Smarter hospitality hacks

Let’s talk smarter hospitality—how hotels can level up without burning out. First up, learn how your guest Wi-Fi can do more than connect—it can convert casual logins into marketing gold. We’ll also walk you through sharp revenue-boosting strategies that don’t rely on raising room rates. And if you’ve ever felt a little too cozy with your OTA partners, you’re not alone—find out how to break free from “OTA Stockholm Syndrome” and take back control. Here's to small shifts with big impact.

Skip the middleman. Working with OTAs isn’t really a partnership—or a friendship, for that matter. Brian Reeves calls it “OTA Stockholm Syndrome” because it’s hard to change when the trauma feels familiar. At the end of the day, it all comes down to who gets to own the relationship with the guest.

Tech stack shakedown. Tech moves fast—luckily, so can you. Contributors to HotelTechReport's Top Hotel Tech Products and Trends of 2025 spent thousands of hours reviewing software and researching top-rated products so you don’t have to.

The bar should be on point. The Trail Hotel—purportedly the world’s first bourbon-infused luxury hotel—has opened in Bardstown, Kentucky. Property highlights include four F&B concepts, a private-label bourbon and rye and a Bourbon Butler, connecting guests with VIP distillery tours and exclusive tastings.

Eco boutique meets equity. KSL Capital Partners just checked into paradise with a major stake in eco-conscious, experiential luxury boutique hotel brand Soneva. The move sets the stage for immersive, high-end escapes in the Maldives, Thailand and beyond.

Workforce woes? From immigration to labor shortages, Trump policy is shaking up the hotel workforce, according to hotelier Davonne Reaves. “We’re not even 60 days in yet, and there’s been a lot of turmoil with traveling."

'LOULOU doesn’t replace the human experience. It strengthens it’

Dawn Spann is a hospitality pro who thrives on helping hotels and spas deliver standout guest experiences by blending smart tech with a human touch. Now a partner at LOULOU.ai—a voice and text AI agent—she’s all about tone, timing and vibe. With a background that includes top-tier properties like Mii Amo and Cliff House, Dawn knows what it takes to meet five-star standards while making every guest feel truly seen. -Jennifer Glatt

What problem does LOULOU AI solve best?
LOULOU steps in where hospitality teams are stretched thin—solving for labor shortages, inconsistent service and missed opportunities. We take on the high-volume, repetitive communication (calls, texts, WhatsApp, emails) so that staff can focus on the moments that really matter. With LOULOU, no guest is ever left waiting and no brand ever sounds off-message.

What’s been the biggest hurdle working with hotels so far?
Legacy systems and a healthy skepticism. A lot of properties are still operating with outdated tech or fragmented platforms that don’t talk to each other. And anytime you mention AI, especially in luxury, there’s a concern it will feel impersonal. This is where LOULOU stands out because we are hospitality veterans creating tech for hospitality. LOULOU doesn’t replace the human experience. It strengthens it.

What’s something hotel clients have said that surprised you?
One spa director told us, “LOULOU is the first tech solution I’ve rolled out that my team actually thanked me for.” That stuck with us. We built LOULOU to make things easier—but hearing that it lifted morale and gave teams breathing room? That's the kind of feedback you hope for.

How do you handle guest data privacy and AI ethics?
We don’t compromise on trust. LOULOU is built with end-to-end encryption and strict compliance with GDPR and other global standards. We don’t sell data, period. Ethically, we keep things simple: our AI exists to support—not manipulate—human interactions. That means transparency, discretion and staying aligned with the brand’s values, always.

What’s next for LOULOU AI in the hotel space?
We’re building toward a fully connected guest journey, from the first inquiry to the post-stay thank you. That means deeper integrations with PMS, POS and spa booking platforms so the experience feels seamless on both sides. The goal? Relieving our teams of repetitive tasks, giving them back the time and space to focus on what truly matters—creating the kind of in-person magic that only real human connection can deliver.

Modern southwest minimalism

Casetta’s Hotel Willa in Taos, New Mexico, exemplifies the transformative potential of boutique hospitality by reviving a mid-century motor lodge into a culturally rich, design-forward retreat. With its clean lines, organic textures and artful minimalism, the property offers inspiration for hoteliers looking to transform space through thoughtful design.

Why it matters: By retaining the original structure while introducing warm minimalist interiors, curated art and layered textures, Hotel Willa showcases how spatial storytelling can elevate even modest footprints. Adaptive reuse and intentional design come in clutch when creating memorable spaces. (HospitalityNet)

Above: Hotel Willa guest room (Courtesy Casetta)

Hospitality meets hotspot

Who knew your Wi-Fi could be a marketing MVP? This clever guide shows you how to turn log-ins into loyalty and clicks into conversions with Wi-Fi marketing ideas for your restaurant.

Why it matters: Wi-Fi isn’t just for streaming and selfies—it’s a goldmine for guest insights and smart promotions. With tools like branded login pages and micro-surveys, you can boost engagement before guests even hit the minibar. (The Access Group)

Optimized ops

Otelier has teamed up with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, as an Alliance Partner. This collaboration offers boutique hoteliers access to Otelier's performance optimization tools, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experiences.

Why it matters: This tag team means boutique hotels can kiss tedious paperwork goodbye with Otelier’s smart automation and improved budgeting and forecasting capabilities. More time freed up means more chances to wow guests and create unforgettable stays. (Hotel-Online)

Money moves

Ready to boost your boutique hotel’s revenue game? Check out episode 19 to discover five savvy strategies—from clever pricing tricks to tech-powered profit protection—that can help move the $$$ needle.

Why it matters: You know what they say about putting all your eggs in one basket. Mixing up your revenue streams and playing smart with pricing means more money to your bottom line. (Mews)

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