Hoteliers’ Voice, hosted by the ever-curious Ryan Haynes, is more than just a podcast; it’s an invitation into the heart of the world’s most beloved hotels. Through warm, candid conversations with hospitality leaders - we peel back the curtain on what it truly takes to deliver for today’s guest. Celebrating the beautiful harmony between modern innovation and the timeless touch of a human hand - from front desk to back of house, discover how tools like AI, PMS and social media aren't just for efficiency - how to empower teams to create those noticeable touches turning simple stays into a lifelong memory. A soulful resource for anyone who believes that hospitality is art of delivering exceptional experiences.
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June 15, 202623 min
Hotel owner investment one year on – Kings Court Hotel, Alcester
Interview with Harpreet Saluja: A year in a markingOwner shares his personal experience of taking over Kings Court Hotel, as we dive into determining investment priorities, building out a tech change and deciphering today’s market challenges 20 years ago Harpreet Singh Saluja lands in the UK with a few quid to his name and takes on his first job in hospitality as a pot washer. Today, he owns several businesses, and a year on from taking on Kings Court Hotel in Alcester by Stratford Upon Avon, he explains the challenges of taking on a run-down family business, investing in tech necessities, building a formidable team and the journey to reposition in the market. We learnWhy the Kings Court HotelThe on arrivalAchievements in a yeaToday’s challengesPlan for the futureHear Harpreets learnings, his greatest achievement and his perspective on why hospitality industry is struggling. The Kings Court Hotel played host to the Stratford-Upon-Avon edition of the roundtable roadshow.
June 8, 202634 min
Future-ready independent hotels with Celtic Collection - Stratford-Upon-Avon Roundtable
This Hoteliers' Voice podcast from the Stratford-Upon-Avon edition of the roundtable roadshow explores how independent hotels can become "future-ready" by embracing digital transformation. Celtic Collection discuss new technologies, cloud migration, and the role of digital strategy in achieving operational success.Featuring:Harpreet Saluja, owner of Kings Court Hotel shares his experience of taking over the property as we dive into determining investment priorities, building out a tech change and deciphering today’s market challenges ORACLE, David Hayward, with a 20-year industry perspective, explores where the Independent hotel market is today, and how hotels can realise the value of new technologies and drive their digital transformation.HOSPA, Amanda Brown, Head of Membership explains the benefits of being part of a UK industry membership organisation Shakespeare’s England, Sian Smith provides quick low-down on regional travel and tourism marketing campaigns.Focus on Hospitality, Alessandra Leoni explains underpinning all operations, revenue, commercial and guest experience - how to ensure the infrastructure and support delivers and remains consistent with tech moving fast and remaining future readyDeclan Bloomer, Head of Systems and Support, Celtic Collection shares his experience of digital transformation and how they went about it to identify the right people and right technology
What happened at Travelodge sent alarm bells ringing across the industry - how do we keep guests safe and provide clear protocols to all staff?Keystep Solutions' Andrew Evans kicks off a discussion on Non-negotiable guest security on how hotels can ensure that their teams don’t put their guests at risk. At the Stratford-Upon-Avon roundtable - hoteliers share their thoughts and approach to managing safety of guests
June 1, 202624 min
What's the word from National Hotel Marketing Conferenc?
A trip to find out what is on the minds of hoteliers when it comes to marketing - here I grab a few quick interviews with hoteliers and sponsors on what to be thinking about.Featuring:Chloe Parry from Carden Park - key marketing considerationsHarry Fielder, Hotel Marketing Association and UmiDigital - where tech plays a roleDaniel Ohandjanian, UpHotel Agency - integrations and expanding the product suiteHolly McCue, Net Affinity - grabbing the right guestsDes Mahoney, Book Assist - managing th booking flowMatt Willacy, Forsight - guest communications and engagementDan Assor, No Vacancy London - marketing events
May 25, 202621 min
Recognising hospitality vs administration with BGAM Hospitality
The front desk at Kenilworth was handling a high volume of guest requests that had nothing to do with hospitality. The cost was not just operational, it was cultural. Staff felt like a switchboard, not a team. Joined by Nick Rubin Chief Strategy Officer at BGAM Hospitality and Daniel Ojeme Co-founder, CEO and CTO of Eccobell Limited, in this episode we look at How to recognise pain points in team moraleIdentifying hospitality vs administrative tasksUtilising tech to support hotel teamsProviding better services to guestsBelle went live at Kenilworth in August 2025 via QR codes placed in every guest room, stuck to the wall in a prominent position. Guests scan the code with their mobile phone, which opens the Eccobell web app directly in their browser. Belle lives on that web app.
