In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam Hamadache is joined by Wendy White, Director of Sales & Marketing at Kew Green Hotels, to unpack the real-world pressures facing branded hotels in today’s market.
Wendy shares her journey from glass collector to group sales leader and gives a candid take on what it really takes to grow in 2025 – including how to compete with luxury experiences, cut through digital noise, and stay visible in a crowded OTA-dominated space.
We cover:
Why CRM is the most powerful tool in a modern marketer’s kit
The real challenge of staying competitive in secondary locations
Her views on event clustering and the feast-or-famine effect
Why data, personalisation and segmentation are the keys to conversion
How hotels should approach tech, marketing budgets and brand platforms
If you’re running a branded hotel—or managing one—you’ll get plenty of practical insights from this conversation.
📍 One key takeaway: “New business, new business, new business. Without it, there’s no business.”
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam sits down with Eugene Leonard, General Manager at the iconic Hotel Café Royal, to explore the future of luxury hospitality—and the operational reality behind delivering it in 2025.
Eugene shares his journey from dishwashing to directing global openings, and offers rare insight into how a legendary brand stays relevant in an ever-evolving market. He opens up about the tough Q1 many London hotels faced, the resurgence of experiential travel, and how digital integration is reshaping the guest journey.
You’ll hear:
Why ease is the new luxury—and how Café Royal uses tech to create it
The real impact of VAT, Brexit, and government policy on high-end hospitality
What “Feel Good Fridays” have done for his team culture
How travel trends are shifting from destinations to events and experiences
The missed opportunity in fragmented hotel tech stacks—and the big idea no one’s built yet
With humility and clarity, Eugene delivers a masterclass in modern leadership, service excellence, and how luxury can still surprise.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Haynes—host of Travel Market Life and a leading voice in hotel tech strategy—to talk about why so many hotels get their technology decisions wrong… and what to do about it.
Ryan doesn’t sugarcoat it. From the madness of managing 20+ contracts to the cost of integrations that don’t actually integrate, he shares what’s really going on under the hood—and how hoteliers can avoid the traps.
We cover:
→ Why most RFPs are like writing to Santa
→ What to actually ask tech vendors before signing anything
→ How peer-to-peer conversations beat demos every time
→ And why messaging tech is the next big growth lever for hotels
If you’re thinking about changing your PMS, CRM, or any other bit of your stack—listen to this first.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam Hamadache sits down with hospitality veteran Tudor Hopkins—owner of Sleeping Bear Hotels and founder of The Hospitality Coach.
Tudor shares the story of how he turned a struggling 3-star hotel in Dorchester into a lean, 30% profit machine—without breakfast, without a restaurant, and without cutting corners on guest experience. But this conversation goes beyond operations.
We dive into:
From his wild early days in cocktail bars to building a hospitality franchise model designed for today’s economics, Tudor brings honest, practical insight you won’t hear anywhere else.
If you care about growing a profitable hotel and developing a stronger team, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I sit down with Brian Gore—Group Director of Marketing & Communications at Aurora Hotels—to unpack what real brand building looks like in modern hospitality.
We cover a lot of ground:
→ Why luxury hotels must stay authentic in the age of AI
→ How to turn brand storytelling into commercial growth
→ The tech shifts marketers can’t afford to ignore in 2025
→ Why OTAs aren’t the enemy—and how to actually use them strategically
→ The importance of quick wins when stepping into a new marketing role
Brian’s worked with brands like Mandarin Oriental, Bulgari, Fairmont, The Set Collection, and Birch—and his perspective is both practical and honest.
If you care about brand, growth, and doing marketing that actually works—this episode’s for you.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I’m joined by Catt McLeod, Director at Elegant Hotel Collection, to unpack the realities of growing an independent hotel brand in 2025.
We cover everything from the overuse of AI in marketing to the power of going hyper-niche with your audience. Catt shares how hotels can stand out—not by chasing trends, but by doubling down on clarity, connectedness and character.
You’ll hear:
→ Why technology should support, not swamp, hoteliers
→ The real reason user experience can make or break direct bookings
→ How to attract loyal guests by leaning into what makes you different
→ And what most hotel websites still get wrong in 2025
If you’ve ever questioned whether your tech is helping or hindering growth—this one’s for you.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I’m joined by Dan Visser—Commercial Director of the Langdale Estate and Chair of Cumbria Tourism—for a conversation packed with sharp insights and refreshing honesty.
We dig into the real challenges facing hotels today: from rising costs and noisy digital channels to the talent shortage and what it really takes to stand out.
Dan shares why cutting through the noise starts with understanding your guest—not just your Google Analytics. He also calls out the industry’s reputation problem, challenges marketers to tell more meaningful stories, and makes a strong case for doing less automation and more human connection.
Whether you’re running a luxury estate, a boutique bolthole or a marketing team in need of direction—this episode is for you.
What does it take to lead a hotel through a brand transition without losing its soul?
In this week’s episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I sat down with Stefan Micevski, General Manager of The Elm Bank Hotel in York—now part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
Stefan’s journey is proof that hospitality careers don’t have to follow a straight line. From bartending in Amsterdam to managing award-winning properties in the UK, he’s seen it all. We talked about:
→ Why joining a global brand like Hilton can be a growth accelerator for independent hotels
→ How AI and tech are changing operations (without replacing people)
→ Why hiring the right people still trumps everything else
→ And what the York Hospitality Association is doing to attract the next generation into the industry
This one’s for every hotel GM navigating brand standards, tech evolution, and team culture—sometimes all in the same week.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I’m joined by Allison Knapp, sales leader at Marriott and founder of The Millennial Hotelier.
Allison brings energy, insight, and a deep understanding of what hospitality could be—if we actually listened more.
We unpack:
Why the industry still struggles to attract and keep great people
How AI is reshaping the booking journey if hotels are brave enough to adopt it
The underrated power of email, storytelling, and brand heritage
Why personalisation matters more than ever
And how hospitality’s next phase depends on real, authentic connection
From marketing to staffing, OTAs to tech trends—this one’s full of practical perspective from both sides of the Atlantic.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I sit down with Nick Davies, owner of The Cottage in the Wood, to talk about running a high-performing independent hotel in one of the UK’s toughest trading environments.
Nick shares how rising costs, staffing pressures, and national insurance hikes have forced innovation — from rethinking his F&B model to trimming trading days without sacrificing guest experience.
We also dive into:
Why closing two days a week actually improved profitability
The thinking behind their new 16-cover tasting restaurant
VAT inequality across Europe (and why UK hospitality’s hands are tied)
How to win direct bookings without fighting the OTAs head-on
The guest psychology behind sweets at checkout
If you’re an independent hotelier feeling the squeeze, this episode is full of clarity, candour and practical takeaways. Nick doesn’t mince his words — and that’s exactly why it’s worth a listen.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I sit down with Sukh Dhaliwal, Director of Sales & Marketing at DoubleTree by Hilton Ealing and Monarch House Apartments. We dig into Sukh’s refreshingly honest take on hotel sales, service apartment strategy, and why he’s “begrudgingly” embraced the DOS title.
Sukh shares his no-nonsense approach to revenue management (including why their rate system ‘Grow’ has a personality of its own), how he redesigned a serviced apartment site to drive 80% direct bookings, and his thoughts on hiring talent that actually fits.
We also talk AI, sustainability, guest expectations—and what hotels should really focus on to grow in 2025.
This one’s packed with commercial clarity, a few laughs, and plenty of practical takeaways.
Right opposite Windsor Castle, Sam Goss runs one of the UK’s most iconic hotel locations. But what’s most impressive isn’t the postcode, it’s how he leads.
In this episode, Sam shares what it takes to run a high-profile hotel with real purpose and clarity. We talk about:
✅ Balancing heritage with modern guest expectations
✅ Empowering your team by removing unnecessary process
✅ Creating guest loyalty that goes beyond points and perks
✅ Embedding sustainability through culture, not committees
He also opens up about the pressure of location, the importance of visibility as a leader, and why true guest experience starts with a motivated team.
If you’re in hospitality and want to lead better, not just manage, this episode is worth your time.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam Hamadache sits down with Zoe Monk, Managing Editor of Boutique Hotelier, to unpack the real state of independent hospitality today. Zoe shares her unique perspective on the growing challenges facing hoteliers — from rising operational costs and squeezed margins to the evolving guest demand for richer, experience-led stays. They discuss the innovation born out of necessity, the increasing adoption of tech and AI across operations, and why the future of boutique hotels lies in mastering both creativity and efficiency. Expect honest insights, practical takeaways, and a refreshing look at how hotels can survive — and thrive — in today's market.
In this episode of the Hotel Growth Podcast, host Adam Hamadache sits down with Paul Hunter, General Manager of the extraordinary Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire. With a career spanning Premier Inn, London’s boutique scene, and now a 20,000-acre luxury estate, Paul shares how he’s adapted his leadership for a complex operation that includes a castle hotel, glamping site, cookery school, spa, and more.
