behind.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

08:22 — Story #1: Choice Hotels targets 100 hotels in Africa by 2035

20:28 — Story #2: Wyndham doubles down on economy as budget hotels struggle

36:30 — Story #3: Wellness is out, “longevity” becomes luxury hospitality’s new hook

47:37 — Spice of the Week

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/

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

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/

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

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/

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

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/

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

After uncovering the story of his grandfather, an early travel entrepreneur who helped open tourism from North America to Tahiti, Zach reflects on why meaningful travel experiences matter more than ever—and what that legacy means for the future of stays.

From there, he breaks down three trends every hospitality leader should be thinking about:

• Why hotels may be becoming the new “third place” in a hybrid-work world
• How AI is transforming hotel discovery—and why independent brands have a real opportunity right now
• The overlooked data advantage hotels have (and how it could shape the next era of personalization)

If you’re building, investing in, or operating unique stays, this episode is a call to think more intentionally about the spaces you create—and the signals you’re sending.

Because in an increasingly automated world, thoughtfully designed places may matter more than ever.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

This week, the guys zero in on where real leadership in hospitality is showing up — and where it isn’t. Accor’s ChatGPT partnership leads the conversation, not as a booking play, but as a signal that intent is shifting away from websites and toward questions. The takeaway is clear: brands willing to test behavior, learn how guests search, and show up early in the decision journey are already ahead. Scott brings ground truth from Thailand and Jamaica, exposing a widening mindset gap. In Asia, hospitality is still treated as craft — GMs obsess over service, personalization, and staying relevant in hyper-competitive markets. In much of the Caribbean, demand is more destination-driven, and innovation often feels defensive. Edwin adds

Europe’s perspective, framing it as split between tradition, efficiency, and emotion — with each region defining “success” differently. The episode closes with Ian Schrager partnering with Highgate to scale Public Hotels — a smart handoff of execution without sacrificing creative control — and Disney’s CEO succession as a reminder that physical experiences still beat disposable content. Spice of the Week lands the point: attention is expensive, but emotion is what actually builds loyalty.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at alliance.journey.com.

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/ 

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquestaysguy/

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/

• Why Airbnb’s move toward hotels signals a deeper strategic shift
• How short-term rentals are professionalizing — and who benefits most
• What the data reveals that headlines miss
• The coming consolidation of STR tech and the real role of AI
• Why confidence, not just inventory, is the next competitive edge

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

2025 was a year where the hospitality world stopped playing offense and started getting sorted — by who could scale, who could actually operate, and who was still living in the low-rate, high-growth fantasy of the last cycle.

In this special year-end episode of This Week in Hospitality, Zach is joined by Ben Wolff, Edwin Kramer, and Scott Eddy to break down the biggest winners, biggest losses, and biggest storylines that defined the year — and then go all-in on the predictions that will matter most in 2026.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at alliance.journey.com.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro
4:07 — 2025 in Review: Winners That Defined the Year
17:01 — The Biggest Losers of 2025: What Broke and Why
24:52 — Innovation in 2025: What Actually Mattered
34:15 — The Biggest Plot Twists of 2025
39:14 — 2026 Predictions: Companies, Bets, and Shifts to Watch
1:06:54 — Rapid Fire: Buzzwords, Disruptions, and What’s Next

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/ 

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquestaysguy/

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/

Josh went from helping people write on their walls with his first company, Writeyboard – the e-commerce brand that turned boring offices into floor-to-ceiling whiteboards – to designing the kinds of spaces people dream about escaping to.In his early 30s, sitting on a house in LA and feeling a quarter-life crisis creeping in, he looked at his girlfriend and said, “This year, we’re moving to Bali.” He sold the house, unwound a decade-long business, and flew halfway across the world to start over in real estate in a place where the rules, language, and rhythm of life were completely different.

That leap set off a chain of projects and partnerships that eventually led to Tiba – a Bali-inspired hospitality brand – and now to his boldest undertaking yet: a highly designed, nature-immersed resort in the hills of Tennessee that blends luxury, landscape, and a whole lot of soul.In this conversation, we get into how Josh thinks about risk, why he keeps selling everything to chase the next build, and what it actually looks like to try and create the next generation of stays from scratch.

Website: https://tibaliving.com/

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

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

A big week of structural shifts in travel and hospitality.

Capital One moves to acquire Hopper’s installed software and hire key hotel and engineering teams — signaling a deeper push into owning the traveler journey.

The team explores the LuxUrban collapse which predates the Sondor fall out but has an eerily similar story.

And Google announces that hotel and flight bookings are coming directly into AI Mode, collapsing research and booking into a single conversational experience.

We break down what these moves mean for distribution, loyalty, hotel operators, and the future relationship between brands, banks, and big tech.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at alliance.journey.com.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Intro

03:10 — Story #1: Capital One Set to Acquire Hopper Travel Software

15:22 — Story #2: Yet Another Hospitality Company Files For Bankruptcy: LuxUrban

30:34 — Story #3: Hotel and flight bookings are coming to Google's AI Mode

44:30 — "Spice of the Week"

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/ 

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquestaysguy/

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/

If you’ve ever wondered how VRBO evolved from a subscription classifieds site to a global e-commerce engine—or what the next decade of supply, demand, and distribution will actually look like—this is the conversation insiders will be talking about.

Tim has spent the better part of a decade helping lead VRBO through some of the most dramatic shifts the category has ever seen: the end of inquiry-based booking, the rise of instant book, the professionalization of hosts, the explosion of supply post-2020, and now, the dawn of a new era where quality, trust, and distribution matter more than raw inventory.

In this conversation, we get into:

• When vacation rentals truly went mainstream
• Why Vrbo is prioritizing quality over raw supply
• The rise of branded portfolios and social-led demand
• Expedia Group’s distribution advantage
• How One Key changes the funnel
• The real take on OTAs vs. direct

Connect with Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-rosolio-434b2a98/

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5oPExA0txHMjEI5Ye13IUy
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-hospitality/id1849637233
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWeekinHospitality

In this episode of This Week in Hospitality, Zach Busekrus sits down with Scott Eddy, Ben Wolff, and Edwin Kramer to unpack three major stories dominating the travel and hospitality world. From Sonder’s dramatic collapse following Marriott’s termination, to Hilton’s launch of the Outset Collection, to Airbnb’s bold embrace of hotels — this was one of the most consequential weeks the industry has seen in years.

The team brings perspectives spanning global travel, hotel development, luxury operations, and hospitality tech. Fast-paced, unfiltered, and deeply informed — this is the weekly breakdown every hotelier, operator, developer, and investor should be listening to.

This Week in Hospitality is presented to you by Journey.

Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.

If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at alliance.journey.com.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 — Introductions & why this podcast exists

09:12 — Story #1: Sonder × Marriott partnership collapses

17:08 — Ben’s take: STR brand value & commodity product problem

23:45 — Marriott, scale, loyalty, and future brand strategy

25:47 — Story #2: Hilton launches The Outset Collection

33:50 — Owner perspective: data, flag strategies, ROI trade-offs

39:01 — Independents vs. major flags: the next 10 years

42:11 — Story #3: Airbnb officially welcomes hotels

45:42 — Airbnb’s evolution into a hospitality ecosystem

50:51 — Does Airbnb need a total rebrand?

54:00 — “Back to hospitality roots” debate

54:53 — Wrap-up & what’s coming next

Your Hosts:

Zach Busekrus — Journey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/ 

Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/

Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniquestaysguy/

Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/

He’s lived and worked all over the world. He named his dog Kaya after a coconut jam he discovered while living in Southeast Asia. And he still lights up when describing what it feels like to walk through an airport on the cusp of somewhere new.

Greg’s career has spanned from American Airlines in the early 2000s to leading Expedia Group’s global commercial strategy today — a period that’s seen the birth of OTAs, the rise of mobile, and now, the dawn of the AI-powered traveler.

In this episode, Greg and I explore:

• How Expedia has evolved from a dot-com upstart to a travel empire spanning Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.
• What he’s learned from 20 years of guiding one of the most complex, global marketplaces in the world.
• The real story behind Expedia’s relationship with independent operators — and what “partner forward” actually means.
• How the tension between discovery and control will define the next decade of travel planning.
• And why he believes the future of OTAs will be built not on ads or algorithms — but on trust, clarity, and flexibility.

Greg’s a global citizen in the truest sense of the word — deeply thoughtful about the human side of technology and the emotional heartbeat of travel itself.

This conversation is the second episode in my new Behind the Stays series, The Future of Travel, recorded live at EXPLORE Connect in Austin, Texas — a gathering of the world’s top vacation rental operators and hospitality leaders.

If you care about where the industry is headed — and how the people behind its biggest brands are thinking about discovery, booking, and guest experience in the years ahead — this is a must-listen.

Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregschulze/?originalSubdomain=uk

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

• How Vrbo plans to take on Airbnb by doubling down on trust and quality — not just scale.
• The single biggest opportunity Larry sees to increase traveler confidence when booking a home.
• How Expedia’s integrated network of brands — from Hotels.com to One Key — gives Vrbo a unique competitive edge.
• And how AI is already reshaping discovery on Vrbo — from smart sorting and review summaries to a vision of what travel planning could look like when chat-based search meets marketplace precision.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Today on the show, I’m joined by Richard Valtr—founder of Mews, hotelier-turned-systems architect, and one of the sharpest minds pushing hospitality past “heads in beds.”

In this episode, we:

• Explore how that 60-key Prague experiment became a prototype for Mews—and whether a “playlist for your stay” can actually scale.
• Discuss why the real upside may live in the 16 waking hours, and how RevPAG could nudge P&Ls beyond a bed-only mindset.
• Explore what changes when spend is posted to the guest, not the room—and whether that unlocks offers people actually want next time.
• Discuss how personalization might honor your different modes—parent, partner, road warrior—with AI helping dial convenience vs. high-touch.
• Explore what an open-by-default stack could enable—and what the future relationship between OTAs and operators might look like (and how it could benefit everyone).

Connect with Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-valtr-79541410/

Explore Mews: https://www.mews.com/en

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

• How Max built Le Collectionist by solving owner pain first—protecting the asset with standards, service, and guests who respect the home—before ever chasing scale.
• Why the brand chooses curation over growth at all costs, keeping a waitlist and telling owners “not yet” when a property doesn’t strengthen the flag.
• How a local-first operating model, including acquisitions of destination experts, unlocks the “impossible” in places like Ibiza through a gold-key caliber concierge team.
• How service is designed to fit the house, with baseline housekeeping and thoughtful touches for every stay and à-la-carte upgrades when “hotel-like” service truly adds value.
• How a single advisor follows a family across trips as a travel PA, building deep profiles and trust that naturally moves guests between destinations.
• Why longer, rooted stays—from multi-week summers to school-year relocations—are reshaping inventory strategy, staffing, and pricing.

Connect with Max Aniort: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxaniort/

Explore Le Collectionist: https://www.lecollectionist.com/en

Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/

Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

I’m Zach, and today I’m joined by David Ciccarelli, co-founder of lake.com. After a startup exit during the pandemic, David and his wife (and co-founder) Stephanie bought a lake house—he grew up on Lake Superior, she on Lake Erie. A few months in, they hosted a 25-person family reunion to put the place to use—and that’s when the opportunity snapped into focus: the nearby hotel was priced for peak season, and the close-enough rentals you’d want for a shared trip weren’t surfacing. Conversations with local trades who service waterfront homes confirmed the pattern—plenty of beautiful, generational places sitting unused most of the year.

Instead of optimizing for everyone, David optimized for the traveler who already knows the experience they want. He acquired lake.com, built discovery around thousands of lakes and parks, and set a simple rule—on the water or within 15 minutes—so results stay on-vibe. On the back end, he scaled supply by integrating directly with property management systems so calendars and pricing stay in sync; on the business side, he kept incentives clean with shared success (a flat commission only when hosts get booked). The result: a fast-growing, lake-first inventory measured in the tens of thousands.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How that reunion turned a personal headache into a thematic OTA
• Why curated, stay-type discovery beats generic search in a GenAI world
• The domain-as-distribution bet behind lake.com
• The PMS integration play that actually scales supply (and prevents double bookings)
• What “within 15 minutes of the water” does for expectations, filters, and conversion

Explore Lake.com at, you guested it... www.lake.com ;)

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidciccarelli/

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Then, at a birthday party in Montreal, everything changes. She meets the founder of Luxury Retreats, one of the world’s first platforms for high-end villas, private islands, and over-the-top vacation rentals. A casual conversation turns into an unexpected offer — and what was supposed to be a stopgap job becomes a nine-year masterclass in luxury travel, entrepreneurship, and scaling a global brand that Airbnb would eventually acquire to form its Luxe division.

