Hotel Tech Insider

Hotel Tech Insider

The HotelTechInsider podcast interviews the top leaders at the convergence of hotels, travel and technology. Guests include founders, executives, top hoteliers and industry organization leadership. Find all of the episodes at hoteltechreport.com

Episodes

August 12, 2025 22 mins

What do you get when a 14-property hotel brand rips out its entire legacy tech stack—and lives to tell the tale? In this episode, Josh Edwards, Operating Systems Manager at Penta Hotels, takes us behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious tech overhauls in the European hotel market.

Takeaways:
• Hear how Penta Hotels saved 175,000+ staff hours annually by replacing outdated systems with a next-gen stack—without sacr...

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Bob Hotels converted 70% OTA reliance to nearly 50% direct bookings in under a year—partly by using an AI phone agent (GoodCall) to convert phone inquiries into instant SMS-driven bookings.

Can a roadside motel really outperform the compset—and become the #1 value property in an entire city—within a year? In this episode, Janis Krums, Managing Partner at Bob Hotels, reveals how his team transformed a run-down Sleep Inn into...

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What can Four Seasons Bora Bora and a New Zealand hostel teach you about building smarter hotel tech stacks? In this episode, Michael Belanger, VP of Commercial Strategy at GCP Hospitality, unpacks the unique challenges—and surprising advantages—of managing one of the most diverse hotel portfolios in the world.

Takeaways:
• Learn why small and independent hotels are often more agile than global brands when it comes to a...

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How can hostels balance cutting-edge technology with the irreplaceable value of human interaction? In this episode, Peter Zilke, COO of Safestay Hostels, reveals the secrets behind creating a vibrant community experience while leveraging innovative tech solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Safestay uses social media not just for marketing, but as a vital communication tool that enhances guest interaction before, during...
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What if a humanoid robot could revolutionize the way your hotel operates? In this episode, Filip Linek, the innovative owner of two family-oriented hotels in the Czech Republic, shares how he's leveraging AI technology to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Filip is integrating a humanoid robot, named Bea, to handle administrative tasks and improve communication between staff ...
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How can a hotel chain with over 5,700 properties transform its tech support into a human-centered experience? In this episode, Tariq Valani, Global SVP of Support Services at Accor, reveals the innovative strategies that are reshaping the way hotel technology is delivered and supported.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Accor centralized its support services from eight regional desks to a single global function, enhancing effi...
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How can leveraging technology transform the guest experience and streamline hotel operations? In this episode, Jose Suarez, the IT Director for The Capital Hotel Group, reveals how his team is redefining the hospitality landscape through innovative tech solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how The Capital Hotel Group built a hybrid system by integrating custom features into an off-the-shelf Property Management System (PMS)...
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How can a hotel chain leverage cutting-edge technology to redefine revenue management and enhance guest experience? In this episode, Fernando Vives, Chief Commercial Officer at Minor Hotels, reveals the transformative strategies that are setting his organization apart in the competitive hospitality landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Minor Hotels utilizes a proprietary forecasting system to automate pricing and optimi...
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What if embracing digital transformation could unlock new revenue streams for your hotel? In this episode, Jason Jackson, Vice President of Operational Strategy and Integration at Schulte Hospitality, reveals how innovative technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover the impact of digital tipping software on employee satisfaction and guest experience, with over $120,000 in tips distributed ...
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How can technology enhance the human touch in hospitality without losing the essence of personal connection? In this episode, Scot Hopps, Senior Vice President of Operations at Lark Hotels, reveals the delicate balance between leveraging technology and maintaining genuine guest interactions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Lark Hotels is revolutionizing the guest experience by integrating technology that enhances service wit...
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How can technology enhance genuine human connection in hospitality? In this episode, William Costley, COO of Time Hotels, reveals how the right tech stack can empower teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining a strong service culture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover the critical role of a Property Management System (PMS) in integrating various hotel operations and enhancing guest interactions.
  • Learn about T...
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Is your hotel technology stuck in the past? In this episode, Matthijs Welle, founder and CEO of Mews, reveals how innovative property management systems can revolutionize the guest experience and streamline operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Mews is breaking down barriers between hoteliers and guests to create personalized experiences that enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Learn about the pivotal role of tokenized payme...
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How can luxury hotels redefine the guest experience by transforming check-in and check-out into a more personalized journey? In this episode, Kris Leszczynski, Group GM at London based Edwardian Hotels, reveals innovative strategies that blend technology with exceptional service.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Edwardian Hotels leverages technology to create a seamless guest journey, from pre-arrival communications to person...
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How can a hotel brand leverage technology to enhance guest experience while maintaining a personal touch? In this episode, Stuart Godwin, Managing Director of Lamington Group, reveals the innovative strategies that have helped his company achieve over 50% direct bookings.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Lamington Group's unique Room 2 product combines the best features of serviced apartments, Airbnb, and traditional hotels t...
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What if you could manage 100 hotel receptions with just two staff members? In this episode, Kahraman Yigit, co-founder and CEO of Olive Living, reveals how innovative technology is reshaping the hospitality landscape and enhancing the human touch in service.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Olive Living transitioned from co-living to a tech-driven hotel operator, leveraging AI and video conferencing to streamline operations a...
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Are your hotel’s technology systems holding you back from achieving growth? In this episode, Howard Phung, Group Director of Digital at Australia's Pro-invest Group, reveals how a strategic tech stack can transform your hotel operations and drive significant growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover the critical importance of selecting the right Property Management System (PMS) and how ProInvest successfully reduced their PMS from...
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Is the hospitality industry truly ready for a technology revolution? In this episode, Adam Harris, co-founder and CEO of Cloudbeds, reveals how innovative tech solutions are reshaping the guest experience and operational efficiency in hotels worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Cloudbeds' multimodal AI is transforming data into actionable insights, enabling hoteliers to optimize revenue and enhance guest journeys.
  • Learn...
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How can embracing change and technology redefine the future of hospitality? In this episode, Sven Goosen, Chief Operating Officer of Yotel, reveals the transformative power of tech in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn about the importance of a holistic tech stack and the role of customer interaction platforms like Zendesk in improving communication and satisfaction levels.
  • Unders...
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What if the key to enhancing your hotel’s guest experience lies not just in technology, but in empowering your staff? In this episode, Kariana Fiskvik, Senior Vice President of Technology at Strawberry, reveals how focusing on employee support can revolutionize the hospitality industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how Strawberry is leveraging generative AI to streamline employee training and enhance operational efficiency, u...
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Why it matters: Kasa Living, led by CEO Roman Pedan, is revolutionizing hospitality with a tech-centric approach, enhancing profitability and guest experience.

Key Points:

  • Tech Integration: Kasa has developed proprietary systems, including a PMS, trust and safety system, and self-check-in technology, to streamline operations and reduce costs.
  • Operational Efficiency: Their labor-light model, driven by centralized services ...
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