If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Someone told you it takes 15 years to escape the OTAs.
They lied.
In this episode, I’m breaking down The 90-Day OTA Detox System — the simple 3-step process boutique hotels use to win back direct bookings, keep guest data, and stop paying commissions to platforms that don’t care about their brand.
You’ll learn:
How to capture guest emails automatically through Wi-Fi login
How to automate reviews before the OTAs do
How to use storytelling emails to turn happy guests into repeat bookings
And I’ll show you the real math: how just 1,000 guest emails can save you $40K in OTA commissions a year.
Because loyalty isn’t built on third-party platforms.
It’s built through connection, storytelling, and ownership of your guest relationships.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
What if the brilliance that built your hotel’s reputation is the same thing holding it back from growing?
In this episode, we unpack The Founder’s Dilemma—how experience becomes both your biggest asset and your biggest bias.
You’ll learn:
Why defending the “old formula” quietly slows innovation
How to co-create Stage 2 of your brand with your leadership team
How to modernize your marketing without abandoning your legacy
What strategy sprint systems can do to re-energize teams and re-ignite growth
If your brand’s story feels nostalgic instead of necessary, this episode shows you how to evolve without erasing your history.
Because experience isn’t the enemy.
Stagnation is.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Most boutique hotels either try to automate everything or they avoid technology altogether. Both extremes quietly kill direct bookings, guest loyalty, and your hard earned reputation.
In this episode of The Boutique Hotel Playbook, I sit down with Rod, founder of Aloha, an all in one operating system for independent hotels and short term rentals.
We unpack how to use tech, AI, and guest data in a way that still feels deeply human and on brand for your property.You will learn:
If you want your hotel to feel like a must visit lifestyle destination instead of just another listing, this conversation will help you rethink how you use technology, guest data, and your website to earn more direct bookings and better reviews.
Ready for help applying this to your own property.
Complete the short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
🧭 Show Notes
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call:
https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Ever signed off on a marketing project that started with excitement… and ended with exhaustion?
You’re not alone.
Most boutique hotels start branding or marketing projects without a dated roadmap — no milestones, no accountability, and no clear finish line. The result? Missed deadlines, stretched budgets, and stakeholders who just want it to be over.
This episode lays out the 90-Day Marketing Roadmap every boutique hotel needs before launching anything.
You’ll learn:
• How to build a dated 90-day brand plan with milestones and real owners
• What the “Strategy Gate” is and why it saves you from wasted time and money
• The exact weekly breakdown boutique hotels use to stay on time and on budget
• Why running your brand like a construction schedule keeps your team aligned and confident
This isn’t theory.
It’s the same system that helps boutique hotels launch faster, communicate better, and never wonder “what’s next?” again.
🎥 Watch now to learn how to turn chaos into clarity and build your next brand project on a schedule you can trust.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Description:
Most boutique hotels wait for high season to save them.
But what if the secret to selling out later is fixing your systems now?
In this episode, we break down the Pre-Season Tune-Up Plan — the same 4-part framework top boutique hotels use to turn low season into their most profitable time of year.
You’ll learn how to:
Optimize your website for direct bookings that convert.
Automate your guest follow-ups so repeat stays happen on autopilot.
Capture more guest emails through Wi-Fi automation.
Package local experiences that sell themselves online.
Because high season doesn’t fix weak marketing — it exposes it.
Let’s make sure you’re ready long before the rush begins.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
In this episode of The Boutique Hotel Playbook, I sit down with Nikola Milović, Head of Marketing and Communications at The Bristol Belgrade, a 1912 heritage hotel that went from two star reviews and digital dust to being recognized as a home of “timeless luxury.”
We talk about what it actually takes to rewrite a hotel’s story online when you inherit:
Inside, you will learn:
This is not theory. It is a real world case study of how a heritage hotel used story, structure, and smart use of AI to turn a “problem reputation” into a digital asset.
If you are a boutique hotel owner, GM, or marketer and your property looks better in person than it does online, this conversation will give you both language and a roadmap to change that.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Your rooms aren’t ready, the walls are bare, and the paint is still drying—but that doesn’t mean you can’t start selling.
In this episode, Yanique breaks down the Pre-Opening Playbook that helps boutique hotels generate revenue, demand, and loyalty before they even open their doors.
You’ll learn how to:
Use virtual walkarounds to help guests “see” the experience early
Build digital brochures, event guides, and waitlists that convert
Automate your pre-launch inquiries to create instant cash flow
Pre-sell wedding and group packages even while under construction
Launch with buzz, bookings, and a warm audience ready to stay
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll start marketing once the remodel is done,” this episode will change your mind.
Because the most profitable boutique hotels don’t wait for the ribbon-cutting to start promoting.
They start while the paint is still drying.
Key Takeaway:
Guests don’t fall in love with drywall or decor—they fall in love with the promise of the stay.
Your job is to sell that promise before you even open your doors.