Fast forward, and Andreea is now the CEO of Gather Vacations, a company reshaping the playbook for property management. Instead of asking local managers to give up their independence, Gather powers them with the back-end systems, tech, and support they need so they can focus on what matters most: homeowners and guests.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How a recession detour became a once-in-a-lifetime break into luxury hospitality
• The inside story of scaling Luxury Retreats and watching it become part of Airbnb Luxe
• Why Hawaii was the perfect test bed for rethinking property management
• How Gather’s model challenges the franchise status quo and sets a new standard for partnership
• What the future of vacation rentals looks like when brand, consistency, and local expertise collide

Explore Gather Vacations: https://gathervacations.com/staff/andreea-grigore/

Connect with Andreea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreea-grigore-081a6418/

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

In this episode, Zach sits down with Will — a creative entrepreneur, real estate maverick, and placemaker behind The Trail Hotel in Bardstown, Kentucky — to unpack a life defined by bold pivots, relentless grit, and audacious vision.

From sneaking into a high school audition that would change his trajectory, to flipping 800+ homes, to nearly losing it all during the housing collapse, Will’s story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. You’ll hear how desperation sharpened his creativity, how a hustler’s spirit turned $100 into a flipping empire, and how faith, grit, and a little bourbon fueled his latest masterpiece: a $30M boutique hotel on the Bourbon Trail that’s redefining Kentucky hospitality.

But this isn’t just a story about bricks, bourbon, and business. It’s about a man who refused to be boxed in — who chased acting gigs in LA, launched a film production company, produced a feature on Milton Hershey, and still found the courage to start over (multiple times) with his wife and kids by his side.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to chase audacious dreams, survive catastrophic setbacks, and build something truly lasting — this conversation will light a fire under you.Expect stories of mimosa-fueled negotiations, clown costumes that saved real estate deals, and the kind of visionary thinking that transforms abandoned Holiday Inns into Napa Valley–level destinations for bourbon lovers.

Explore The Trail Hotel: https://www.thetrailhotel.com

Follow The Trail Hotel: https://www.instagram.com/thetrailhotel

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Then Brad jumped lanes: into the Spike Jonze era of skate-culture filmmaking—directing spots for Cartoon Network (Powerpuff Girls), Adult Swim, AMC, and music work that had him shooting bands like Soundgarden and collaborating with UK labels. Today, his canvas is hospitality: Caravan Outpost in Ojai—a film-set-caliber, not-glamping hideaway that’s hosted The Bachelor and a steady stream of celebrity regulars.

Today on the show, I’m joined by Brad Steward—snowboarding’s early architect, director/producer, and co-founder of Caravan Outpost.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Brad helped move snowboarding from trespass to televised, shoulder-to-shoulder with Jake Burton and Tom Sims—and why the Nagano moment mattered.
• How an eight-year-old Shaun White landed at his camp—and what that signaled about the sport’s future.
• How the Spike Jonze pipeline turned a DIY camera habit into gigs with Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, AMC, and major-label music videos.
• Why Caravan Outpost is “production design for memory-making,” not glamping—and how it became a magnet for celebrities and The Bachelor.
• The throughline: build the culture first, then build the brand.

Connect with Brad on LinkedIn

Visit Caravan Outpost’s website to book and learn more

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Today on the show, I’m joined by Tata Crocombe, owner-operator of The Rarotongan and Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort in the Cook Islands—and a self-described AI-first hotelier. For Tata, AI isn’t branding; it’s throughput. His teams now co-pilot with models every day: wedding quotes that used to take three hours take thirty minutes, reservations productivity has doubled, and direct conversions are up more than 100%—millions steered from OTA commissions back to the P&L. The goal isn’t fewer humans; it’s better work for more humans. AI clears the paperwork so staff can deliver the moments guests actually remember.

We also zoom out. Tata sees leisure shifting from “bed + breakfast” to membership-style communities built around passions—outrigger canoeing today, thousands of micro-affinities tomorrow. Big flags will splinter from dozens of brands to hundreds; independents will sharpen identity; and individual properties will matter more than the mothership. Social will spark desire, AI will personalize and convert, and owner–brand contracts will get far more flexible. Underneath it all sits a broader scorecard: guest joy, staff wellbeing, operational efficiency, profitability—and being a good neighbor to the island and the environment.

Visit The Rarotongan’s website to book and learn more.

Visit Aitutaki Lagoon Resort’s website to book and learn more.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

Today, I’m joined by Scott—hard to label by design. A Wall Street closer who hates the word "expert." A self-proclaimed non-golfer in a loud shirt who lives in airports, hotels, and on cruise ships. An early Twitter force who became a breaking-news signal from Bangkok…and then built one of Asia’s first hotel-focused digital agencies before most brands could spell "SEO."

Scott’s story pivots on a single, life-bending moment. He grew up destined for the police academy—until his father was killed in the line of duty weeks before graduation. A decade in finance followed, a firm sale cracked the door open, and a one-way ticket to Thailand blew it off the hinges. Eleven years later, with friendships stitched across Asia, he’d learned the playbook most Western brands skip: brand building starts with humility, and trust is earned at dinner tables, not in boardrooms.

Back in the States, Scott doubled down on what actually moves the needle: reply to every comment, post consistently without trend-chasing, flip OTA guests to direct, and treat service—not tech—as the last true luxury. If you run an independent property or lead a hospitality team, this is a masterclass in building gravity one honest interaction at a time.

Whether you’re building a boutique brand, leading a marketing team, or just love a good "how did they pull that off?" arc, this episode will reframe how you think about social, service, and the business of being unmistakably human.

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Connect with or follow Scott

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Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

• Turn choreography into rituals your team can actually repeat.
• Make being known beat being “bonvoyed.”
• Design around human behavior, not developer spreadsheets.
• Let tech automate the admin—never the moment.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

• How prolific demonstration of process can be more powerful than perfection — and why that’s catnip for potential partners.
• Why sharing “warts and all” content beats polished mystery every time.
• The real reason most ambitious hotel projects in Joshua Tree fail — and how patience and risk tolerance become the ultimate competitive advantage.
• The economics of design decisions, and how a $6,000 bench became a $900 triumph.
• Why the future of hospitality may mean curating less, not more — and creating spaces for reflection instead of constant stimulation.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

In this episode, I sit down with Shamim Ehsani, co-founder of Tribe Hotel and one of the most intentional hoteliers I’ve ever met. What started as a need for a conveniently located place for business travelers became something much bigger — a cultural reset for what luxury means in Kenya.

We dive into:

• Why Tribe wasn’t designed to mimic what was trendy abroad — but to reflect the energy of modern Nairobi
• How art, music, fashion, and food became the foundation of the brand’s identity
• The unexpected call from Design Hotels — after they initially said “not interested”
• What today’s travelers actually want, and how his team is designing for access, not just aesthetics

This episode is a masterclass in designing hotels with soul — and staying true to your vision when everyone else is playing it safe.

Connect with Shamim on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

My guest today is Dustin Baker, the quietly brilliant force behind Hidden Gem Media — a performance-driven marketing agency that’s helping some of the most design-forward vacation rental and boutique hotel brands in the world unlock direct booking revenue from their social media presence.

Now, I don’t say this lightly — within the last week alone, two different people in the space told me, “Zach, you need to talk to Dustin.” So we got him on the mic fast.
In this conversation, we talk about the difference between content that looks great and content that converts, why creators (not influencers) are the most underutilized asset in the industry, how Dustin and his team are proving ROI on social in a way most operators didn’t think was possible, and why the real power play in 2025 might just be an email list, not a viral reel. 

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after someone likes, saves, or shares your content — and how to turn that attention into actual revenue — this episode is for you.

Learn more about Hidden Gem Media

Connect with Dustin on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

We unpack how Shari and her team are filling the gaping holes in industry data with hard-earned, operator-grade insights — from average daily retail rates (spoiler: domes are leading the pack at $257/night) to the surprising rise of budget-minded cabin stays. We explore the methodology behind their research, what types of properties made the cut (and why backyard yurts didn’t), and how design decisions, geography, and hospitality strategy are influencing returns in the outdoor space.

You’ll also hear Shari’s reflections on the rise of hard-sided structures, her take on the next evolution of glamping (hint: it’s all about service), and how proximity to national parks and airports materially impacts revenue potential.

We also chat through:

1. Why occupancy is the next frontier in outdoor data reporting

2. What surprised Shari most by region and unit type

3. How to spot saturated markets — and what it takes to stand out

4. Whether prefab vs. stick-built tells a meaningful data story yet

5. Why land — not your unit type — might be your biggest asset

…and so much more

This conversation is equal parts masterclass and myth-buster. All right friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Shari.

Connect with Shari on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

But here’s where things get even more fascinating. Brandon didn’t just stop at concrete countertops or sinks. Inspired by sustainable architecture and a chance encounter with a rammed-earth house, he dove headfirst into the world of rammed earth construction, a building method that’s thousands of years old, yet remarkably innovative and profoundly rare today. His vision has led him to craft spaces that are not just visually stunning, but also deeply meaningful and enduring.

Today, Brandon is channeling his passion into his most ambitious project yet: Outlier, an extraordinary boutique hotel nestled in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It’s not just any hotel—this property promises a luxury experience intertwined with adventure, sustainability, and truly groundbreaking architecture.

In this episode, Brandon shares his remarkable journey, the story behind why he chose rammed earth, and what it takes to build something genuinely unique in an age of repetition. Whether you’re intrigued by innovative construction, inspired by entrepreneurial grit, or simply love a great story, Brandon’s journey is one you won’t want to miss.

So sit back, grab your favorite drink, and join us as we dive into a conversation packed with inspiration, determination, and the power of building something that stands the test of time. Without further ado, here’s my conversation with the exceptional Brandon Gore.

Follow The Outlier Hotel on Instagram

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

We’ll dive into John’s original inspiration, discuss the future of guest loyalty, and highlight the incredible Alliance Partners who’ve joined us early on this journey. Journey unites unique, independent hotels and private rental homes, offering travelers personalized rewards and unique experiences while empowering operators with advanced technology and guest insights traditionally reserved for major hotel chains. John shares his bold predictions for what’s next in travel and explains how Journey is reshaping the hospitality landscape.

If you’re an independent hotel or unique stay operator interested in joining the Journey Alliance, you can apply to join here!

Ready to join us on this exciting adventure? Download the Journey Members App on the App Store today!

If you’ve spent any time in the hospitality space, chances are you’ve come across Bashar’s work — or at least his words. He’s the former President and CEO of Provenance Hotels, and today he leads two companies he founded: Practice Hospitality, a management company focused on culturally resonant independent hotels, and This Assembly, a hospitality think tank and incubator building what's next for the industry.

What I love most about Bashar is that he’s refreshingly candid, wildly insightful, and deeply passionate about this space — not just because it’s his career, but because it’s in his DNA.

In this episode, we get into:

• Why hospitality is not the same as service — and how even a roadside motel can deliver deeply human moments that a five-star hotel might miss.

• Why Bashar believes loyalty programs are really just bribery, and what real loyalty actually looks like.

• How he went from having visited just two countries by age 20 to now traveling like a true nomad — and how that wanderlust has shaped his worldview.

• Why the world’s best operators are not just spreadsheet wizards, but curators of culture who know how to feel what's cool — and create spaces where others can feel it too.

• And why the soft brand strategy has lost its edge — not because the concept is broken, but because the execution rarely matches the promise.

Bashar and I also talk about the role that AI should play in hospitality, the difference between trend-chasing and trend-observing, and what it takes for hotels to stop being sterile, beige boxes and become — in his words — merchants of cool again.

This is one of those episodes that had me nodding, laughing, and taking notes at the same time. Bashar is equal parts philosopher and practitioner — and I think you’re going to get a ton out of this.

Let’s dive in.

Learn more about Bashar

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

David’s story begins not in a boardroom or luxury suite, but in a small café his mother bought when he was a kid. It was there he discovered the energy of hospitality — the joy in unpredictability, the beauty of serving others, and the sense of belonging that would later shape his career.

We talk about his time working with icons like Ian Schrager and André Balazs, and the lessons in creativity, precision, and obsession with detail that would ultimately inspire Salt Hotels — a brand built on the belief that boutique doesn’t have to mean formulaic, and luxury doesn’t have to be loud.

In this episode, David shares the founding story of Salt, how he balances growth without losing soul, why the future of business travel is more boutique than we think, and how AI might just make hospitality more human.This is a conversation about craft, partnership, legacy — and why every single chair, playlist, and pet fee at Salt Hotels is intentional.

We unpack Lodgify’s long-standing mission to “arm the underdogs” by empowering independent hosts and managers with the same technology advantages as the big players. Shaun draws a clear line between his upbringing as the son of immigrants, his experience at companies like Intuit and PipeDrive, and the deep conviction that great tech should level the playing field for the little guys.

But this episode isn’t just philosophical—it’s tactical. Shaun offers a refreshingly honest take on:

• Why switching PMSs still feels painful, and what needs to change.

• How Lodgify is navigating its role as both OTA partner and direct booking champion.

• What’s holding back the direct booking experience (hint: it’s not just UX).

• How the best future software will be invisible—delivering outcomes, not dashboards.

We also talk AI, and Shaun shares why Lodgify is entering what he calls its “13-year-old growth spurt,” a new chapter he’s dubbed Lodgify 2.0. Think: fewer clunky interfaces, more Stripe-like booking flows, and a relentless focus on what hosts have always cared about—trust, time savings, and more bookings.