May 21, 202636 min
LIVE Broadcast - AI Alone Won't Fix It! Next Wave Hospitality
LIVE from Everyman Cinema Broadgate, HOSPA in partnership with Next Wave Hospitality. This panel session sponsored by Focus on Hospitality explores how AI has dominated hospitality conversations over the last 18 months. This session cuts through the hype and focuses on what actually drives performance.What are the real blockers inside hotels today?What foundations need to be in place before innovation can deliver value?How do operators make smarter investment decisions that improve guest experience, support teams, and create commercial return?Because high-performing hotels are rarely powered by the newest tool. They are powered by getting the basics right, then scaling intelligently. This session brings together operators and industry experts to explore the end-to-end hotel journey, from design and infrastructure through to guest experience, revenue performance, and post-stay feedback and loyalty.Speakers: Arik Fletcher, Fraction vCTO, Focus GroupKevin Edwards, CEO, Hospitality Technology AdvisoryGavin A., VP of Information Technology & Innovation, YotelSamuel Actford, Group IT Manager, Exclusive Collection
May 11, 202630 min
LIVE from HT360 Rethinking hospitality spaces with tech
Design meets experience: Join a live recording of the Hoteliers’ Voice podcast from HT360 Hospitality Leaders Forum, exploring how hospitality spaces are being reshaped and reframed as a result of technology, digitalisation and staffing challenges to elevate guest experience while improving commercial performance. This session will dive into how technology is forcing a rethink on the approach to interiors, architecture and design of public spaces to maximise revenue in F&B and multi-use areas, while creating environments guests genuinely want to spend time in.Hosted by Ryan Haynes and Scot Turner (Auden Hospitality), with guests Alessandra Leoni (Focus on Hospitality), Paul Wells (Studio Moren), Prem Jethwa-Odedra (Biteluxe), hear real-world insights on how space planning, interior design and smart technology come together to unlock value, optimise operations and future-proof hospitality businesses
April 27, 202625 min
Reducing OTA Reliance: How Sleeping Bear Hotels Boosts Direct Bookings
Learn how independent hotels can increase direct bookings and reduce reliance on online travel agencies (OTAs) with Sleeping Bear Hotels and Formula. Discover actionable strategies that can help direct bookings thrive in a competitive market.In today’s competitive hotel landscape, many independent hotels struggle with high reliance on online travel agencies (OTAs) for bookings. This reliance cutz into profits significantly, often leading to frustration for hotel owners. With Tudor Hopkins, founder, Sleeping Bear Hotels and Adam Hamadache, CEO and Founder, Formula – digital growth agency for hotels we explore how Sleeping Bear Hotels successfully reduced their OTA dependency and increased direct bookings.Understanding the Impact of OTA Reliance. Sleeping Bear Hotels, highlights that when he took over, the hotel was generating 60% of its bookings through OTAs. This reliance not only affected profit margins but also reduced the ability to engage directly with guests. High OTA commissions severely impact profitability. By shifting focus to direct bookings, hotels can keep more revenue in-house and build stronger relationships with guests.Tudor’s journey started with a shift in business model, removing unprofitable services and focusing solely on room bookings. He streamlined operations, which allowed for better pricing strategies and increased occupancy rates.The Role of Partnerships in Driving Revenue. Sleeping Bear Hotels took an innovative approach by partnering with local restaurants and attractions.
April 13, 202640 min
The reality of guest journeys - Live hotel panel - Scotland
Recorded live from HOSPA edinburgh event Next Wave Hospitality: Tech Transformation that delivers sponsored by Focus on Hospitality withMike Baxtor, House of Gods Barry Makin, GM, Cromlix HotelLorraine Garvie, Head of Commercial Operations, Crieff HydroWe get their take on the changes in hospitality and guest experiences, what it will take to stand out and how they’re addressing tech and digital transformation.We askHow are hospitality perceptions shifting for your business?Where is the role of AI and automation both in operations and guest experience?With IT infrastructure changing quickly, where's your focus?Where's the line of digitalised guest journeys to human?
March 29, 202622 min
Evolution of Iconic Luxury: An Investment in People - The Headland Hotel, Cornwall
We’re on Fistral Beach in Newquay for something special. In this episode of Hoteliers’ Voice, I get an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of The Headland Hotel with Kai Sinkevicius, Assistant Operations Manager, as we explore what five-star hospitality really looks like on the Cornish coast.From the grand lobby and recently refurbished restaurant to the cottages, spa and Aqua Club, this is a story about heritage, reinvestment and the power of family values. But more than that, it’s about people. Kai's journey from porter at 18 to senior leadership, and the pride shared by long-serving team members, says everything about the culture being built here.What We Explore- From Porter to Leader: How rotational training, mentorship and industry qualifications are shaping the next generation of hospitality talent.- Sustainability in Action: Why EarthCheck silver, local sourcing and conscious refurbishment are embedded in daily decision making.- Community at the Core: How family ownership, long service and local partnerships create loyalty that guests can feel.We walk through rooms transformed during lockdown, a ballroom reupholstered by a local seamstress, and suites designed to frame uninterrupted Atlantic views. We talk about levelling the seasonality curve in Cornwall, investing year-round, and building experiences that keep guests returning for weddings, birthdays and multi-generational stays.There’s also a strong message about perception. Hospitality is too often seen as a fallback career, yet here is a business investing in young people, visiting schools and championing the industry as a genuine profession. With over 450 years of combined service celebrated at one long-service dinner, it’s clear that loyalty runs deep.The Headland blends heritage with evolution. It embraces sustainability without losing soul. It nurtures talent instead of waiting for it to appear. And standing on that coastline, looking out over the Atlantic, you can feel that this is more than just a hotel. It’s a community.Hoteliers' Voice is one of FeedSpot's top Hospitality Podcasts and is produced by Urban Podcasts.
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