🎥 Watch the full video and learn how to presell your next opening the smart way.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Your property might be charming, but if your website is confusing or outdated, it’s costing you bookings every single day.
In this episode of The Boutique Hotel Playbook, Yanique DaCosta breaks down how small design choices—like button placement, page flow, and microcopy—can increase your direct bookings by 30% without spending a dime on ads or changing your prices.
Discover:
Why “pretty” websites don’t always sell
The biggest design mistake boutique hotels make (and how to fix it fast)
How to keep your property’s vintage soul while modernizing your guest journey
The simple homepage structure that turns browsers into loyal guests
If you want to attract premium guests, build a brand that feels unforgettable, and stop relying on OTAs to fill your rooms, this episode is your roadmap.
🎧 Listen now to learn how to turn your website into your highest-converting team member.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Pretty photos may win you likes, but they won’t win you loyalty. In this episode, we uncover why relying on Instagram-worthy shots is one of the biggest mistakes boutique hotels make — and what to do instead.
You’ll discover:
If you’ve ever wondered why your stunning content isn’t driving long-term reputation or direct bookings, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.
Listen now to shift from “pretty property” to unforgettable destination — and start building guest loyalty that lasts.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Why do some boutique hotels consistently land in travel magazines and online features while others remain invisible? In this episode, we break down the exact steps to turn your property into a press-worthy destination that journalists, influencers, and guests can’t ignore.
Here’s what we cover:
The biggest mistakes boutique hotels make when trying to earn media coverage (and why they backfire).
How to transform your guest experience into reputation fuel that naturally attracts press and repeat bookings.
The secret to crafting a story journalists want to tell — and how to make your brand impossible to overlook.
Simple, actionable strategies to position your hotel for visibility and ongoing press mentions.
How to leverage coverage so it drives direct bookings and premium rates long after the feature goes live.
This isn’t about random press releases or hoping a blogger finds you. It’s about creating a brand and reputation so strong that the media comes looking for you.
If you want to stand out in a crowded market and earn the kind of attention that fills your rooms with high-value guests, this guide is your roadmap.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
What happens if Booking.com disappears tomorrow? Would guests still know how to find you—or would your hotel’s visibility vanish overnight?
In this episode, we unpack:
The silent mistakes boutique hotels make when relying too heavily on OTAs
Why being “listed” isn’t the same as being remembered
The hidden cost of letting Booking.com own your visibility
A smarter, future-proof approach to making your hotel discoverable on its own terms
This is for boutique hotel owners who want to stop being at the mercy of OTAs and start building a brand that drives direct bookings, guest loyalty, and long-term reputation.
Your hotel shouldn’t be just another option in a scroll. It should be the destination guests seek out by name.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Waiting for the “perfect time” to market your boutique hotel? That delay is costing you empty rooms, lost revenue, and missed opportunities.
In this episode of The Boutique Hotel Playbook, I break down:
The costly mistake boutique hotels make by waiting for renovations or high season.
Why empty rooms today equal revenue you’ll never get back.
The hidden booking cycles your competitors already understand.
How to market your hotel while you build and create anticipation.
The mindset shift from “hotel operator” to “destination builder.”
If your occupancy is stuck and you’re tired of leaning on OTAs, this episode will show you why waiting is the most expensive choice — and what to do instead.
Stop competing on price. Start building a reputation that keeps you fully booked.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289
Most boutique hotels unknowingly hand over their future to Airbnb and other OTAs. It feels safe because the rooms get booked—but here’s the catch: you don’t own the relationship, Airbnb does.
In this episode, we break down:
Why relying on Airbnb quietly kills repeat bookings and loyalty.
The hidden cost of letting platforms own your guest list.
How to stop renting guests and start building a guest community.
Three simple moves to take back control, reduce commissions, and grow direct bookings.
If you’ve ever felt like your hotel’s success is out of your control, this episode will shift your perspective.
Stop letting Airbnb own your guests. Start building loyalty, reputation, and direct bookings that last.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning. 👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com/work-with-me-4289Renovations are stressful, messy, and expensive — but they’re also one of the best marketing opportunities boutique hotels overlook.In this episode, we talk about:Why going silent during renovations is the biggest mistake you can makeThe real consequences of hiding until the “grand reveal”How to document the messy middle in a way that builds trust and excitementFour simple steps to turn your struggles into stories guests want to followIf you’ve ever wondered how to keep your hotel visible and bookable even while under construction, this episode will change the way you think about marketing.
Most boutique hotels don’t mean to, but they’re practically handing guests over to OTAs.
From clunky websites to invisible perks, the wrong moves online can make Expedia and Booking.com look like the smarter, safer choice—even when your property is exactly what the guest wants.
In this episode of Booked Solid: Actionable Insights for Boutique Hotels That Want More Than Just Heads in Beds, you’ll discover:
The website mistakes that make direct bookings harder than OTA bookings
Why guests don’t see any reason to skip OTAs—and how to change that
The branding gap that quietly eats away at trust and profit
Three fixes you can apply right now to shift guests back to booking direct
Because here’s the truth: OTAs aren’t just costing you commissions. They’re taking guest relationships that should belong to you.