This one’s for the rebels, the brand builders, and anyone who’s ever screamed at a janky checkout page and thought, “There has to be a better way.”

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

In Part 2, we continue our hot-take conversations with a new lineup of industry experts, diving into the themes of value-driven travel, AI-powered revenue strategy, and the increasing tension between quality and scale.

First up, you’ll hear from Peter Albert, CEO of Coastal Vacation Properties, who shares what it's been like rebuilding his business—and his entire community—post-hurricane in Fort Myers Beach. Peter opens up about the realities of traveler expectations today (spoiler: it’s all about price), and why vacation planners should be treated like VIPs before they even step through the door.

Next, we sit down with Richie Khandelwal, co-founder of PriceLabs, for a high-octane look into the future of dynamic pricing. Richie breaks down what AI means for rate strategy, guest personalization, and the precision of future search—and why your brand’s niche might be your most powerful weapon in an AI-first world.

Then we’re joined by Michelle Williams, General Manager at Atlantic Vacation Homes. Michelle challenges the “growth at all costs” mindset and makes a powerful case for quality over quantity. She also offers a long-view perspective on how guest expectations evolve—and why a well-made bed might matter more than that arcade machine.

Finally, Scott Leggat of Inhabit shares wisdom from decades in the field. We discuss guest loyalty, building a sense of local ownership, and why regulation—not competition—may be the industry’s biggest threat.

If you missed Part 1, go back and hear from Steve Trover (Better Talent), Jacob Mueller (Renjoy), and Michelle Marquis on everything from business travel to PMS data ownership and the future of standardization.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

1. What’s a contrarian belief you have about what today’s travelers actually want from a vacation rental?
2. What’s something happening in the industry that not enough people are talking about — but should be?
3. And finally, what’s one travel trend you’re bullish on, and one you’re a little bearish on?

In this episode, we dive into:

• James’s fascinating journey from foundational roles at Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood Hotels to pioneering transformative luxury experiences at Nihi Resorts.

• The daring moment he famously published his personal phone number in major newspapers—and how authentic human connection remains central to his hospitality ethos.

• The incredible origin story behind Nihi Sumba, and how James transformed an untouched Indonesian island into one of the world's most celebrated travel destinations.

• Why authenticity and storytelling are indispensable for creating memorable guest experiences.

• Strategies for maintaining genuine human connections in luxury hospitality amid an increasingly digital world.

We also unpack James’s perspectives on:

• What independent hotels can learn about curating truly unique and impactful guest experiences.

• Why meaningful hospitality extends beyond aesthetics, amenities, and luxury trappings.

• How calculated risks and creativity can lead to global recognition and lasting success.

• The critical importance of sustainable, authentic luxury in today's evolving travel landscape.

This episode is for hoteliers crafting authentic luxury, bold brand builders pushing creative boundaries, and travelers seeking experiences that resonate deeply and endure long after their journey home.

Connect with James on LinkedIn

Discover Nihi Sumba

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

My guest is Jason Kycek, the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the legendary Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. And while Jason’s resume includes time with some of the most respected names in hospitality, what makes this conversation so refreshing is that Jason is a marketer through and through. A builder. A thinker. A tinkerer.

We talk about what it means to market an independent luxury resort in today’s hyper-digital world. Why social media has become the new front door. How culinary strategy, entertainment programming, and influencer partnerships are being reimagined. And how the smartest marketers are building brands and balancing performance expectations—sometimes on a shoestring budget.

Jason also shares his journey—from Wisconsin to the DR—and what he’s learned leading marketing across both institutional hospitality groups and independently owned gems.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Brandon’s unshakable obsession with boutique hotels (he used to play hotel as a kid — not kidding)

• How a background in PR shaped his approach to storytelling, strategy, and aesthetic curation

• The origin story behind Hotels Above Par — and how a single Instagram caption became the launchpad for a globally respected travel media platform

• Why partnering with tourism boards (not just hotels) is a win-win-win

• How paid partnerships, affiliate bookings, and Substack newsletters drive real revenue (this isn’t just a vibes operation)

• Why he’s bullish on newsletters, hospitality humans, and high-touch check-ins — even as AI eats media

We also unpack Brandon’s POV on:

• What most independent hotels are still getting wrong on Instagram

• Why newsletters are having a renaissance moment (and how hoteliers should use them)

• How journalists are evolving into modern creators (and what makes them more trustworthy than traditional influencers)

• What makes a travel giveaway actually work — and why you’re probably doing it wrong

This one is for the independent hoteliers fighting the good fight, the brand builders playing the long game, and the travelers who crave places with soul.

Follow Hotels Above Par on Instagram
Follow Brandon on LinkedIn
Explore the Hotels Above Par Website

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

• Why building brand and operating company and real estate platform was a bet they were willing to lose sleep over
• How their new partnership with Marriott gives Trailborn scale — without sacrificing soul
• The early seeds of personalization in hospitality — and how Trailborn plans to lead with both human intuition and machine intelligence
• Why AI won’t replace great service — but it might finally deliver on it

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

He’s worked with brands like Proper and Viceroy, co-founded The Madrona in Healdsburg, and has a sharp eye for the subtle — and not-so-subtle — ways hospitality has evolved (and where it still needs to catch up).

In this episode, we unpack:

– The early experiences that shaped Cory’s hospitality worldview
– How to balance timeless service with modern guest expectations
– The tech that actually enhances hospitality (and the kind that kills it)
– Why QR code menus might signal the beginning of the end
– What’s next: the rise of micro-resorts and the white space between STRs and hotels

Cory also shares how he approaches concept development, the difference between good and great creative partners, and what it really takes to build a team culture where guests feel seen — and staff feel proud.

This one’s packed with insight for anyone thinking about the next generation of hospitality brands.

Learn more about Cory here.
Explore The Madrona

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

A designer and technologist by trade, Khalid is the founder of Selfbook, the beautifully elegant booking platform that’s quietly powering the next generation of high-end hotels.

In this episode, you’ll hear the remarkable story of how a glass cube on Fifth Avenue (yes, the Apple Store) first inspired Khalid’s obsession with design — and how years later, that obsession led him to reimagine the broken booking experience plaguing even the most beautiful hotels.

We unpack:

• Why the legacy booking flow is fundamentally broken — and why most hoteliers don’t even realize it

• How Selfbook is thinking about dynamic pricing, personalized rates, and the future of “invisible tech”

• Why the most exciting guest journeys of the next decade won’t start on a hotel website — they’ll start in a chat window

• And how Selfbook’s new partnership with Perplexity could reshape hotel discovery at the point of inspiration

If you care about hospitality tech, design-led products, or the future of direct booking, this is a must-listen.

Learn more about Selfbook

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

In this episode, you’ll hear the fascinating backstory behind how Steve and his co-host David Millili launched the podcast, how they bought it back from a startup, and how it has completely reshaped Steve’s career. We also dive into the biggest trends he’s seeing across the hotel industry — from how AI and design are converging to address labor shortages, to the rise of "bleisure" lobbies, to why apartment-style hotels like Mint House are quietly winning the loyalty of the next generation of travelers.

Plus:

- Why hotel lobbies are becoming the new coworking spaces
- How podcasts have become the secret weapon for hospitality networking
- Why giving guests a choice in how they interact with your brand is the future of service
- Steve’s vision for the Modern Hotelier Media group — including their "MTV Cribs"-style hotel video tours

If you’re building a hospitality brand or just love geeking out on where the industry is headed, this episode is for you.

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn
Listen to The Modern Hotelier

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

In this episode, I sit down with Ari Heckman, founder & CEO of Ash — one of the most distinctive hospitality brands redefining how hotels, neighborhoods, and even guest memories are made.

Ari’s story is a masterclass in world-building. We explore how growing up in post-industrial Providence sparked his obsession with places that transform.

Why he didn’t study hospitality at Cornell (even though he was a stone’s throw from the world’s most famous hotel school). And how Ash went from a small design studio to an experiential powerhouse shaping properties from Baltimore to New Orleans.

We get into why modern travelers don’t just want design anymore — they want mythology, meaning, and discovery.

We unpack how Ash thinks about cinematic storytelling, why boutique hoteliers must learn to master revenue as much as aesthetics, and what Ari believes is the next great unlock for independent brands scaling today.

If you care about hospitality, placemaking, or just building things that matter — this one’s for you.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Today, you’re about to meet Rafat Ali — founder and CEO of Skift, one of the most respected travel media brands in the world. But his story didn’t start there.

Rafat grew up in India, a shy kid who stuttered — and somehow rewrote his future with nothing but words and a relentless eye for what others missed.

He went from studying engineering to working for tech media icon Jason Calacanis during the first dot-com boom...to later building Skift into a brand so trusted that today, CEOs and world leaders cross conference halls just to get a bro hug from him.

In this conversation, Rafat shares why legacy media is collapsing, what too many creators get wrong about influence, and how AI and independent media are re-drawing the map faster than most realize.

We talk about why design — not data — will be the real differentiator in the next chapter of content.

We dive into the hidden risks of "audience capture" — and why building something truly enduring requires the courage to be misunderstood for a while.

And we explore why Rafat believes the next great media empires won't be built by corporations — but by people, building with instinct, action, and radical authenticity.

If you care about the future of media, if you're trying to build anything magnetic, or if you just want a rare look inside the mind of one of the industry's true visionaries...you're in the right place.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

In this episode, I sit down with Hayden Hughes, Nicky Hughes, and Mike Iannetta — three pioneers who helped transform treehouses, A-frames, and glamp-sites from hidden gems into viral, booked-out brands. We unpack how they redefined marketing in the short-term rental world, where the future of creator-driven hospitality is headed next, and why they’ve partnered to launch a new guided course to help hospitality brands partner with the right creators.

We get into it:

• Why short-form video changed everything for independent operators
  
  
• What still actually works on social today — and why trends alone won’t save you
  
  
• Why UGC (user-generated content) isn’t enough anymore — and what’s replacing it
  
  
• The hidden burnout creators are facing, and how the next generation of hospitality marketing will be built differently
  
  
• The big opportunity no one's talking about (yet) for boutique hotels and micro-resorts
  
  
• How the best operators are thinking differently about working with influencers
  
  
• And why creators who want to build real businesses are starting to think beyond content
  
  

You'll also hear the story behind the Journey More Collective, a potential new playbook for scaling authentic creator-driven marketing and get all the details on the value of The STR Influencer Guide Hayden, Nikki, and Mike just released. 

If you're an operator wondering how to actually work with creators (the right way) — or a creator dreaming about building a business with staying power — this one’s for you.  Oh, and if you’re interested in accessing The STR Influencer Guide for Operators, you can do so in the show notes below!

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Mike, Nikki, and Hayden. 

Purchase The Influencer Guide

Connect with JourneyMore

Connect with Mike from Strive Hospitality (MikeWillTravel)

Watch a Roundtable Discussion with Zach, JourneyMore, Mike, and other Unique Stay Builders

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Depending on who you ask, it’s either a long-overdue consumer protection measure... or a strategic power grab designed to lock in lifetime guest value at all costs.

Arthur and Philip bring firsthand insights — and a healthy dose of reality — to a conversation that’s been fueled by fear, misinformation, and a whole lot of LinkedIn hot takes.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• Why this "new" policy might actually be less revolutionary than most hosts realize — and what’s really different this time

• The two “buckets” Airbnb is focused on: protecting guests (good) and protecting their margins (more complicated)

• How vague language, selective enforcement, and the threat of guest complaints create a new dynamic hosts must navigate

• Why operators building brands off-platform shouldn't panic — but should pay attention to regulatory winds (especially in Europe)

• What might come next: services marketplaces, tighter control over payments, and the looming specter of pricing parity

• The psychological game: How vague rules might cause small operators to self-police harder than Airbnb could ever enforce

If you’re a rentalpreneur, a professional operator, or someone who’s betting their future on brand-building in the STR world, this episode is a must-listen.

We break down not just what’s happening — but what it means for the future of independent hospitality, ownership, and guest relationships in an increasingly walled-garden world.

Because as Arthur and Philip both point out: the real battle isn’t about moving one booking — it’s about who owns the guest relationship in the long run.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

From the rise of emotional loyalty and transformational stays to the power of digital atmosphere and placemaking over property management, this episode challenges traditional assumptions and inspires fresh thinking for hotel owners, experience designers, and anyone shaping the future of guest experience.

You’ll walk away with:

• Questions to ask your team (and yourself) right now

• Real-world examples of brands already doing this well

• Execution ideas you can implement this quarter

Whether you’re a boutique hotelier, a vacation rental operator, or a hospitality creative, this episode will push your perspective and deepen your purpose.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

In this episode, I sit down with Meredith Garrett — founder of Stay Minty and Stellara — to explore how she’s redefining what it means to deliver luxury in nature. You may know her for her wildly creative short-term rental brand Stay Minty, with its kaleidoscope of high-design vacation homes and glamping domes. But with Stellara, Meredith is pushing the envelope even further — into the stars, quite literally.

