Josiah Mackenzie

🎬 Who? Mary Alice Palmer, Global Creative Director and Founding Partner of ROAM Interior Design. What? Shared insights on design's power in hospitality on Hospitality Daily Podcast episode. When? Recorded on Dec. 26, 2024. Where? Podcast available online. Key facts: Palmer's set design and luxury leather goods background influence her hospitality design approach. Projects mentioned include The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, Auberge Resorts, and Amaala Yacht Club in Saudi Arabia. Emphasizes storytelling, local artisans, and the impact of AI and technology on future designs. Also highlights the rising importance of wellness in luxury hospitality.

🎄 On December 23, 2024, Christian de Boer shares his unique approach to the holidays that captivated both guests and staff. The episode is part of the Hospitality Daily Podcast, aimed at helping listeners excel in the hospitality industry. The podcast features insights on industry challenges, priorities, and opportunities, alongside resources and tips for actionable business improvements. 🎧

🏩 Nathan St Cyr, co-founder of Howzit Hostels, shared his journey and strategies on December 22, 2024. He detailed transitioning from hospitality sales to establishing an award-winning hostel by focusing on guest connections and rethinking traditional hospitality models. Key strategies include listening to guest feedback, creating community spaces, integrating into Maui's local scene, and enforcing travel proof and stay limits. Howzit Hostels aims for responsible scaling while catering to Gen Z and solo female travelers' evolving preferences.

🏨 David Arraya, founder of Conscious Hospitality Unlimited and host of the Conscious Hospitality Podcast, explores hotel industry trends for 2025. Insights from the State of the Hotel Industry Survey highlight challenges in revenue and profitability, staff support, and the excitement of guest experience innovation. The episode, aired on Dec. 21, 2024, also discusses the impact of AI technologies and the importance of employee training.

🏨 Life House and Lark, previously competitors with independent properties, began talks of a merger six months ago, led by the new CEO and CFO of Life House, Chris and Mark. The merger aims to create a platform greater than the sum of its parts, with the motto "1 plus 1 equals something greater than 2". Pre-merger, Lark supported over 50 properties; post-merger, an additional 40 hotels will join their portfolio. The combined company now has around a billion in assets under management, with properties in 27 states and two countries, and a centralized service team of about 90 people. They leverage technology for efficiency, notably using Mews as their property management system. Their loyalty program, "On the Lark Club", with approximately 100,000 members, contributes to 30-33% of their revenue. The joint venture places emphasis on brand value, direct loyalty revenue, and stakeholder satisfaction.