So, if you’re ready to make direct booking the obvious choice for your guests, this episode is your starting point.
👉 And remember—this is just one of the strategies inside Booked Solid: Actionable Insights for Boutique Hotels That Want More Than Just Heads in Beds.
Head to the next episode in the series where we’ll dive into another powerful way to increase direct bookings, build loyalty, and position your hotel as a must-visit lifestyle destination.
Because when you connect all these strategies together, you don’t just fill rooms—you stay Booked Solid all year long.
Most boutique hotels aren’t losing ground because of service. They’re losing ground because the market has shifted—and they’re still playing by old rules.
In this episode of Booked Solid: Actionable Insights for Boutique Hotels That Want More Than Just Heads in Beds, I break down why now is the best time to rethink your boutique hotel strategy, and what happens if you don’t.
You’ll discover:
The economic shifts that make waiting a costly mistake
How guest expectations have evolved (and why “good service” is no longer enough)
Why local competition is fiercer than ever, from Airbnbs to new boutique entrants
How to reposition your property as a lifestyle destination guests remember, rave about, and return to
Here’s the truth: standing still isn’t neutral. In today’s market, standing still means falling behind.
If you’re serious about attracting high-value guests, increasing direct bookings, and protecting your margins—it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Book your Deep Dive Call here: https://hotels.theykmd.com
On this call, we’ll evaluate your branding, guest journey, and market positioning—and map out how your boutique hotel can thrive in a changing landscape.
Don’t wait. Because the market won’t wait for you.
Most boutique hotels live and die by high season. Rooms are full when tourists flood in, but when they leave? Empty halls, slashed prices, and a scramble to stay afloat.
Here’s the secret: your most loyal guests aren’t always flying in from abroad. They’re right outside your door.
In this episode of Booked Solid: Actionable Insights for Boutique Hotels That Want More Than Just Heads in Beds, you’ll discover:
Why relying only on foreign tourists is the biggest loyalty mistake
How locals can become your year-round, repeat guests
Three proven strategies to attract and retain community loyalty
The shift that transforms your hotel into a true lifestyle destination
If you’ve ever wondered how to escape the feast-or-famine cycle and keep your rooms full during low season, this episode will show you the fix.
Because here’s the truth:
Guests don’t just book a room. They book a feeling—and locals are looking for experiences they can come back to again and again.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com
On this call, we’ll evaluate your branding, guest journey, and market positioning — and map out what a specialized plan for your boutique hotel could look like.
Stop competing on price. Start building a reputation that keeps you Booked Solid.
Most boutique hotels don’t struggle to deliver a good stay.
They struggle to create a stay worth talking about.
Here’s the hard truth: satisfaction doesn’t equal referrals. And if your guests aren’t telling anyone about you, you’re leaving your most powerful growth channel untapped.
In this episode of Booked Solid: Actionable Insights for Hotels That Want More Than Just Heads in Beds, you’ll discover:
The three guest experience gaps that silently kill referrals
Why “happy” guests don’t automatically turn into loyal ambassadors
The moments in the guest journey that spark stories instead of silence
Simple shifts you can make to turn satisfied guests into raving fans
If you’ve ever wondered why guests leave saying, “We had a great time,” but never mention your hotel again, this episode gives you the fix.
Because here’s the truth:
Guests don’t share memories of average stays. They share stories that surprise, delight, and feel unforgettable.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com
On this call, we’ll evaluate your branding, guest journey, and market positioning — and map out what a specialized plan for your boutique hotel could look like.
Stop competing on price. Start building a reputation that keeps you Booked Solid.
Most boutique hotels don’t lose bookings because of service.
They lose them because of reputation.
When I worked with brands like Apple, Marriott, and Hilton, I discovered something most independents overlook: reputation isn’t built by accident — it’s engineered.
In this episode of Booked Solid: Actionable Insights for Hotels That Want More Than Just Heads in Beds, you’ll discover:
Why reputation is more than reviews (and why reviews alone won’t save you)
The biggest mistakes boutique hotels make that keep them forgettable
How global giants engineer reputation into every guest touchpoint
Three lessons you can apply right now to make your hotel unforgettable
If you’ve ever wondered why guests leave saying “The hotel was nice, but I can’t remember the name,” this episode will show you the fix.
Because here’s the truth:Guests don’t just remember great service — they remember how your hotel made them feel before they even booked.
If you’re serious about building a hotel brand that guests remember, rave about, and return to, it starts with an honest look at your current positioning.
👉 Click here to complete a short questionnaire and see if you qualify for a Deep Dive Call: https://hotels.theykmd.com
On this call, we’ll evaluate your branding, guest journey, and market positioning — and map out what a specialized plan for your boutique hotel could look like.
Stop competing on price. Start building a reputation that keeps you Booked Solid.