We discuss:

• How she transformed treehouses and mirror cabins into immersive, astrology-inspired sanctuaries that change with the moon.

• Why she believes experiential hospitality is moving from “boutique” to “transformational.”

• The math behind scaling nature-based resorts — and how many units it actually takes to make something like Stellara work.

• Whether food & beverage is the missing link in micro-resort hospitality — and her hunt for the elusive private chef who can bring lunar dinners to life.

This conversation is for the dreamers, the builders, and the operators who believe luxury can be intimate, immersive, and wildly imaginative. Meredith is one of the most creative minds in this space — and I think you’re going to leave this episode feeling more inspired (and more curious) than you were before.

Connect with Meredith
Book a stay at Stellara
Follow Stellara on Instagram 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Quentin Incao, founder of Q Hospitality Management, a company that specializes in operating and consulting for some of the most unique boutique properties around. Quentin’s career has taken him from managing iconic independent hotels to building experiential outdoor resorts that redefine what luxury means.

We dig into the boutique dilemma: Why are big brands suddenly obsessed with being “boutique”? Has the term lost all meaning now that every major hotel chain has its own “indie” spin-off? And most importantly, how are the real independents – the ones that actually care about authenticity and unique experiences – pushing back?

Quentin and I discuss:

• The rise of brand operating companies and why they’re becoming more common in the boutique space.

• What makes a great operator for a glamping resort versus a luxury hotel in the city – and why not every team can handle both.

• Why some boutique hoteliers are choosing to build collections of unique, one-of-one properties instead of expanding a single brand.

• How the new wave of micro-resorts and landscape hotels are reimagining what it means to deliver a luxury experience.

Connect with Quentin on LinkedIn

Learn more about Q Hospitality 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Today’s guest, Ariela Kiradjian, has dedicated her life to answering the question: What does it mean to truly preserve the soul and individuality of independent hotels? As the co-founder of BLLA (Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association), Ariela is on a mission to protect the spirit of boutique hospitality from being diluted by big chains and mass marketing.

Ariela’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Raised by a mother who was already a force in the travel world, Ariela was exposed to the inner workings of boutique hotels from a young age. By 14, she was launching BLLA alongside her mom, setting out to amplify the voices of hoteliers who value individuality and craft.

In this episode, Ariela takes us on a journey through:

• The evolution of boutique hospitality: How big chains hijacked the word “boutique” and why it’s time to reclaim it.

• The real essence of boutique hotels: It’s not just design — it’s about intimacy, independence, and soul.

• The funding dilemma: Why finding capital for true boutique projects remains a challenge — and how BLLA is fighting to change that.

• The boutique advantage: Why hotels that invest in experience and individuality are poised to thrive.

Ariela’s passion for preserving the heart of boutique hotels is infectious, and her insights are a masterclass in what it means to blend business with soul.

Connect with Ariela on LinkedIn

Learn more about BLLA

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

That moment didn’t just shape Stephen Petaskey’s childhood — it laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey and his passion for creating remarkable travel experiences. Today, Stephen is the visionary behind Luxus Vacation Properties, a company known for redefining luxury travel by blending consistency, comfort, and a human touch.

In this episode, Stephen shares how that early lesson in resilience and generosity set him on a path to building one of the most respected names in luxury vacation rentals. From managing private vacation clubs to developing global branded stays, Stephen has spent nearly two decades perfecting what it means to create certainty in travel.

We dive into:

• The Birth of Luxus: How a personal need for family-friendly travel inspired a multimillion-dollar portfolio.

• The Four Pillars of Luxury: The unshakable standards that make every Luxus stay unforgettable.

• Playing the Long Game: Why Stephen believes in building a brand one remarkable experience at a time.

• The Future of Luxury Travel: How branded vacation homes can stand toe-to-toe with luxury hotels.

• Finding Balance in Growth: Merging the flexibility of OTAs with the consistency of a branded portfolio.

Stephen’s story is proof that the best brands aren’t built overnight — they’re crafted through persistence, innovation, and a genuine desire to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re curious about the evolution of luxury vacation rentals or looking for inspiration from a hospitality industry pioneer, this conversation is not to be missed.

Learn more about Luxus

Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Meet Dave Mayo and Matt Kamp, the co-founders of New River Ridge—a design-forward micro resort perched on 14 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

These guys aren’t developers. They’re not influencers. And they’re definitely not hotel veterans.

But what they are is obsessed with building a better kind of retreat. One where couples can truly disconnect, recharge, and rediscover each other in nature—without sacrificing thoughtful design or high-end comfort.

In this episode, we unpack:

– How a shared dream turned into a full-blown SBA-funded hospitality business
– Why they traded prefab shortcuts for custom stick-built cabins—and what most people misunderstand about that decision
– The zoning workarounds, financing hurdles, and site planning pivots that nearly derailed the project
– How they’re navigating build-in-public storytelling while still holding full-time jobs
– Why they believe in building lifestyle assets, not just investment properties—and how that mindset shapes every decision

Whether you’re a builder, dreamer, or first-time founder with land on the brain, this episode is your permission slip to start small—and think big.

Follow New River Ridge on Instagram

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Today’s guest, Zach Rapaport, is on a mission to answer that question. As the founder of Meerkat Development, he’s redefining what it means to build hospitality and lifestyle-driven spaces from the ground up.

His journey started in construction — literally digging foundations — and evolved into leading development projects for some of the most compelling hospitality brands today, including Joe & The Juice, Selina, and Lifehouse.

From scaling global F&B concepts to crafting boutique hotels that blend place and purpose, Zach has been at the forefront of experience-first hospitality development. In this episode, Zach pulls back the curtain on:

• Why most developments feel soulless — and how he’s changing that.
• What it takes to design hospitality concepts that aren’t just trendy, but timeless
• The 75/25 rule of brand consistency — how much a space should adapt to its location vs. maintain its DNA
• The untapped opportunity in storytelling-driven development (and why it’s a competitive advantage)
• Lessons from scaling Joe & The Juice across the U.S., building lifestyle hotels at Selina, and leading development for Lifehouse

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build experiences, not just properties — or how the future of hospitality is being shaped by people who think like creatives but execute like developers — this one’s for you.

Today’s guest, Sam Degenhard, did exactly that. After a decade at Red Bull, where he helped shape the world of action sports marketing, Sam traded corporate prestige for the unpredictable wilds of entrepreneurship. He founded Campfire Ranch, a next-gen hospitality brand designed for adventure-seekers who crave nature but don’t want to deal with the headaches of traditional camping.

In this episode, Sam takes us inside his journey from Red Bull to the backcountry, revealing:

• What Red Bull gets right about branding and experiential marketing—and how he’s applying those lessons to hospitality
• Why most campgrounds and outdoor stays are fundamentally broken—and how Campfire Ranch is fixing them
• How building a brand as an op-co, while letting others own the real estate, allows for faster, more sustainable growth
• Why today's outdoor traveler demands more than just a campsite, and how Campfire Ranch is redefining the experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a business, building a hospitality brand with soul, or simply want to know what’s next in outdoor travel, this one’s for you.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Here’s the problem: Most hotel loyalty programs are built for the brand, not the traveler. Only 18% of consumers feel they get real value from these programs, and 75% of points go unused because of complicated redemption rules and blackout dates. Instead of fostering genuine loyalty, these programs often leave guests feeling unrecognized and unmotivated to return.

So, what should loyalty actually look like? It should be experiential, personalized, and rewarding beyond just free nights.

The best programs create a real emotional connection — think about why people engage with Starbucks Rewards daily but forget about their hotel points for years. Guests want perks that matter to them, whether it’s a personalized welcome gift, a guaranteed late checkout, or a local experience they’d never find on their own.

This is where Journey comes in. We’re reimagining hotel loyalty to be about meaningful rewards, engagement-based perks, and a seamless way for independent properties to offer the same level of recognition as big brands — without the corporate bureaucracy. Imagine redeeming points for a private beach dinner, an exclusive spa treatment, or a behind-the-scenes hotel tour — experiences that make travel unforgettable.

Loyalty shouldn’t be a gimmick. It should be a thank you. And we’re building a program that does just that.

How do YOU think we should reimagine loyalty here at Journey?  Send me an email at zach@journey.com and let us know!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

In this episode, live from the IMN STR Forum in Miami, Steve shares the journey behind Hospitality Unlocked, a book packed with insights from 75 of the industry's top leaders. We dive into his inspiration (hint: Tim Ferriss was a big influence), the art of guest experience, and the surprising lessons he uncovered while compiling wisdom from hospitality’s best.

But that’s not all—Steve also reflects on his own career, from pool boy to hotel executive, and reveals what it really takes to climb the ranks in luxury hospitality. Plus, we unpack some of the biggest trends shaping the industry, including the rise of solo travel, the future of family-friendly experiences, and why wellness travelers are spending more than ever.

If you're thinking about building your own hospitality brand — or just want an inside look at the minds shaping the future of hotels—this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to hear:

• Why Steve believes patience, self-advocacy, and adaptability are the keys to success
• The biggest takeaways from interviewing 75 hospitality icons
• Why family travel and solo wellness retreats are the next big opportunities
• How Hospitality Unlocked is giving the next generation a roadmap to success

Buy Hospitality Unlocked
Connect with Steve Turk on LinkedIn
Listen to Steve's Podcast

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Edwin Kramer, a global luxury hospitality expert with three decades of experience at brands like EDITION, Nobu, and Four Seasons, joins us to discuss the evolving definition of luxury, the art of hospitality, and why more people should own hotels.

Known for his mantra “Life is short—own a hotel,” Edwin now helps entrepreneurs and investors develop, launch, and scale boutique hospitality ventures through his consultancy, Kramer Hospitality.

In this episode, we explore:

- Why hospitality is attracting more entrepreneurs than ever
- The future of luxury: experience-driven, personalized, and community-focused
-  Lessons from working with Ian Schrager, Marriott, and Nobu
- The biggest mistakes first-time hotel owners make
- Where the market is ripe for disruption—from boutique concepts to membership-driven hospitality
- Why the best hotels feel like a return, not just a stay

Edwin also shares insider strategies for securing investment, spotting the next great hotel opportunity, and avoiding costly pitfalls when developing a hospitality brand. Whether you’re building a micro-resort, reimagining a historic inn, or simply passionate about the art of world-class hospitality, this episode is packed with game-changing insights from a true industry master.

Connect with Edwin on LinkedIn

Learn more about Kramer Hospitality 

Marco takes us behind the scenes of how he and his partner, Angelo, spotted potential in an underperforming property, strategically elevated every guest touchpoint, and mastered the art of personalized hospitality—leading to record-breaking rates, loyal repeat guests, and international recognition.

We also dive deep into:

- How to spot an asset with untapped potential in hospitality
- The key upgrades that drive real revenue growth
- Why small details — like knowing the bartender’s name — matter more than ever
- The psychological shift from innkeeper to seller and why timing the exit is crucial
- Marco’s next chapter: Helping future innkeepers find, buy, and scale their dream properties

If you're thinking about investing in boutique hotels, reimagining historic properties, or simply love the magic of high-touch hospitality, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and real-world lessons from someone who built—and exited—a legendary inn at the peak of its success.

Connect with Marco on LinkedIn

Learn more about Inn Advisors

Discover Candleberry Inn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance. 

Patryk’s journey is anything but ordinary. From shoveling snow in Chicago as a kid to building a gaming server business at 14, he was wired for entrepreneurship. But after working under industry titans at AvantStay, navigating layoffs during COVID, and hitting rock bottom, he made a decision: No more playing by someone else’s rules.

Now, he’s leading The Co-Host Company, managing over 100 high-end properties, and proving that with the right strategy, short-term rentals aren’t just a side hustle — they’re a serious, scalable business. We’ll dive into how he leveraged acquisitions to scale quickly, his philosophy on storytelling through hospitality, and why the best listings aren’t just booked—they’re designed to sell an experience.

Plus, we’ll talk about the future of STRs, why most Airbnb ‘gurus’ have disappeared, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

For Bobby Quintal, hospitality isn’t just a career —  it’s a lifelong passion shaped by growing up in New Orleans, one of the most culturally rich and culinary-driven cities in the world.

From his early days working in restaurants to leading development for Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, one of the most highly regarded restaurant groups in the world, Bobby has spent his career crafting memorable spaces that blend food, design, and storytelling.

Now, as a partner at Sandstone Hospitality, Bobby is helping redefine boutique hotels—breathing new life into historic properties like The Columns, building brand-new destinations like Hotel Henrietta, and weaving F&B-forward hospitality into every project.

In this episode, we dive into:

• • How growing up in New Orleans shaped Bobby’s view on hospitality
    
    
  • Lessons from working with Danny Meyer & Union Square Hospitality Group and how legendary brands like Shake Shack built an empire by prioritizing emotion over transactions.
    
