Checking In by Hotel Owner

Breaking the Mould: Francisco Macedo on redefining hospitality through innovation

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we speak to Francisco Macedo, COO of Pavillion Club and Wildernesse Reserve, and chair of the Master Innholders upcoming Hotel Leader...

From ops to HR: Natalia Dainty on building learning that truly sticks

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we speak to Natalia Dainty, Learning and Development Manager at Valor Hospitality. Natalia spoke about her journey from operations to ...

Cutting hours, not corners: Simplifying supplier payments with Apron

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're joined by Henry Matson from Apron to explore one of the biggest headaches in hospitality: managing payments, suppliers and back-...

Looking beyond London: Anna Corkill on Hyatt’s ambitious UK portfolio plans

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Anna Corkill, regional vice president, Development UK and Ireland at Hyatt. Anna spoke about Hyatt’s plans to grow its U...

Compassion, culture & compliance: James Cowan on navigating HR across borders

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to James Cowan, HR director for UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands at The Ascott Limited. In this episode w...

Hospitality in full colour: The story behind Kaleidoscope Hotels

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Ian Taylor, co-founder of the Kaleidoscope Collection. Ian reflects on his path from corporate hospitality to independent ...

From concept to conscious creation: Josh Renouf on the circular design mindset

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Josh Renouf, founder of Joy Resolve and circular design manager at Lamington Group. Josh spoke about what first attracted ...

Rockstar hospitality: Inside the eclectic world of House of Gods

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Mike Baxter, co-founder of House of Gods. Mike spoke about his unconventional route into hospitality, and how being a disr...

Curiosity, inclusivity and culture: Olivia Immesi on leading Native Places with heart and vision

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Olivia Immesi, CEO of Native Places. Olivia spoke about her experience of working with the iconic Hoxton Hotel in Shoredit...

The Horwood House Hotel's approach to trustworthy leadership

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Checking In speak to Karim Kassam, owner of Horwood House Hotel. Karim spoke about his career journey, including the perspectives a...

Pierre Deburaux on Accor’s people-first approach to leadership and transformation

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Pierre Deburaux, Chief Administration Officer of Accor. Pierre spoke about his career transition from finance roles in tra...

How Bottle Up is making sustainability stick beyond the guest stay

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Andrew Eversden, co-founder of Bottle Up, a provider of reusable bottles that are plant-based, BPA-free and pre-filled wit...

David Orr on leading with empathy and guest-centric experiences

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to David Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels. He discussed how and why Resident Hotels diversified into the mid-scale segment, and th...

RBH’s CEO on the secrets behind a quarter-century of operating success

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to David Hart, CEO of RBH. David spoke about his journey from the finance industry to leading RBH today, why the hospitality ...

How community and collaboration have bolstered Marcliffe and its legacy

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Kellie Rixon MBE, general manager at Marcliffe. Kellie spoke about Marcliffe’s ambitious reinvestment and rebrand, how g...

Tej Walia on the success of Foxhills’ ‘bleisure’ blueprint

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Tej Walia FIH MI, Managing Director of Foxhills Collection. Tej spoke about the management lessons learned during his eigh...

Embracing Yorkshire warmth through The Grand’s ‘No Fuss Five Star’ ethos

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Adam Dyke, General Manager of The Grand, York, where he discusses how the hotel provides a ‘No Fuss Five Star’ experie...

Peter Zielke on how rethinking hostels has helped fuel Safestay's record growth

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Peter Zielke, COO of Safestay. He spoke about the drivers behind Safestay’s record full-year performance, including how ...

Obvlo’s CEO on how tech can enable enriching and personalised local experiences for guests

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Callum McPherson, the founder and CEO of Obvlo, an AI solution that creates travel recommendations for hotel guests. Callu...

How Red Carnation Hotels' CEO empowers teams through a people-first culture

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Jonathan Raggett, chief executive officer of Red Carnation Hotels. We explored Jonathan's journey to the top, includ...

Adela Cristea on how conversions have spearheaded Radisson's record-breaking growth strategy

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're joined by Adela Cristea, chief development officer of the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at Radisson, who discusses the group’s f...

How Hotel Indigo is using local narratives to bring heart and community to Leeds

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we speak to Simon Grace, the general manager of Hotel Indigo, Leeds. Simon discussed how all aspects of the hotel’s design are insp...

Leading with heart: Serena von der Hyde on hospitality, inclusion & identity

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Checking In Podcast, we speak to Serena von der Hyde, Founder of Your Space, about her journey from leading a hotel at 19 to bu...

Wyndham’s EMEA president on leading brand consistency with heart

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Dimitris Manikis about his career journey from Greece to Wyndham, the ways in which you can uphold a consistent brand acro...

No Ordinary Hospitality's MD on why risk and diversification are key to unlocking revenue

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Richard Harrison, managing director of No Ordinary Hospitality. Richard discussed his approach to assessing risk with new ...

Inside the expansion playbook of Chestnut Group’s Philip Turner

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Philip Turner, the founder of Chestnut Group, discusses his journey from financial services to hospitality, how he has scaled Chestn...

How to unlock a great storytelling experience with your events offering

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Gareth Winebloom and Lewis Bound, general manager and deputy operations manager at Rowton Castle. They discussed how story...

How can rooms managers use perception and personalisation to elevate guest journeys?

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Asja Samperi, rooms manager at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. Asja spoke about how her love of travel, languages an...

James B. Clarke on how The Master Innholders is helping hoteliers ‘distil excellence’

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to James B. Clarke, General Manager of the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and chair of The Master Innholders. James spoke abou...

Graeme Green on creating ‘moments of magic’ at the revamped Crossbasket Castle

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Graeme Green, Managing Director of Crossbasket Castle. We spoke about his time at The Point in New York and how American h...

The new age of loyalty: unlocking revenue through smarter guest engagement

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Kathryn Wright, COO at customer loyalty platform Antavo. We discussed the rise of card-linking and gamification in loyalty...

Community, Purpose and Place: Behind people-first Kinsfolk’s first space, The Newman

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Paul Brackley, the founder and CEO of Kinsfolk & Co. We discussed how Paul and his team built a purpose-led hospitality br...

Tim Davis on how hoteliers can best outpace growth in a softening market

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we welcome back Tim Davis MBE, Founder and Managing Director of PACE dimensions. We spoke about the evolution of the branded hotel spa...

Why Scotland’s hotel market is topping growth charts

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Marc Finney, Head of Hotels & Resorts Consulting at Colliers. We discussed Colliers’ 2025 Hotel Market Index, which high...

Hospitality Action's CEO on how the charity navigated its 'most challenging year yet'

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we are joined by Mark Lewis, CEO of UK-based benevolent charity Hospitality Action. We discussed all the ways the charity helps those in ...

The Belfry’s Executive Head Chef on bringing French culinary excellence to the UK hotel scene

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Robert Bates, Executive Head Chef at The Belfry Hotel & Resort. Rob spoke about his experience working with Albert Roux, a...

Perfecting the 'snag stage': Ensuring your hotel opening goes smoothly

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Mark Spanton, the Pre-Opening General Manager of Dakota Newcastle. Mark speaks about his transition to managerial ro...

How SeaSpace is transforming guest experience through a focus on local community

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Ben Harper, CEO of the Watergate Bay Hotel and the recently launched SeaSpace, an experience-led, lifestyle aparthotel on ...

Inside Karma Sanctum Soho: London's original Rock N' Roll hotel

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we speak to Mark and Sherene Fuller, co-owners of the legendary Karma Sanctum Soho hotel. They talk about their vibrant background in the...

Disruptor Eric Jafari on how Aendre meets the wellness needs of the Zillennial urbanite

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're joined by Eric Jafari, co-founder and managing director of AENDRE. We discussed how listing all the things he disliked about hi...

Sunbeam co-founder on how hoteliers can get to the real truth of their hotel's performance

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak with Joe Cainey, co-founder of Sunbeam, an AI platform that helps hoteliers get useful insights by processing masses of guest...

Branding Best Western: Balancing heritage and flexibility with Robert Alley

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Robert Alley, Brand Development Director at BWH. He talks about the emergence of soft and hard brands under the Best Weste...

How hospitality must learn to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity with sensitivity

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Lorraine Copes, the Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality, a not-for-profit organisation aiming to accelerate racial...

Inside Crerar Hotels' luxury transformation with CEO Chris Wayne-Wills

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're joined by Chris Wayne-Wills, the CEO of Crerar Hotels. We discussed the advantages of working in some of the smaller regional ma...

Navigating the B-Corp journey in London’s luxury hotel market

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Samantha van Exter, Head of Hotels at the Montcalm Collection. We discussed her background in working across multiple luxu...

RBH's Commercial Director on perfecting commercial strategies for diverse portfolios

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Andrew Secker, RBH Hospitality Management’s Commercial Director. We discussed Andrew’s own career journey, how he lea...

ChargeGuru: Why hoteliers must get ahead of the EV charging curve

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk to Hasib Rahmati, Business Development Manager at ChargeGuru, a leader in the supply and installation of EV chargers for hotel...

Legacy, collaboration, and innovation: Katie Niland on shaping the Belfry 's £80m transformation

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we are joined by Katie Niland, Commercial Director at the Belfry Hotel and Resort. We discuss her journey in the industry, the £80m expa...

The secrets behind Grantley Hall's events business success

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode we are joined by joined by Tracey Ractliffe and Sarah Baines, Commercial Director and Sales Director at luxury hotel Grantley Hall. We di...

Leading the charge at the UK's only superyacht hotel

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we talk to Francisco Ventura, the General Manager at Sunborn London, the only superyacht floating hotel in the UK. Francisco talks abo...

Unpacking trends shaping today's travel from SiteMinder's changing traveller report

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's special episode we are joined by Hotel Owner’s very own reporter, Cynera Rodricks. Cynera recently attended a presentation by James B...

Hilton's Bill Fisher on his cross-cultural management journey from Sichuan to London

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Bill Fisher, General Manager of the Hilton London Metropole, a 1,100-room 4-star hotel and conference centre in central Lo...

Parkgate GM on learning to become a transparent, supportive and people-focused leader

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s Checking In, we speak to Damien Martin, General Manager of the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff. Damien talks about his journey from fine di...

'Simplicity, no frills, and customer centricity’: Karim Malak on the secrets behind easyHotel's successful model

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Checking In we speak to Karim Malak, the CEO of easyHotel, about his career path from consultancy roles to leading easyHotel today,...

Behind the strategy: How Fairmont St Andrews attracts more than just golfers

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Checking we are joined by Jane Frazer, Director of Sales and Marketing at Fairmont St Andrews. We Discussed Jane’s time working i...

Kind Holidays: Hospitality's unique position to be a force for good

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s Checking In, we speak to Grant Peires, Communications Director at IDILIQ Group, who has most recently dedicated his work to Kind Holi...

How repositioning a hotel can be a powerful growth journey for managers and their teams

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're joined by David Hayden, the General Manager at Mercure and ibis London Earls Court Hotel. In this episode, we talked about the h...

Chicostay: How thinking like a retailer can help your hotel drive ancillary revenues

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak with Tony Barker, owner of hospitality tech platform, Chicostay. Tony tells us about his early career building software to he...

Guy Ivesha on how mavericks can reinvent wellbeing in hospitality

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Guy Ivesha, CEO of workspace and lifestyle concept Maslow's. Guy discusses how his love of hospitality runs in the f...

Splendid Hospitality’s MD on how positive leadership can leave behind a lasting legacy

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s Checking In we're joined by Andrew Kendrick, Managing Director of Hotels at Splendid Hospitality Group. Andrew talks about how his lo...

Walk for Wellbeing: Tackling mental health in hospitality one step at a time

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by Sean Wheeler, Hospitality Action Ambassador and a People and Culture Consultant at Sean Wheeler Consulting. Sean talks to ...

What are the simple practices M&E teams should adopt to secure more bookings?

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we spoke with Louise Tawadrous, client services director at the insights and consultancy firm BVA BDRC. We discussed how Louise began her ca...

Sofitel UK’s Area GM on building trust in her teams in New York, London and beyond

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode we’re joined by Marie-Paule Nowlis, the Area General Manager for Sofitel UK and General Manager of Sofitel London St James....

Effectively managing a hotel’s pre-opening to ensure satisfied guests

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Checking In, we're joined by Mark Winter, the Pre-Opening General Manager of Holiday Inn Blackpool, which recently opened in May of...

HotelPlanner CEO: Boosting bookings and understanding guests with AI

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we're joined by Tim Hentschel, the co-founder and CEO of HotelPlanner. We discuss the process of developing HotelPlanner, how Tim sca...

HotelPartner MD on tailoring revenue strategy to meet consumer needs

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Robert Holland, the managing director of HotelPartner Revenue Management. We discussed Robert’s journey in hospitality ma...

Kerian Barnes: Overseeing operational and commercial excellence

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Kerian Barnes Operations and Commercial Director for Starboard Hotels. We discussed Kerian’s journey to her role today, ...

James Lynch: The secrets behind an award-winning hotel design

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Checking In we are joined by James Lynch, the Owner of The Albion, an award-winning 12-bedroom hotel located in Cardigan, Wales. We...

A warm Yorkshire welcome with Cedar Court Hotels

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we spoke with Wayne Topley - managing director at Cedar Court Hotels in Yorkshire. Wayne told us about how he steered the business through C...

MD of AA Hotel Services on the ratings scheme's evolution since 1908

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Hotel Services. In this episode, we discuss how the AA’s assessment scheme ...

Stepping into leadership: RBH MD on steering indie and branded hotels

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we speak to Louisa Green, Managing Director of RBH Hospitality Management. We spoke about her recent appointment to the top job, how ...

The Social Hub founder: A pioneering hybrid hospitality concept

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Charlie MacGregor, CEO and founder of hybrid hospitality group, The Social Hub. Charlie discusses how the student ac...

Coaching hotel firms through transitional change

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we spoke with Tim Davis MBE, Founder and Managing Director of PACE Dimensions, a management consultancy firm that advises hotel groups, amon...

