Checking In by Hotel Owner

Mulberry Media

Welcome to "Checking In," a weekly podcast produced by Hotel Owner, tailored for hoteliers and professionals navigating the dynamic world of hospitality. Join us as we delve into insightful conversations with industry experts, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and ambitious newcomers. Each episode offers valuable advice, industry insights, and inspiring stories designed to empower your success. Whether you're a seasoned hotel owner or embarking on your career in this vibrant industry, Checking In has stories you'll love. Tune in for your weekly 'check-in' and let's elevate your hospitality game.

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22 episodes
weekly
Avg 41 min
English

Episodes 22

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S4 · E33
Friday · 42 min
The regenerative retreat: Inside Fowlescombe Farm
In this episode we speak to Caitlin Owens, managing director of Fowlescombe Farm, a Devon retreat that is shaped by the seasons. We explore what regenerative hospitality really means and how Fowlescombe puts this into practice in every sense, as well as its approach to provenance and the relationship between guests and the land. She discusses how the property combines farming, conservation, food and hospitality in an interconnected model, and allows guests to play their own part in its operations, as well as cultivating a team built on passion and respect.
S4 · E32
August 21 · 44 min
The Coftie effect: Comfort, connection and conscious hospitality at The Lovat
In this episode we speak to Caroline Gregory, owner and manager of The Lovat in Loch Ness. Caroline spoke about how her hospitality journey began by working with her father, giving her an early insight into the industry and shaping the values that continue to influence her approach today. She also discussed the distinctive ‘Coftie’ philosophy that shapes the Lovat – which creates a sense of comfort and wellbeing that guests can take home with them, and why sustainability is much more than a list of operational initiatives –but a philosophy that should underpin the way a hotel thinks.
S4 · E31
August 14 · 57 min
'We had to understand what drives us' — The thinking behind Líbere's UK expansion
In this episode we're joined by John Harrington, head of Business Development UK & Ireland at Líbere Hospitality Group. John spoke about his role in launching the company's UK presence from the ground up, the deciding factors behind what makes a property the right fit for Líbere, how the company’s own technology-led operating model has allowed for the highest levels of automation and agility, and how digital innovation can enhance rather than replace great guest service.
S4 · E30
August 7 · 32 min
'Respect works both ways – that's how great kitchen teams are built'
In this episode we speak to Matthew Li, head chef at The Municipal Hotel Liverpool. We'll explore how Matthew’s culinary family helped inspire his own career journey, the lessons in leadership and respect that he has learned through his work with Andrew Green, what it takes to build and lead a high-performing kitchen and motivate your team, and the importance of strong mental health support and striking the right work/life balance when working in a fast-paced space.
S4 · E29
July 31 · 33 min
‘How the guests feel emotionally in the spaces you create is the most important thing’
In this episode we speak to Amber Pledge, co-founder of Kabn, Scotland's first luxury, regenerative, social hospitality brand. Originally a dual-qualified finance lawyer, Amber made the leap from a city career to hospitality entrepreneurship, bringing together analytical thinking and creative vision to build the business. We explore the journey behind Kabn, from the inspiration for the brand to the practical realities of developing and operating a design-led hospitality concept. Amber shares how her background in law and finance has helped the process, how sensory design and storytelling resonates with guests, and how Kabn celebrates the land around it.
S4 · E28
July 24 · 33 min
'Storytelling is so important – It makes the properties come alive'
In this episode we speak to Sinai Pedreschi, director of sales and marketing at Starhotels Collezione. Sinai shares how strong relationship-building with clients and team members has remained at the heart of her business approach, how smaller luxury hotels can compete with the marketing power of global brands, why boutique properties may have a unique advantage when it comes to creating memorable guest experiences and why strong storytelling is a cornerstone for your site’s success.
S4 · E27
July 17 · 41 min
'Hotels are the gateway to your city'
In this episode, we speak to Andrew Sanders, general manager of the recently reopened Grand Hotel Leicester, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and a key part of its ongoing regeneration. Andrew spoke about the process of refurbishing the site and what this opening brings to Leicester, how to balance preserving heritage with catering to the modern guest, the ways in which the hotel celebrates its history and identity and creates special memories for its guests and his approach to leading a passionate team that is part of the hotel’s story.
S4 · E26
July 10 · 49 min
'The magic of making people happy'
In this episode we’re speaking to Philip Steiner, chief operating officer of Vertiq Hospitality Partners. He talks about his experience with the merger of Cycas Hospitality and Vertiq Capital, how his experience as a hotel general manager led him to a senior role in operations, and the surprising things he has had to unlearn during his career.
S4 · E25
July 3 · 25 min
'Create a fan base, not just guests'
In this episode we're joined by Nicolas Leroy, co-founder of Toile Blanche, a hotel resort and contemporary art collection in St Paul de Vence in the South of France. Having started it as an artistic destination with his brothers, Nicolas will share what he has learned about hospitality from an artist’s perspective, how to make art feel intentional and interactive for guests, and the differences between French and British hotel getaways.
S7 · E24
June 26 · 44 min
"The lines between hotels and members' clubs are blurring" - Daniel Kyriakides on the evolution of this model