    
  • Reinventing The Columns Hotel—how Bobby and his team transformed a fading New Orleans institution into a must-visit experience 
    
    
  • The delicate art of new builds vs. historic renovations—why the best designers listen to the story a space already wants to tell instead of forcing a narrative onto it.
    
    
  • How Sandstone weaves F&B into every project
    
    
  • The role of subtle branding in hospitality —why a small oyster bar named "Fives" has an unexpected connection to a historic tobacco magnate, and how a pink espresso machine at Hotel Henrietta tells its own story.
    
    
  • Why smaller cities with soul are the next frontier for experiential hotels.
    
    
  • And so much more

Connect with Bobby

Learn more about Sandstone

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

If that’s the world you live in, you might hire Wolf Worster lives in.

As the founder of Sirreti, a private network shaping the ultra-luxury villa and private residence industry, Wolf works with high-net-worth individuals, property managers, and travel advisors to create the most exclusive stays on the planet — homes so private and so pristine, they don’t even appear on public listings.

One of his clients? Michael Dell, the billionaire founder of Dell Computers. That’s the level we’re talking about here.

But what makes a property truly ultra-luxury? And how has high-end travel changed as younger billionaires step onto the scene, throwing traditional expectations out the window?

In this episode, we explore:

• The secret world of ultra-high-net-worth travel — where money is almost meaningless, but privacy and exclusivity are everything.
  
• Why younger billionaires travel differently — from tech founders to heirs of generational wealth, how their spending habits and preferences are reshaping luxury hospitality.
  
  
• How Sirreti is redefining luxury standards — and why even the wealthiest travelers don’t just want high thread-count sheets; they want a story, an experience, and a seamless booking process.
  
  
• The hidden flaws in ultra-luxury hospitality — from outdated tech to service inconsistencies, and why the highest-end stays still struggle with guest experience.
  
  
• The role of travel advisors in this elite world — why they’re more important than ever, and why smart operators are shifting away from OTAs and direct bookings to focus on this lucrative channel.
  
  
• The rise and fall of luxury markets — why Ibiza and St. Barts are struggling while other under-the-radar destinations are thriving.
  
  
• Why there’s still no “Ritz-Carlton” of private stays — and what it would take to build a recognizable ultra-luxury brand in the vacation rental industry.

Connect with Wolf
Explore Sirreti 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

 What started as a simple desire to buy a vacation home led him to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, a historic spa town with deep hospitality roots.

Now, Ian is in the early stages of launching Branch, an experiential micro-resort designed to blend striking architecture, immersive nature experiences, and strong community connections.

Branch hasn’t broken ground yet, but Ian is deep in the trenches — securing financing, finalizing design plans, and laying the foundation for what he hopes will be the first of many unique stays. Inspired by brands like Live Oak Lake, he’s determined to build a hospitality concept that goes beyond beautiful accommodations and taps into the story, history, and culture of its location.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why Ian chose Berkeley Springs, West Virginia and what makes it a hidden gem ready for a hospitality revival.
• The rise of micro-resorts and why entrepreneurs without traditional hotel backgrounds are leading the way.
• How Ian is designing Branch to integrate with the local community — partnering with restaurants, chefs, and wellness providers instead of competing with them with onsite offerings.
• How he’s designing unexpected, locally inspired experiences for guests — like moonshine tastings, fruit wine flights, and hyper-local food collaborations.
• What he’s learned about raising capital for a hospitality development — including securing debt financing and finding the right equity partners.
• His long-term vision for Branch and why he believes the best hospitality brands will be built around story-driven destinations.
• And so much more

Follow Branch on Instagram 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

In this episode, John discusses:

• The modern luxury traveler: How today’s travelers are moving beyond materialism to prioritize meaningful experiences, deeper connections, and a balanced lifestyle.
  
  
• The rise of boutique hotels: Why smaller, independent properties are thriving alongside global hotel chains, and how John manages both worlds, creating powerful, in-house hotel brands while working with big-name affiliations like Hilton and Marriott.
  
  
• The Godfrey journey: From acquiring a distressed property to creating a luxury lifestyle brand that resonates with today’s social, experience-driven traveler.
  
  
• Balancing chains and independence: How John navigates the complexities of managing both branded hotels and independent brands, offering a rare perspective on the strengths and challenges of each.
  
  
• OTAs and direct bookings: How the shift toward direct bookings is reshaping the hospitality industry, providing independent hotels with more control over their guest relationships and profitability.
  
  
• The future of luxury: John shares his predictions for the next decade, including the continued growth of experiential travel, lifestyle hotels, and the rise of "bleisure" travel.

John’s dual experience of owning and operating both chain-affiliated and independent properties makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of hospitality, boutique hotel branding, and entrepreneurial success. His rare perspective provides a roadmap for navigating the evolving demands of today’s luxury travelers and shaping the next wave of hotel innovation.

Learn more about Oxford Capital
Discover The Godfrey
Connect with John Rutledge

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Inspirato isn’t just about five-star stays—it’s about curating seamless, high-touch, high-design travel for discerning members who expect the extraordinary. But what exactly do today’s luxury travelers want? And how is the concept of loyalty evolving in an era of shifting preferences?

In this episode, we explore:

• Who the modern luxury traveler really is—and how their desires are changing
• The future of travel memberships and why exclusivity matters more than ever
• How Inspirato curates its portfolio of 400+ properties—what makes the cut, and what doesn’t
• Why business travelers are choosing boutique stays over traditional hotels
• Hot takes on where luxury hospitality is headed next—from personalization to the rise of “bleisure” travel

Morgan offers rare insights into the minds of today’s high-net-worth traveler, revealing what they crave, what keeps them loyal, and where the industry is headed next. If you’re fascinated by the future of curated travel experiences, this episode is a must-listen.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

His hospitality journey started unexpectedly in 2020 when he and his wife purchased a neglected roadside motel in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. What began as a pandemic side project became The Rex, a high-design boutique retreat that quickly gained a cult following. From there, Brian expanded into new ventures—including Ferncrest, a glamping brand that’s pioneering a fresh approach to hospitality franchising.

In this episode, we dive into:

• How Brian went from selling jewelry out of his car to building a $20M apparel brand
• The unexpected pivot that led him from fashion to hospitality
• Why boutique motels and glamping are booming—and how social media plays a massive role
• The business of experience-driven stays: balancing high design with low-touch operations
• The future of Ferncrest and why he believes the glamping space is ripe for franchising
• Lessons from scaling a brand in multiple industries—what works, what doesn’t, and what he’d do differently

Brian is redefining what it means to build a hospitality brand in the modern era—where content, community, and commerce intersect. If you’re fascinated by the future of boutique hotels, unique stays, and experiential travel, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Follow Brian on Instagram

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

Learn more about Ferncrest

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Their approach is anything but casual. Every property is meticulously designed, every experience carefully curated. While others rushed into the space during the pandemic, Sean and Reuben were already scaling with precision, setting a new standard for high-end vacation rentals.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why most vacation rental brands fail to scale—and how AvantStay cracked the code
• The secrets to making a vacation rental feel like a five-star hotel
• How they built a brand guests actively seek out—not just one that fills OTA listings
• What today’s luxury traveler really wants—and why it’s more than just a beautiful home
• Why competitors pouring millions into the space are still struggling to gain traction
• The future of hospitality: personalization, premium experiences, and the next big shift

Sean and Reuben are building more than just a portfolio of stunning homes—they’re redefining what hospitality looks like in the short-term rental space. If you’re interested in the future of luxury travel, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about AvantStay

Connect with Sean and Reuben on LinkedIn.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Guided by a belief that true luxury lies in refinement and authenticity, Dan’s approach to hospitality is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. His story is one of passion, precision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In this episode, Zach sits down with Dan to explore his remarkable career and gain a deeper understanding of the trends shaping luxury hospitality today.

Tune in to hear how...

• Dan collaborated with Ian Schrager to launch Edition, crafting a luxury lifestyle brand rooted in creativity and obsessive attention to detail.
• The definition of modern luxury is evolving, with today’s travelers seeking unexpected, authentic, and deeply personal experiences.
• Lowe’s Hotels is carving its niche by focusing on destination-driven properties that combine immersive experiences with group events.
• Independent hoteliers can differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape by building brands with a singular, uncompromising vision.
• Thoughtful design, from the quality of a room’s olive oil to the flow of a restaurant space, plays a pivotal role in creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that great hospitality starts with visionaries who aren’t afraid to push boundaries. Whether you’re dreaming of opening a single boutique property or building a brand that scales globally, this conversation offers invaluable lessons from one of the industry’s brightest minds.

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Fran’s journey began in the corporate travel world, managing massive accounts like Disney and Toyota. But it was her bold decision to champion the boutique hotel sector—long before it was trendy—that cemented her legacy. Since founding BLLA in 2009, Fran has built a thriving community for independent hoteliers and other hospitality entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we uncover:

• How Fran’s career has been built on bold ideas: From her groundbreaking work in travel technology to the inception of BLLA.
• The rise of boutique hotels: Why travelers crave unique, high-touch experiences and how boutique properties deliver where big chains fall short.
• Her passion for innovation.  We discuss Fran’s favorite stories from interviewing industry legends, including Sir Richard Branson, and how these encounters shaped her vision for the future of hospitality.
• Hot takes on the next decade of boutique travel experiences: From Gen Z hoteliers to truly immersive guest experiences, Fran breaks down the trends shaping the industry’s future.

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Fran. 

Connect with Fran

Learn more about BLLLA

Abode’s journey began humbly in Park City, but today it spans over 200 elite properties in three coveted destinations: Park City, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley. Guided by the belief that true luxury is about connection and authenticity, Rachel has built a brand that thrives on personal touches and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.

In this episode, Rachel takes us behind the scenes of her luxury rental empire and shares how Abode has earned its reputation as a trusted name in vacation rentals.

Learn more about Abode Luxury Rentals

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by IMN! The countdown is on for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! Join me on January 15-16 at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort where I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space. It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off the final tickets. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Steve’s story runs three generations deep in the travel industry, and he’s worn just about every hat you can imagine—from airline sales to hotel operations—before finding his calling in the world of private villa experiences.

In this episode, Steve reveals why Villas of Distinction is all about quality over quantity, and how they’ve nurtured enduring partnerships with top travel advisors around the world.

Their approach to vetting every villa (from hot water pressure checks to wine glass counts) is anything but casual, ensuring that each stay meets their lofty “five-star” criteria. And when things get tough—like after a major hurricane—they’ve proven they’ll put the guest experience above everything else.

Tune in to hear:

• How a legacy family business and decades of travel shaped Steve’s hospitality mindset
• Why a curated portfolio of villas (not 30,000 listings) guarantees the best guest experience
• Real-life stories of turning “fixer-upper” villas back into five-star stunners
• The magic of working with a travel advisor—and why it won’t cost you extra
• Predictions on the next big trends in luxury villa travel (hint: it’s all about experiences)

From private island getaways to truffle hunts in Tuscany, Steve’s passion for personalized service is palpable. If you’ve ever dreamed of a tailor-made stay that blends home comforts with high-end indulgence, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Steve
Explore Villas of Distinction 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Ari’s journey began in tech entrepreneurship, where he sold a company to a Microsoft subsidiary and learned hard lessons about innovation, scale, and adaptability. But it was meeting his wife, Hillary (co-founder of Folly Collection), that inspired him to fuse his tech-savvy background with hospitality. Today, on 540 acres of pristine land, Ari and Hillary are reimagining what it means to offer a truly bespoke travel experience.

From personalized amenities crafted through intelligent data to off-the-grid energy solutions, Balanced Farm is more than a boutique stay—it’s a living lab pushing the boundaries of comfort, connectivity, and creativity. In this conversation, we explore:

• Ari’s early tech ventures and what selling to Microsoft taught him about growth
• The role of AI in delivering hyper-personalized guest experiences
• Why blending nature, design, and cutting-edge innovation is key to future-forward hospitality
• How hands-on experimentation, from hydroponics to hidden IoT sensors, shapes their vision
• What happens when entrepreneurial grit meets the timeless desire for meaningful escapes

If you’re curious about the next frontier of hospitality—where authenticity meets ingenuity—this episode is for you.

Connect with Ari 

Discover Balance Farm

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Raised in a family of restaurateurs, Valerie learned the art of hospitality from childhood—serving customers as a four-year-old “pickle girl” in her father’s Chicago eateries. But her journey would be anything but conventional.

Driven by both a love for warm, communal spaces and a deep fascination with spiritual connection, Valerie spent years exploring the nexus of comfort, belonging, and transcendence—managing her family’s restaurants, studying comparative religion, and working intimately with organizations like the David Lynch Foundation and Oprah Winfrey’s team.

Today, Valerie channels these experiences into Juniper Home, a boutique property management company that curates beautifully designed, minimalist vacation rentals. Every room reflects her core philosophy: that true hospitality is far more than a business—it’s an opportunity to spark meaningful encounters.

From ensuring the perfect lighting to orchestrating heartfelt surprises for guests celebrating milestones, Valerie and her team pay attention to every detail, forging environments where visitors find rest, connection, and even a hint of the divine.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How Valerie’s early years behind the line in family restaurants shaped her “guests-first” mindset.
• Why her deep dive into spirituality—and working with everyone from medical students to media moguls—translates seamlessly into elevated hospitality.
• The intentional design principles behind Juniper Home’s success, focusing on how simplicity, serenity, and authenticity create transformative travel experiences.
• The importance of hiring and inspiring a team who embody genuine care, ensuring that guests always feel seen, heard, and understood.
• How merging the disciplines of real estate, design, and soulful service sets the stage for a new era of boutique travel—one where guests do more than just “get away.” They reconnect, recharge, and remember what truly matters.

Discover Juniper Home

Connect with Valerie

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Walden Retreats, named after Henry David Thoreau's iconic work, offers guests a profound connection to the outdoors—crafted through thoughtful design, simplicity, and intentional experiences.

From hand-curated spaces that encourage guests to slow down and reconnect, to the inspiration behind their signature safari tents, Blake's journey from building a social enterprise in Uganda to creating an immersive nature retreat in the Texas Hill Country is nothing short of extraordinary.

Tune in to hear:

• How Blake’s time in East Africa shaped his unique hospitality vision.
• The story behind Walden’s name and its connection to Thoreau’s philosophy.
• Why Walden Retreats eschews traditional luxury for thoughtful simplicity.
• Insights on balancing guest comfort with an authentic connection to nature.
• The future of Walden as it grows from a 15-unit retreat to an expansive portfolio.

Learn more about Walden Retreats

Follow Walden Retreats on Instagram 

Connect with Blake Smith on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.

It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. You can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

#10 The New Era of Exploration: How Today's Travelers Think About Loyalty, Independent Hotels, and Experiential Stays

#9 He Buys RV Parks: Predictions on the Future of Camping and Outdoor Hospitality

#8 How They Transformed a 100-Year-Old Beach House into a Chic Airbnb (And Booked it Fully in Just 11 Days)

#7 How They're Building the Hottest New Tiny Home: The Story of ÖÖD Mirror House

#6 How to Merge Luxury, Sustainability, and MICHELIN-Star Experiences — The Story of the Kabn Company

#5 Meet the 19-Year-Old Who Builds (and Buys) Unique Stays

#4 He Dreamed of Being a Farmer, But Wound Up An Entrepreneur: The Story of Back Forty Glamping

#3 Hans Lorei on Building an Instagram Audience from 0 to 100k in 100 Days

#2 How They're Building the Airbnb for Houseboats: The Story of FLOHOM

#1 The Dark Side of Airbnb: How One Host Lost Everything in a Day

Each of these top episodes underscores a common thread: intention. The hosts, designers, and entrepreneurs you’ll hear from don’t just provide a place to sleep.

They craft experiences that evoke emotion, foster connection, and invite guests to see travel differently. Whether it’s a lakeside houseboat, a mountaintop treehouse, or a contemporary villa, the essence remains the same—thoughtful, meaningful hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

 In 2016, Tori and Seth Bolt embarked on a bold adventure, building their first luxury treehouse—an intimate project that began as a handcrafted wedding gift. What they didn’t know then was that this creative labor of love would spark a new era in experiential hospitality.

Long before the surge in unique stays and experiential accommodations, the Bolts were leading the way, crafting spaces that balanced the serenity of nature with the sophistication of high-end design. It wasn’t long before their work caught the attention of Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, a feature that helped position Bolt Farm as a pioneer in the luxury glamping space.

Seth Bolt, a longtime member of the Grammy-nominated band Needtobreathe, brought a unique perspective to the design process. Years of touring and experiencing hospitality across the spectrum informed the couple’s meticulous approach to guest experience. The result? A collection of stays where every detail, from heated marble floors to handcrafted interiors, is intentional, offering guests a haven for rest, connection, and inspiration.

In this episode, we explore:

• How their first luxury treehouse laid the foundation for Bolt Farm’s success.
• What it meant to be featured on Netflix and how the exposure transformed their brand.
• The journey from a small collection of unique stays to a full-fledged wellness resort with a seven-day-a-week spa and curated dining options.
• The couple’s vision for expansion, including discussions around franchising and strategic partnerships that maintain their signature level of quality and charm.
• Lessons from balancing bold creativity with operational excellence as they scale.

Tori and Seth’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and innovation. From their first treehouse to their plans for nationwide expansion, this episode is a testament to what’s possible when you dream big and create with intention.

Connect with Seth and Tori

Follow Bolt Farm on Instagram 

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.

It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. You can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Samantha specializes in helping boutique hotels and unique stays craft meaningful guest journeys that inspire connection, curiosity, and reflection.

Her journey began in 2011, when she launched a social media marketing company. After years of creating content for boutique hotels, Samantha felt called to dive deeper—beyond the surface of beautiful imagery and into the heart of storytelling. Today, her work helps properties infuse their brand narratives into every touchpoint, offering guests at the world’s most memorable properties something truly unforgettable.

Tune in to hear:

• Samantha’s approach to experience design and why story is the foundation of all her work.
• How she helps properties create immersive offerings, like a full moon dinner inspired by Aztec lore or a forest whisper confessional that blends nature with human connection.
• The three "opportunity zones" for creating memorable guest experiences: multi-day retreats, interactive touchpoints, and local collaborations.
• Why intentional design matters and how properties can create spaces that foster engagement, reflection, and playfulness.
• Real-world examples of small, cost-effective ideas—like symbolic painted rocks—that spark creativity and connection.
• Why Samantha believes the future of hospitality lies in embracing authenticity, storytelling, and bold creativity.

Connect with Samantha 

Explore the Storied Experience Website

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.

It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

With over eight years at Archer, Peter has been a driving force behind the brand's growth—from his beginnings at the Archer Hotel Napa to the expansion of unique properties across the country. His journey is all about creating genuine, memorable experiences that resonate with every guest.

Archer Hotels are more than just places to stay; they're immersive environments that reflect the soul of their local communities. Each hotel is thoughtfully designed with local inspiration—from the peach murals honoring Tysons' history as a former peach field to daily treats and cocktails that celebrate regional flavors.

Tune in to hear:

• How Archer Hotels craft unique yet consistently welcoming experiences across different locations
• The brand's philosophy of being playful, careful, and thoughtful in every guest interaction
• Stories of personalized touches, like handwritten notes and special surprises that make stays unforgettable
• Peter's insights on maintaining a boutique feel while the brand grows
• The importance of community connections and supporting local artisans
• And so much more

Discover The Archer Hotel
Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.

It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

A couple of months ago Kerri came on the show to share a vision that she and Monique had to bring together four distinct properties, a pair of talented creators, and a shared goal of curating the ultimate New England road trip experience.

In this episode, Kerri and Monique discuss what the results of this first-of-its-kind collaboration were…

Tune in to hear:

• The birth of a boutique road trip: How Monique and Kerri turned a bold idea into a full-fledged marketing campaign in partnership with the folks at Lumen Camps and The Maine Cabins. 
• Lessons learned from the journey: From wrangling tourism boards to selecting the perfect collaborators, they share what worked—and what they’d refine.
• How boutique stays align with shifting traveler preferences: Why personalized, design-forward accommodations are capturing consumer spending.
• The long-term vision: How Monique and Kerri plan to turn this road trip campaign into a blueprint for regional hospitality experiences across seasons.
• Why engagement is everything: The surprising metrics—from Instagram followers to DMs—that show their strategy resonated with audiences.

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Kerri and Monique. 

Connect with Kerri

Connect with Monique

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.

It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Tune in to hear:

• How Dawn Ranch fosters creative awakenings and why properties like it play a crucial role in helping guests think deeply and recharge.
• Data-backed insights on the rise of experiential travel, including a 34% increase in spending on travel experiences since 2019.
• The shift toward boutique hotels and unique stays, with boutique properties growing at nearly double the rate of big-box hotels.
• Creative ideas for hospitality entrepreneurs, such as niche retreats like book club weekends, gamified treasure hunts, and pop-up wellness labs.
• The importance of storytelling and designing spaces with soul, and how properties can craft narratives that resonate deeply with guests.
• Why exclusivity and luxury experiences are pivotal in creating lasting guest connections and fostering loyalty.

This episode serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for hospitality innovators eager to embrace emerging trends and offer transformative experiences to their guests. Whether you’re a boutique hotelier, short-term rental operator, or an enthusiast of unique stays, this conversation explores how the future of travel is being shaped by thoughtful, immersive, and creative hospitality.

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.

It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Learn more about the French Cowboys. 

This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!

Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.

It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

Tune in for unfiltered insights on what it takes to create deeply personal, experiential stays that go beyond just beautiful design. Our conversation dives into Ben’s big-vision approach with projects like Onera Wimberley, where scale meets seamless guest experience, and contrasts it with Isaac’s preference for smaller, more intimate stays—designed to immerse guests fully in nature and unparalleled design.

We also explore how shifts in consumer spending and a growing preference for authenticity and personalization are reshaping the hospitality landscape and why consumers are looking beyond the traditional, finding luxury in boutique, nature-centric stays that prioritize immersive moments over cookie-cutter amenities.

You’ll get Ben and Isaac’s takes on: 

• How Instagram and tech-centric tools are transforming hospitality, enabling small brands to capture attention, build loyalty, and reach consumers at scale, just like industry giants.
• Why scaling across multiple properties, brand differentiation, and why personal brand-building can be a game-changer in boutique hospitality.
• Why “build fewer, spend more” is becoming the motto for unique stays, and how these one-of-a-kind locations are meeting consumer demand for high-quality, memorable escapes.
• Predictions for the future of boutique hotels, from decentralized hospitality chains to collaborative, local-first models.
• And so much more

Listen to The Unique Hospitality Podcast

Follow Behind the Stays on Instagram 

Follow Isaac on Twitter/X or Instagram

Follow Ben on Twitter/X or Instagram

Learn more about Posh Outdoors 

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.

From an Olympic sports tour operator to a global family traveler, Adam’s journey into hospitality began with a family sabbatical, taking him, his wife, and their four young children around the world. 

Today, Adam channels that passion for exploration and authentic experiences into managing boutique hotels and vacation rentals that blend charm, service, and design to create truly memorable stays.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Adam’s journey from corporate burnout to launching a hospitality portfolio inspired by his global travels
• His pivot from owning and managing vacation rentals to owning and managing boutique hotels
• Why he believes smaller, well-designed properties (20-30 rooms) allow for an exceptional level of personal service
• Lessons learned from his partnership with Sonder, and the difference between low-touch, tech-driven stays and high-touch, luxury-focused hospitality
• Why the right touchpoints—like an on-site concierge or thoughtful lobby design—create a feeling of true luxury, even in boutique settings
• Adam’s insights on navigating the evolution of guest expectations in a saturated market where unique stays are in high demand
• The role of AI and technology in optimizing operations, without sacrificing the human element that guests crave

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Adam. 

Follow Behind the Stays on Instagram

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. 

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. 

If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance. 

Tree Tents isn’t your typical prefab company. With a product lineup featuring the iconic “Tree Tent”, fuselage-inspired pods, and the whimsical Birdhouse, Jason’s designs offer travelers an immersive outdoor experience that’s as unique as it is sustainable. As the demand for glamping grows, Jason’s creations provide unique stay entrepreneurs a way to offer something truly different, designed to bring guests closer to nature with every moment.

Tune in to hear:

• How Jason’s curiosity and early love of nature inspired his designs
• The story behind Tree Tents’ first structure—built on a tight deadline for a UK TV series
• Why immersive design matters in creating memorable glamping experiences
• Jason’s take on “rooming with nature”—why separate structures make the outdoors part of each stay
• His vision for affordable, eco-friendly units that meet the needs of small business owners
• Tree Tents’ growing presence in the U.S., and why the brand is expanding internationally

In this episode, Jason shares how each structure is crafted to give guests the feeling of true escape, encouraging them to embrace the outdoors while enjoying a unique, comfortable stay. Whether you’re a glamping enthusiast, hospitality entrepreneur, or just curious about what’s next in nature-immersive design, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of experiential stays.

Learn more about Tree Tents

Behind the Stays and its parent company StayWatch have been acquired by Journey — a next-generation loyalty program designed for the modern traveler. Learn more about what Journey is building at JoinJourney.com.

Apply to Join the Journey Alliance

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn 

Joining Zach is John Sutton, the visionary founder of Journey, who brings over a decade of experience from his time at Red Ventures and collaborations with industry giants like Brian Kelly, Founder of The Points Guy.

Together, they unveil how Journey plans to bridge the gap between boutique hotels and unique short-term rentals by creating a unified loyalty program that truly benefits both travelers and property owners.

Discover how Journey aims to empower property owners with powerful marketing tools, shared insights, and a community that values their independence and brand identity. Learn about the star-studded team behind Journey, including notable figures like Chris Burch (founder of Tory Burch) and James McBride (luxury hotelier), all passionate about transforming the travel landscape.

Tune in to hear Zach and John discuss:

• The vision behind Journey and why it's set to disrupt traditional loyalty programs
• The creation of the Journey Alliance and how it's uniting exceptional properties
• Innovative marketing and storytelling tools available to alliance members
• How Journey plans to offer more meaningful rewards to travelers
• The role of Journey Studios in amplifying authentic brand stories of hotels and vacation rentals
• And so much more

Sign up for the Journey waitlist

Request to be a part of the Journey Alliance 

Read the exclusive Bloomberg article announcing Journey

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn

What started as a pivot during the pandemic has become a mission to help landowners transform beautiful landscapes into high-end, profitable escapes. Edward’s journey reflects the intersection of innovation, craftsmanship, and hospitality, blending unique structures with unforgettable guest experiences.

His company EJH Distribution sources and distributes premium accommodations—from safari tents to stunning glass “Tubo” structures—while Posh Outdoors empowers landowners to build luxury stays through profit-sharing partnerships.

For Edward, success is more than just unique units; it’s about crafting experiences that make the first and last impressions unforgettable.

Tune in to hear:

• How Edward pivoted from events to hospitality in response to the pandemic
• The rise of luxury glamping and why travelers are turning away from conventional hotels
• Posh Outdoors’ unique business model, helping landowners monetize with minimal upfront costs
• Why Edward believes ski resorts and vineyards will become the next big hubs for luxury stays
• The challenge of balancing prefab solutions with customization to maintain uniqueness
• How Posh’s first site in Sky Ridge, Canada will set a new standard for luxury glamping
• F&B innovations for remote resorts and the power of shared spaces in hospitality

Edward’s deep understanding of both events and hospitality means no detail is overlooked, from on-site amenities to the guest journey itself. 

Whether you’re curious about starting your own micro-resort or fascinated by the latest glamping trends, this conversation offers insights into the future of luxury hospitality.

Alright, friends—without further ado, get ready to meet Edward. 

Learn more about EJH Distribution 

Learn more about Posh Outdoors

Connect with Edward on LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. 

Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?

Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.

This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.

But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Eliza is an inspiring storyteller turned hospitality entrepreneur who grew up outside of Toronto. From her beginnings as a novelist and TV director for HGTV, to co-founding two breathtaking inn Eliza’s journey is all about crafting immersive experiences that bring people together.

The story of Eliza’s journey into hospitality entrepreneurship is really a love story — after a hard divorce, she met now-husband Tim, an executive American chef.  It was their romance that ultimately inspired Eliza to take a leap from television to hospitality. 

Together, they’ve created boutique properties that seamlessly blend history, design, and unforgettable food and beverage experiences. Their hotels aren’t just places to stay; they’re curated environments built with heart, imagination, and a whole lot of hard work.

Tune in to hear:

• How Eliza’s storytelling background influences every aspect of her properties
• The challenges and joys of running a hospitality business as a family
• The creative process behind transforming a bioluminescent fungus into a brand story (you won’t want to miss this one!)
• Lessons from balancing beautifully designed spaces with Tim’s world-class food and beverage programs
• Why Eliza believes boutique hospitality is about offering personalized, “indie” travel experiences
• And so much more

Alright, friends, without further ado, let’s jump in with Eliza Clark.

Book a Stay at Lost Fox Inn

Book a Stay at Foxfire Mountain House

Follow Lost Fox on Instagram

Follow Byrd Studio on Instagram 

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. 

Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?

Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.

This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.

But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

We dive deep into their founding story, from working corporate jobs in the energy sector to making the bold decision to take a year-long sabbatical that transformed their lives and careers. Their passion for creating experiences stems from their own love of travel, and with Missing Hotel, they’ve crafted a stay that combines surprise, spontaneity, and simplicity to create meaningful moments for guests.

Tune in to hear:

• How the inspiration for Missing Hotel struck during a sabbatical and a few bottles of rum in Australia
• The challenges (and a few wild stories) of building unique structures during COVID, including being held at gunpoint over $3,000
• Why Stephen and Sam believe in keeping elements of mystery and surprise throughout their guests’ stays
• Their approach to creating spaces that offer a mental reset through digital detox and immersive, experiential hospitality
• Their exciting plans to expand Missing Hotel into new states and wilder ideas in the next five years

This conversation is packed with insights into creating unforgettable guest experiences, the power of brand storytelling, and the future of experiential hospitality.

Discover Missing Hotel
Follow Missing Hotel on Instagram
Apply for the Experiential Hospitality Community 

This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.

If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special. 

And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Zoey is an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and a mom who travels full-time—all while building an incredible community on Instagram. She's dedicated to helping others leave their 9-to-5 jobs and dive into entrepreneurial ventures in the hospitality space, especially focusing on unique and memorable stays.

In this conversation, we dive deep into Zoey's remarkable journey—from leaving her corporate job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and influencer in the short-term rental world.

Tune in to hear:

• Where the idea of renting out a yurt, her first unique stay, came from 
• The challenges and triumphs of scaling unique stays in remote locations
• The power of building a personal brand on social media and how it amplifies business growth
• Why Zoey believes that offering out-of-the-ordinary experiences is the future of hospitality
• How she balances entrepreneurship and motherhood while traveling full-time with her family
• Her insights on the next big opportunities in the unique stays and boutique hotel space

And so much more. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Zoey. 

Connect with Zoey on Instagram

This episode is brought to you by The Content House

If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.

What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.

Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…

The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…

Follow The Content House on Instagram

Dunlap Hollow Reel

Live Oak Lake Reel

FLOHOM Reel

Villa Stay Texas Reel

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

Hillary didn’t start out in hospitality. She began her hospitality entrepreneurship journey by renting out a small, kitchen-less studio apartment on Airbnb—but what started as a side hustle quickly evolved into a portfolio of design-forward, off-grid getaways that blend architecture, nature, and luxury in a next-gen, outo-of-this-world sort of way.

In this conversation, we dive deep into Hillary’s journey—from surviving her first DIY build in Joshua Tree to creating expansive desert compounds that attract everyone from A-list celebrities to adventure-seeking travelers. 

Tune in to hear:

• Where the idea of creating magical, architecturally stunning stays first came from
• The challenges of scaling unique stays like Folly’s and why they’re betting on pop-up locations next
• The genius behind Folly’s exclusive membership program and how it offers hyper-personalized stays for their guests
• Why Hillary believes AI will be pivotal in helping hoteliers and hospitality entrepreneurs hyper-personalize their guest experience at scale
• Hillary’s vision of having a Folly near every National Park 
• And so much more

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Hillary. 

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. 

Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?

Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.

This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.

But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Katie's journey into short-term rentals began just over a year ago, blending her deep expertise in PR with a newfound passion for creating unique guest experiences at her own properties. Since then, she’s launched a second vacation rental and is building an exciting podcast focused on the intersection of hospitality, innovation, and guest experience.

In this episode, we dive deep into Katie’s multifaceted career, exploring her approach to creating standout PR strategies and how she’s applied her hotel background to the world of short-term rentals.

Tune in to hear:

• How Katie crafted a guest experience at her rentals inspired by luxury hotel standards
• Her expert take on PR for independent hospitality brands, and why media coverage is key for growth
• The challenges of maintaining brand consistency across multiple properties and platforms
• Personal stories of resilience, including how her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has shaped her journey

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

Checkout her podcast Suite Success on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to Podcast Email Updates

This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.

If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special. 

And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Travis didn’t just wake up one day and decide to build a viral hotel—he first built an ad agency where he worked with brands like Vitamin Water, Turkish Airlines, and Old Navy to create viral social content.

After selling the agency for $17 million in 201, he used that capital to create something completely new in the world of hospitality.

In this conversation, we dive deep into Travis’s unique approach to hospitality, where he blends art, adventure, and immersive storytelling to create an experience like no other. His goal? To push guests beyond their comfort zones in a place designed to make you feel slightly

uncomfortable—in the best way possible.

And here’s the kicker: Outpost X is just the beginning. Travis has developed an elaborate storyline that will eventually connect all of his future properties across the world, building a universe where each stay is part of a larger narrative.

Tune in to hear:

• How Travis generated nearly $1 million on Indiegogo to fund the Outpost X build
• The genius behind designing a hotel that’s more art project than resort, and why some guests call it better than Disneyland while others simply don’t get it
• Why he believes creating immersive experiences will save humanity in an AI-driven world
• His ambitious plans to tie every future property into a sci-fi-inspired world
• And so much more

This was one of the most amazing, inspiring, and crazy interviews I’ve ever conducted.  You’re going to love it.

Check out Outpost X

Follow Travis on Instagram

Follow Outpost X on Instagram 

This episode is brought to you by The Content House

If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.

What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.

Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…

The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…

Follow The Content House on Instagram

Dunlap Hollow Reel

Live Oak Lake Reel

FLOHOM Reel

Villa Stay Texas Reel

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

Nathan and his co-founder Michael have been on the pod before, but Nathan joined us at the recent Unique Stays Summit that Ben Woldff and I hosted so I wanted to bring him back on to share some more details on what he’s building.

In this episode, Nathan shares the bold and inspiring journey behind building Howzit—a hospitality brand focused on creating affordable, community-driven, and experiential stays that challenge the traditional hostel model.

Nathan and I discuss:

• How his team recognized the gap in the U.S. hostel market, with over 300,000 hotels but only 309 hostels, and the vision for Howzit Hostels to fill that void.
• Their mission to grow into a $400 million company while maintaining responsible growth and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
• The surprising fulfillment Nathan and his team have found in cultivating the hostel community, which initially started as a pure financial opportunity.
• The challenges and opportunities in scaling their brand in cities like Austin, Boston, and Denver, and why they focus on underappreciated real estate assets.
• What sets Howzit Hostels apart from other experiential brands like Selena, and how Nathan's unique approach to hostel development is fueling growth.

Tune in to hear Nathan’s thoughtful insights on what it takes to build a large-scale hostel brand in an overlooked market and why Howzit Hostels is perfectly positioned to shape the future of affordable experiential travel in the U.S.

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. 

Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?

Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.

This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.

But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Melissa, Sacha, and I discuss:

• The story of how their personal escapism adventures led to building LD Cabin.
• The wild twists during construction, including accidentally designing for the wrong lot and powering the entire build with a generator for a year.
• How Instagram and their design aesthetic have played a pivotal role in shaping the cabin’s brand, turning their followers into an active, engaged community that helped influence decisions during the build.
• The unique partnerships that brought the cabin to life, with everything from custom-built cornhole boards to brand collaborations with KitchenAid and Blackwood Siding.

Tune in to hear Melissa and Sacha’s thoughtful approach to designing experiences that not only captivate guests but also immerse them in nature, inspiring repeat visits and creating lasting memories.

If you're passionate about unique stays, design, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, this episode is packed with ideas and insights that will leave you inspired.

Book a stay at LD Cabin

Follow Melissa and Sacha on Instagram

Follow LD Cabin on Instagram 

This episode is brought to you by Enso Connect:

My new friends at Enso Connect have created a tool that’s putting AI to work in a way that’s saving hospitality pros countless hours every week.

Here’s how it works: Enso Connect’s Guest Messaging Insights tool dives into your guest messages across all booking platforms. Using AI, it analyzes these interactions and pulls out hidden opportunities that you might be missing.

And the best part? It’s FREE, and you’ll get your personalized report in just 72 hours.

Here’s what this AI-powered report will do for you:

• Analyze your message volume so you can see exactly where your time is going.
• Break down common guest questions, giving you the info you need to improve your property listings and FAQs.
• Provide sentiment analysis to understand how guests feel and spot potential issues before they escalate.
• Offer personalized recommendations that highlight upselling opportunities you might have overlooked, allowing you to tailor your services more effectively.

Get the report 

This episode is also brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio:

This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.

If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special. 

And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Arthur and I explore the evolution of marketing in the vacation rental industry. Since StayFi's inception back in 2018, Arthur has observed a dramatic shift in how hospitality entrepreneurs and property managers approach marketing, especially as reliance on OTAs like Airbnb has become less sustainable.

Arthur and I discuss

• The rise of direct booking strategies and the importance of diversifying demand channels.
• Creative ways property managers are generating ancillary revenue, from upsells to unique guest experiences.
• How StayFi is empowering short-term rental operators to build email marketing campaigns that capture guest data and drive direct bookings with minimal effort.
• The role of social media versus SEO and other marketing channels in 2024.
• And so much more

Whether you're a vacation rental host with one property or a property manager with a large portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you future-proof your business.

This episode is brought to you by StayFi. StayFi makes it easy to collect data from and market to every single person staying in your short-term rental. StayFi lets you create a custom branded WiFi splash page similar to what you might experience when logging onto the WiFi network at your favorite coffee shop. 

This means you can collect the name, email address, and phone number  from every guest staying with you, not just the one who booked…because who doesn’t need to use the WiFi.

The best part is that once you have their information, you can use StayFi’s email and text marketing tools to keep in touch and make sure they become a guest for life. 

Head on over to StayFi.com and be sure to use the code “BTS” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months.

Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?

Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Discover how Austin transformed a family cabin into a top wedding destination, navigated the complexities of managing a motel, and how seasonal challenges shape his business strategy. If you’re curious about what it takes to run multiple hospitality ventures in a small town or how to grow a business with little initial experience, this episode is packed with insights for you.

Austin and I also discuss the power of organic growth, the balance between low-touch and high-touch hospitality, and why Austin believes hands-on interaction is key to guest satisfaction. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in rural tourism, family-run hospitality businesses, or those dreaming of building their own legacy in the industry.

Learn more about Chama Trails

This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. 

Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?

Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.

This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.

But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

From starting Boutiq as a side hustle to enrolling in an Autsin-based startup accelerator,  to running a nationwide portfolio, Rena shares how her team has harnessed technology, like their custom revenue management algorithm, to optimize every property.

Tune in to hear how Rena is driving innovation in vacation rentals, using partnerships like Capital One Travel to open new booking channels, and why PR is an essential but often overlooked tool in growing a brand.

Takeaways include:

• How Rena and her team built a company that balances boutique-style guest service with cutting-edge technology.
• Why new booking channels like Capital One Travel are game-changers for reaching untapped guest segments.
• How Boutique’s custom-built revenue management tools give them a competitive edge over off-the-shelf solutions like PriceLabs.
• Why PR plays a critical role in attracting homeowners, guests, and investors—and how to do it right.
• Rena’s take on the future of vacation rentals, and where new opportunities lie for entrepreneurs in the space.

Learn more about Boutiq

Connect with Rena

This episode is brought to you by our friends at AirDNA

Want to see if a Treehouse resort in Dubai pencils?  You can do so in AirDNA.

Want to buy land in Ontario to build a Glamping resort?  AirDNA will show you how other, comparable products are performing in the region.

Or maybe you’ve already got your stay up and running and you want a better understanding of how your Airbnb compares to others in the market?  You can connect your listing to AirDNA and get accurate nightly pricing recommendations based on real-world, real-time demand.

AirDNA is the key you need to unlock the insight behind what it’s going to take to bring those big dreams you have to life.

Pay just $25/month and access ANY market in the world — AirDNA is cheaper, faster, better, and stronger to use than ever before. 

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

With over 30 years in commercial real estate, Shari shares her journey from valuing hotels at Cushman & Wakefield — one of the world’s largest commercial real estate services firms — to becoming a leader in the unique stays space, helping hospitality entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of financing and underwriting innovative properties.

Shari dives into the growing demand for nature-immersive stays, the challenges of securing investment for unconventional assets, and why institutional capital is starting to take notice of this emerging market. She also explores the resurgence of independent hoteliers, driven by a new wave of creative entrepreneurs who are blending luxury, design, and outdoor experiences to redefine hospitality.

Whether you're a budding hospitality entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, Shari offers invaluable insights into how to build a successful, data-driven strategy in this evolving, exciting, and at sometimes murky space.

Connect with Shari

Learn more about Sage Outdoor Advisory

This episode is brought to you by Enso Connect

My new friends at Enso Connect have created a tool that’s putting AI to work in a way that’s saving hospitality pros countless hours every week.

Here’s how it works: Enso Connect’s Guest Messaging Insights tool dives into your guest messages across all booking platforms. Using AI, it analyzes these interactions and pulls out hidden opportunities that you might be missing.

And the best part? It’s FREE, and you’ll get your personalized report in just 72 hours.

Here’s what this AI-powered report will do for you:

• Analyze your message volume so you can see exactly where your time is going.
• Break down common guest questions, giving you the info you need to improve your property listings and FAQs.
• Provide sentiment analysis to understand how guests feel and spot potential issues before they escalate.
• Offer personalized recommendations that highlight upselling opportunities you might have overlooked, allowing you to tailor your services more effectively.

Get the report 

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

In this episode, Corinne opens up about the long search for the right land, the challenges of building 14 luxurious canvas tents, mastering the art of hospitality, and offering unforgettable experiences all of which have yielded 95% of their bookings coming direct.

Finally, Corinne hints at her next big venture—a product line for busy parents on the go. Tune in to hear how Firefly Ridge became a reality, and what’s next for this creative entrepreneur

Book your stay at Firefly Ridge.

Follow Firefly Ridge on Instagram

This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.

If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special. 

And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

The story behind the founding of Enso Connect starts with a $5,000 mishap during a stay at a vacation rental stay — you’ll have to listen to the full pod for the deets. 

During our conversation, Francois argues that there's still a major gap in tech innovation in hospitality despite the proliferation of property management systems, guest experience tools, and smart locks. 

We also discuss: 

• The importance of integrating technology to automate guest interactions, allowing hosts to focus only on solving real issues like complaints, which in turn lead to happier guests.
  
  
• Francois’ breakdown of upsell opportunities that property managers often leave on the table—like early check-ins, late check-outs, and local experiences—which can generate substantial extra revenue with the right timing and approach.
  
  
• The value of focusing on deep, high-quality integrations with a few key platforms rather than trying to be everywhere at once.
  
  
• And his vision for the future of AI in hospitality,

This episode is packed with insights for anyone curious about the future of hospitality, from tech-savvy property managers to newcomers looking to scale their vacation rental operations. 

This episode is brought to you by Enso Connect

My new friends at Enso Connect have created a tool that’s putting AI to work in a way that’s saving hospitality pros countless hours every week.

Here’s how it works: Enso Connect’s Guest Messaging Insights tool dives into your guest messages across all booking platforms. Using AI, it analyzes these interactions and pulls out hidden opportunities that you might be missing.

And the best part? It’s FREE, and you’ll get your personalized report in just 72 hours.

Here’s what this AI-powered report will do for you:

• Analyze your message volume so you can see exactly where your time is going.
• Break down common guest questions, giving you the info you need to improve your property listings and FAQs.
• Provide sentiment analysis to understand how guests feel and spot potential issues before they escalate.
• Offer personalized recommendations that highlight upselling opportunities you might have overlooked, allowing you to tailor your services more effectively.

Get the report 

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Tune in to hear how Jeremy leveraged his experiences, from failed startups to managing high-demand properties, to build a portfolio that continues to thrive in 2024. Discover the lessons he’s learned about resilience, the importance of staying ahead of industry trends, and how his new tool, BNBCalc, is helping others in the industry analyze and scale their own investments.

Takeaways include:

• How Jeremy transformed a simple idea into a healthy business that allowed him to leave his day job
• Why Jeremy survived when others didn’t, and the secrets to thriving in a post-pandemic market.
• Why he built BnbCalc The game-changing tool every short-term rental investor needs in their toolkit.
• How Jeremy is helping others quit their 9-to-5s and achieve financial freedom through short-term rentals.
• And Jeremy's insights on the current market and why it's ripe for new entrepreneurs.

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Jeremy. 

This episode is brought to you by StayFi. StayFi makes it easy to collect data from and market to every single person staying in your short-term rental. StayFi lets you create a custom branded WiFi splash page similar to what you might experience when logging onto the WiFi network at your favorite coffee shop. 

This means you can collect the name, email address, and phone number  from every guest staying with you, not just the one who booked…because who doesn’t need to use the WiFi.

The best part is that once you have their information, you can use StayFi’s email and text marketing tools to keep in touch and make sure they become a guest for life. 

Head on over to StayFi.com and be sure to use the code “BTS” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months.

Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?

Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

In this episode, Kerri and I discuss an amazing collaboration that's reshaping how boutique hospitality entrepreneurs can market their properties.  Kerri, along with Monique DeLorenzo from The Vermont A-Frame, have worked together to organize a strategic alliance of creators and hosts across New England for a Fall Creator Road Trip. 

Kerri takes us behind the scenes of this innovative project, where talented creators Maddie and Will from Guest House Creative hit the road, capturing stunning content across multiple short-term rentals and local businesses. 

Kerri shares invaluable insights on the power of intentionality in partnerships and how aligning with the right creators can elevate your brand without breaking the bank.

We dive into detail around:

• What the goals of the project are
• How all participants in the roadshow — the creators, Kerri, Monique, as well as the incredible entrepreneurs at Lumen Camps and The Maine A-Frames will share and collaborate on content post-campaign
• What the big audience growth strategy of a MAJOR giveaway will look like
• Ideas for how other hospitality entrepreneurs might replicate something like this in their own market
• And so much more

Follow along on this exciting journey by via the Instagram handles below:

https://www.instagram.com/will_zimm_/

https://www.instagram.com/maddie_brandon/

https://www.instagram.com/guesthousecreativestudio/

https://www.instagram.com/maineaframe/

https://www.instagram.com/lumencamps/

https://www.instagram.com/thevermontaframe/

https://www.instagram.com/chalets_hygge/

This episode is brought to you by The Content House  

If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully. 

What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special. 

Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…

The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…

Follow The Content House on Instagram

Dunlap Hollow Reel
Live Oak Lake Reel
FLOHOM Reel
Villa Stay Texas Ree

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.

If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special. 

And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz. 

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Originally architects and construction managers, Diana and Josh were deeply embedded in their demanding careers until a life-altering event in 2021 made them question everything. The tragic loss of their fathers ignited a fire within them to pursue a different path—one that offered more than just professional success but personal fulfillment and freedom.

In this episode, Diana takes us through their journey, from the initial struggles of trying to fit into the traditional real estate mold to discovering their true passion for creating unique, wellness-focused boutique hotels. We discuss the challenges they faced, including walking away from two major hotel deals that didn’t align with their vision, and how those experiences ultimately led them to their current project in Palm Springs.

Diana shares how they’ve leveraged their architectural expertise to add real value to their projects, the lessons they’ve learned in managing properties across three states, and the importance of finding work that truly excites you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of experiential hospitality and the power of aligning your work with your passion.

This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.

If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special. 

And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.

Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?

Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Diana. 

When traditional vacation properties couldn’t meet her family's needs, she didn’t just accept the status quo—she decided to build something better.

In this episode, we chat about:

• How Lorraine turned a personal challenge into a thriving business that’s changing the game for accessible travel. 
• Some of the biggest misconceptions about what it means to be an accessible short-term rental
• The massive business opportunities that exist in the space for entrepreneurs interested in building with guests that need accessible stays in mind
• And so much more

Learn more about Becoming RentABLE

Connect with Lorraine

Connect with Adam

This episode is brought to you by StayFi. StayFi makes it easy to collect data from and market to every single person staying in your short-term rental. StayFi lets you create a custom branded WiFi splash page similar to what you might experience when logging onto the WiFi network at your favorite coffee shop. 

This means you can collect the name, email address, and phone number  from every guest staying with you, not just the one who booked…because who doesn’t need to use the WiFi.

The best part is that once you have their information, you can use StayFi’s email and text marketing tools to keep in touch and make sure they become a guest for life. 

Head on over to StayFi.com and be sure to use the code “BTS” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months.

Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?

Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

1. Justin Potts — Linear Magazine 
2. Sara Roitman — Field & Lake 
3. Nick Purslow — Posh Outdoors
4. Boris & Susan — Lumen Camps 
5. Hillary Flur — Folly Collection
6. Matt Orley — Red Cottage (acquired businesses, memberships, etc.)
7. Brian Meyer — FLOHOM
8. Becca Schulman Havemeyer — Beach Plum
9. Janice Smith — Cozy Rock
10. David Garber — BrandyWine Grove
11. Amber and Charlie Pledge — KABN Company

This episode is brought to you by StayFi. StayFi makes it easy to collect data from and market to every single person staying in your short-term rental. StayFi lets you create a custom branded WiFi splash page similar to what you might experience when logging onto the WiFi network at your favorite coffee shop. 

This means you can collect the name, email address, and phone number  from every guest staying with you, not just the one who booked…because who doesn’t need to use the WiFi.

The best part is that once you have their information, you can use StayFi’s email and text marketing tools to keep in touch and make sure they become a guest for life. 

Head on over to StayFi.com and be sure to use the code “BTS” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months.

Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?

Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 

In this episode, we dive into their unique journey from living out of a rooftop tent to becoming full-time van lifers and content creators specializing in lifestyle photography for boutique hotels and short-term rentals.

We'll explore:

• How Krystal and Eric transitioned from traditional travel to full-time van life.
• The inception of Nagel Media Company and its focus on high-quality, authentic content.
• The misconceptions around influencer marketing and why they choose not to follow the typical influencer path 
• Their vision for creative partnerships in the boutique hospitality sector
• Their unique business model prioritizes the needs of hosts and provides top-tier content without the need for sponsored posts.
• Future plans for Nagel Media Company, include expansion and a special project dedicated to their roots in the Poconos.

Get ready to be inspired by Krystal and Eric's innovative approach to content creation and their commitment to maintaining authenticity in the hospitality industry.

Learn more about Nagel Media Company.

Follow Krystal and Eric on Instagram 

This episode is brought to you by The Content House  

If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully. 

What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special. 

Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…

The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…

Follow The Content House on Instagram

Dunlap Hollow Reel
Live Oak Lake Reel
FLOHOM Reel
Villa Stay Texas Reel

Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach?

Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him!

About the Show

Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai

Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.