The Turndown: The Podcast for Hoteliers

What does it take to keep hospitality from becoming just another commodity? In this episode of The Turndown, Bashar Wali, Founder and CEO of This Assembly and Practice Hospitality, shares why the future of hotels lies not in points or perks, but in the power of human connection. 
 
Drawing on his experience as hotel developer, operator, and tireless traveler, Bashar challenges the industry to rethink loyalty, guest experience, and the role of technology. Discover why emotional intelligence is hospitality’s greatest asset – and how small, thoughtful moments can transform forgettable stays into lifelong loyalty. 

What does it take to create a hospitality experience so unique that guests become your greatest advocates? In this episode of The Turndown, Brad Steward shares the philosophy behind Caravan Outpost, a place where intentional design and experiential travel collide.
Drawing on his background as a snowboarder, designer, and brand innovator, Brad brings a unique perspective to hospitality. Discover how his philosophy of “rugged luxury” combines innovation, storytelling, and hands-on craftsmanship to deliver experiences that speak directly to his guests’ desires—making them his brand’s biggest advocates and fans.
 

How do you create a truly memorable hospitality experience that keeps guests coming back? In this episode of The Turndown, James Kendall LaRue, COO of LOGE, shares his journey from consulting to leading an innovative hospitality brand that prioritizes community and authenticity. With properties designed to get guests out of their rooms and connected with each other and the outdoors, LOGE blends technology and personalized hospitality to create memorable moments across its growing network of experiential stays.
 
Kendall discusses how LOGE leverages tech to streamline operations while empowering team members to focus on human-to-human interactions and shares insights on why authenticity and genuine care are the core competencies he seeks in leaders. With a unique approach to staffing, training, and community engagement, Kendall explains why true hospitality is about creating meaningful experiences, not just selling rooms.

How do you balance guest experience with data security in an industry built on personal connections? In this episode of The Turndown, Claudia Infante, