The Modern Hotelier

What does it really take for a boutique hotel to stand out in the crowded world of social media? 

In this episode, host David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dino Jevric, Social Media Marketing Manager at Arlo Hotels, to explore how hotels can thrive in today’s digital world.

From Dino’s early days in social media to running creative campaigns for Arlo Hotels, we dive deep into strategies that connect travelers with authentic experiences. Discover how Arlo leverages culture, personality, and behind-the-scenes content to redefine boutique hotel marketing—and why authenticity is more important than ever in social media.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Arlo Hotels builds engaging campaigns without relying solely on promotions
• The balance between polished visuals and authentic, “run-and-gun” content
• Tips for hotels struggling with social media: leaning into culture and personality
• How Arlo’s social media creates connection before guests even step on property

In this episode of The Modern Hotelier, Steve Carran and David Millili is joined by Luis Segredo, CEO of Hapi, to discuss the biggest hospitality news and trends from November. They dive into the recent dissolution of the Marriott–Sonder partnership, exploring why integrations and siloed technology can make or break hotel collaborations.

Steve and Luis also examine the rise of direct bookings, the impact of loyalty programs, and how travelers are navigating Black Friday and Travel Tuesday deals. They share insights on how hotel brands are adapting to changing customer expectations, leveraging technology to create seamless experiences, and preparing for the future of hospitality.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Marriott & Sonder partnership dissolves: lessons learned from failed integrations and siloed tech.
• Why hotel brands are leading in U.S. travel searches.
• Thanksgiving travel trends: record-breaking numbers, road vs. air travel, and insights from personal experiences.
• How hotels can innovate faster with harmonized data across multiple property management systems.

Join Steve Carran and David Millili on The Modern Hotelier as they sit down with Brittney Jones, Chief Development Officer at Brittain Resorts & Hotels, to explore her inspiring journey from working on-property at a hotel to becoming a C-level executive.

In this episode, Brittney shares insights on:

• The career lessons that shaped her path in hospitality
• How curiosity, humility, and adaptability have fueled her success
• The intricacies of hotel development, acquisitions, and third-party management
• Strategies for aligning owners and operators for long-term success
• Emerging trends in leisure and experiential hospitality, from condo hotels to upscale RV resorts
• Advice for aspiring hospitality executives looking to grow in the industry

Brittney also opens up about her personal journey, the values instilled growing up in South Carolina, and the small wins that have made a big impact throughout her career.

How can video content and influencer partnerships actually drive bookings and engagement?

In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Eileen Santiago, social media strategist at The Modern Hotelier, to explore how hotels can elevate their digital presence, drive engagement, and boost bookings through social media.

Topics Covered:

• Why video content is king for showcasing hotels
• How to use influencer collaborations effectively
• Choosing the right influencers for your hotel (location, niche, engagement, reach, aesthetics)
• Leveraging giveaways to create buzz and attract guests
• Creative video hooks to stop scrollers in their tracks
• Tips for working with micro and nano influencers on a budget

If you’re a hotelier, marketer, or anyone in hospitality looking to stand out on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, this episode is packed with practical, actionable insights.

In this episode, David and Steve sit down with Sarah Jarnicki, the Creator of BrandClave, the AI-powered platform redefining how hotel brands are created, validated, and brought to life.

Sarah shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Cincinnati to working in global commodities, traveling the world, and ultimately building a revolutionary system that predicts traveler desires before they hit trend reports.

We cover everything from:

• How AI, emotional design, and Web3 will reshape hotels by 2030
• Why traditional hotel branding is “broken” — and how BrandClave fixes it
• How Sarah built a 7-day process that delivers fully investor-ready hotel brands
• The rise of identity tourism, digital hotels, and immersive Web3 hospitality
• Why Middle Eastern cities like Dubai & Saudi Arabia are leading hospitality innovation
• How local culture, wellness, and technology will define the next decade of travel

Sarah also reveals her bold initiative to build the world’s first Web3 hotel, co-created with 100 influential women across hospitality, crypto, finance, and design. If you're a hotel developer, hospitality leader, futurist, or just curious about where travel is heading — this is a must-watch.