In this episode we speak to Daniel Kyriakides, a partner at law firm Reed Smith. We discuss why private members’ clubs are experiencing a resurgence and what that means for the future of the hotel sector. From heritage buildings being reimagined as lifestyle destinations to hotels borrowing the experiential playbook of members’ clubs, we discuss how the lines between the two are becoming increasingly blurred, and why global growth is on the horizon for the private members club model. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E23
June 19 · 47 min
Growing a global brand through local success at Wyndham
In this episode we speak to Jackie Brown, regional director, North & West Europe, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Jackie spoke about her time at Hilton and the lessons learned across both operations and corporate hospitality, Wyndham's growth ambitions across Europe and the opportunities within the UK market today, balancing global brand standards whilst supporting owner’s individual growth plans and how Wyndham maintains strong partner relationships through transparency and trust. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E22
June 12 · 54 min
Home House: The changing private members' club and art of inclusive exclusivity
In this episode we speak to Andrew Richardson, managing director of private members’ club Home House. Andrew reflects on his background as a chef, and what he learned working across international luxury hospitality markets, how Home House preserves its exclusivity whilst being inclusive, the evolution of the private members' club model and how versatility and adaptability are key to conquering this sector. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E21
June 5 · 42 min
Betting on Manchester: A new chapter for extended-stay hospitality
In this episode we speak to brothers Alex and Adrien Grosjean, young entrepreneurs who have recently acquired The Residence Inn by Marriott Manchester Piccadilly. We discussed the reasons why Manchester’s visitor market is booming, and their decision to invest in this area, why they see extended-stay accommodation as a major opportunity in what is one of the UK's fastest-growing cities, how they plan to enhance their portfolio of hotels, and their advice for the next generation of hospitality disruptors. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E20
May 29 · 48 min
Inside Native by Numa: The rise of the flexible, frictionless stay
In this episode we speak to Philip Lassman, managing director UK&I at Numa. Philip spoke about the lessons learned from his time at Hilton, IHG and Accor, and how his early roles have shaped his leadership approach, the rise of aparthotels and why guests are increasingly seeking flexible and locally connected stays, how Native by Numa sites root themselves in their local neighbourhoods, and Philip’s plans for growing the Numa brand. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E19
May 22 · 52 min
Inside The Culpeper Family: Where heritage and storytelling meets sustainability
In this episode we speak to Nico Tréguer, co-founder of Roberts and Treguer and The Culpeper Family. Nico spoke about founding the group alongside his longtime friend Gareth, having had a vision for bringing more nature spaces to cities, the planned extension of The Buxton in Spitalfields, and how the site’s storytelling engages guests and the local community, how the Culpeper Family’s core sustainability ethos helped it secure its B-Corp status and why hospitality has a responsibility to educate and innovate when it comes to sustainability. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E18
May 15 · 16 min
Inclusion in action: Sam Innes on the power of inclusive hiring in hospitality
In this episode we speak to Sam Innes, Food and Beverage assistant at The Waldorf Hilton. Sam spoke about how the Down's Syndrome Association Workfit programme helped connect him to his dream workplace, how he has developed confidence and communication skills while embracing the fast-paced world of guest service in his role, the benefits that inclusive hiring can bring to hospitality teams and his recent experience of speaking on the world stage at the UN raising awareness for inclusivity. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E17
May 8 · 36 min
Inside The Derby London City: Creating a modern lifestyle hotel with Hilton
In this episode we speak to William Hunter, general manager of The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, owned by Dominus and managed by its hotel platform Dominus Hospitality. William discussed how his career has progressed under the Hilton banner, including standout lessons from Hilton’s management programme and the strong mentors he has met along the way. He also discusses balancing global brand standards with authentic local character, building a strong culture from day one, and motivating teams at the Derby through empowerment and communication. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E16
May 1 · 37 min
Touchpoints that matter: Rethinking the guest journey through storytelling spaces
In this episode we're joined by Ruud Belmans, co-founder and executive creative director at design studio WeWantMore. Having gained experience working with major hotel brands, he will discuss how to improve the guest experience by refining touchpoints, the importance of implementing brand storytelling in every part of the property, and why LLMs are the next frontier for guest discovery. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E15
April 24 · 33 min
Reimagining a landmark: Remus Obertelli on the evolution of The Imperial
On this episode of Talking Shop, we speak to Remus Obertelli, General Manager of The Imperial. Remus shares how he built a world-class foundation through the management programme at Red Carnation Hotels and the high-stakes lessons learned leading the opening of The Montcalm Royal London House. Today, we focus on his work at the helm of The Imperial, discussing the delicate art of reimagining a 120-year-old landmark for the modern traveler while staying deeply rooted in its heritage. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
S4 · E14
April 17 · 1 hr
People before profit: Leading with empathy at Holmes Hotel London
In this episode we speak to Joe Henry, general manager of Holmes Hotel London. Joe spoke about his people-first mindset when it comes to leading at Holmes, how the hotel connects to and supports the community around it, why modern leadership means being visible and relational and how building a culture rooted in empathy and transparency fosters trust in your teams. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

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