Total Transformation: Creating the right blueprint for team success

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Simon Drake , the general manager of The Store, in Oxford. We discussed the process of turning the historic Oxford departme...

Z Hotels founder: Building a hotel property empire from the ground up

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Bev King, Founder and CEO of Z Hotels. Bev tells us about how he created and scaled Z Hotels, the brand’s ‘compa...

From Mandela to Mayfair: Leading a luxury hotel with a storied past

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we speak to Joanne Taylor-Stagg, General Manager of the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair. Joanne told us about meeting Nelson Mandela...

How to maximise the potential of your F&B offering

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Robin Chiang, Senior Vice President of Growth at OpenTable. Robin discusses the ways in which the platform helps hot...

How hoteliers can contribute to the circular economy

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we speak to Tommie Eaton, Director of Clean the World UK. He spoke about how he first became an advocate for sustainability, the ways ...

Leading Northern Ireland's most renowned hotel group

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're joined by James McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels in Northern Ireland. We spoke about how and why he pivoted away from acco...

Navigating the challenges of scale across a global portfolio

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Julie White - CCO Europe & North Africa at Accor. Julie discusses how her previous experience in the airline industry helpe...

Creating a memorable luxury F&B offering

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we speak to Andrea Signanini, Food & Beverage Director at Pan Pacific London. Andrea spoke to us about his journey from footballer to F&B Di...

The tech trends shaping the future of hotels

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Mark Lewis, CEO of hotel distribution consortia HotelREZ. We discussed how fostering good relationships with hoteliers is k...

How to manage an innovative hotel sales team

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’re joined by Scott Brown, the UK Director of Sales for Meliá Hotels International. Scott tells us about the importance of believ...

The hybrid profit lease revolution

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by Lionel Benjamin, the co-founder of AGO Hotels. We discuss the launch of AGO Hotels, the company’s hybrid profit lease bu...

The hospitality recruiter championing LGBTQ+ professionals

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we spoke to Will Davies, Director at HBD Partners and co-founder of Checking-IN, the inter hotel LGBTQ+ network. He spoke about his transiti...

How to develop a successful revenue management strategy

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Jim Cockell, the owner of the boutique hotel The Old Stocks Inn. We discussed Jim’s decision to acquire the hotel back in...

Empowering women and the next generation in hospitality

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we spoke to Eljesa Saciri, General Manager of The Zetter Marylebone. Eljesa spoke about her strong advocacy for equality within the industry...

Reviving the iconic Burgh Island Hotel

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Giles Fuchs, owner of the iconic Burgh Island Hotel. We spoke about how it has been brought up to date with renovations, th...

Adapting to leadership as a General Manager

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by Neil Taylor, the General Manager of YOTEL Glasgow. In this episode, Neil explains how his passion for hospitality develope...

The secret to a successful hotel sales strategy

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by Martin Terry, Director of Sales at Stapleford Park. Martin talks to us about the ins and outs of targeting sales and stayi...

The 'me to we' wellbeing revolution

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode we are joined by Emlyn Brown, Global Senior Vice President of Wellbeing at Accor. We discussed the challenges of overseeing a wellness...

The future of the hostel market

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Marc Roeberson, the new COO of Clink Hostels. He tells us about the sixth instalment of Clink’s property portfolio, the i...

...With Lee Pickersgill, Energy Manager at Valor Hospitality

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we speak to Lee Pickersgill, Energy Manager at Valor Hospitality. Lee talks about what he learned during his time with the Royal Engineers, ...

...With Chris Eigelaar, Resort Director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by Chris Eigelaar, Resort Director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort. Chris talks to us about his career beginnings in South Afri...

...With Michael Mason-Shaw, GM of Hyatt Place London City East

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we spoke to Michael Mason-Shaw, general manager at Hyatt Place London City East. We spoke about his career, starting as an art graduate, bec...

... Checking In from HOSPACE 2023

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's special episode we are joined by Hotel Owner’s very own reporter Corina Duma. Corina recently attended Hospa’s annual conference so...

...With James Horn, F&B Director at The Cumberland

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by James Horn, F&B Director at The Cumberland in London. James talks about his early career in New York City, what it’s lik...

...With Barbara Van Teeffelen, Owner of Keythorpe Hall

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are joined by Barbara Van Teeffelen, the owner of exclusive stay country house hotel, Keythorpe Hall. We discussed how Barbara and her pa...

...With Joe Fox, Head Concierge, Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re joined by Joe Fox, Head Concierge at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. Joe talks about his varied concierge roles over the years...

...With Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry, Area VP of Hyatt UK & Ireland

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we speak with Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry, Area Vice President of Hyatt UK & Ireland and General Manager of Hyatt Regency London - The Churchil...