We dive into:
How to creatively repurpose underused spaces for revenue
The quiet power of AI in hotel ops
Smart ways to reduce OTA dependency
Building a brand that’s as sustainable as it is stunning
Why “uniquely Swinton” is more than just a tagline
If you’re ready to think bigger, stretch your strategy, and pick up insights from someone who’s seen every side of hospitality, this one’s not to be missed.
In this episode of the Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam Hamadache sits down with the ever-insightful Petra Clayton – CEO of Custard and long-time champion of hospitality PR – to unpack the real challenges (and hidden opportunities) facing hotel marketers in 2025.
From leadership support and marketing misperceptions to AI’s growing role in travel planning and why your PR budget is more than just press fluff, Petra shares hard-earned wisdom, a splash of sass, and a serious call to action: Trust the process. Believe in your product. And for heaven’s sake, stop duct-taping your marketing strategy together.
Whether you’re a GM in the sticks or a marketing director in the city, this one’s packed with perspective-shifting ideas. Also: unexpected travel hacks, AI anecdotes, and why Petra’s dad might just be the industry’s unsung tech guru.
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Media, shares his wealth of knowledge from decades in the hospitality industry. We discuss the current challenges facing hotel operators, from rising employer costs and business rate reform to the ongoing battle for talent retention. Simon also dives into the role of AI in streamlining operations, and how hotels can creatively use data to enhance the guest experience. Plus, we explore the shift in guest expectations towards more personalized and experiential stays, and Simon gives us a sneak peek into the exciting updates to the AA’s hotel classification system. Whether you're in operations, marketing, or tech, Simon’s insights are essential for any hotel brand looking to navigate the road ahead in 2025.
In a world where hotels are competing for attention, Joanne Reeves, Sales & Marketing Director at Thornbury Castle Hotel, shares a key insight: Your hotel’s uniqueness is your greatest marketing asset.
On The Hotel Growth Podcast, Joanne emphasised that luxury travellers aren’t just booking rooms—they’re seeking experiences. At Thornbury Castle, the centuries-old history, grand architecture, and regal atmosphere aren’t just features; they’re the heart of their marketing strategy.
📖 What does this mean for hoteliers?
Your hotel’s story should be front and center in your marketing.
Use visuals, guest testimonials, and historical narratives to evoke emotion.
Instead of selling "a room for the night," sell the experience of staying in a one-of-a-kind destination.
💡 The key takeaway: A strong brand story isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s the foundation of what sets you apart in an industry full of options.
How are you using your hotel's unique character to attract guests? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇
In this thought-provoking episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, host Adam Hamadache is joined by Joseph Farrar, General Manager of Owston Hall, to explore the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the hospitality industry. With costs rising and guest expectations evolving, Joseph shares his strategies for staying ahead—covering everything from pricing tactics to the latest AI advancements.
Tune in for insights on:
🏨 The impact of rising costs on hotel operations & how to adapt
📈 Using OTAs strategically while driving direct bookings
💡 How AI is revolutionizing guest experience & hotel operations
🎯 The changing behaviors of Gen Z travelers and what hoteliers must do to keep up
📊 The role of SEO, TikTok, and digital marketing in today’s hospitality landscape
Whether you're a hotelier, marketer, or industry enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for the future of hospitality.
Don't miss it! 🎧
In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, host Adam Hamadache sits down with Warren Elliott, Head of Marketing & Communications at Elite Hotels, to discuss the key strategies that drive success in luxury hospitality. With 17 years of experience in the industry, Warren shares how Elite Hotels navigates the ever-changing marketing landscape while maintaining strong brand consistency and profitability.
Expect an insightful discussion on:
✅ Overcoming rising costs while driving revenue growth
✅ The evolving role of social media in hotel marketing (Is Facebook still king?)
✅ How AI is reshaping marketing strategies – hype or game-changer?
✅ The power of consistency in branding and guest experience
✅ Balancing traditional and digital marketing for maximum impact
If you’re looking for actionable insights on growing your hotel brand in today’s competitive market, this episode is a must-listen!
In this insightful conversation on The Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam Hamadache interviews Hamish Kilburn about the evolving landscape of PR in the hospitality industry. Hamish shares his journey from hotel design journalism to PR, emphasising how editorial and PR have merged in the digital age. We discuss the importance of storytelling in brand positioning, how hoteliers can engage with the media, and the shift towards experience-driven travel.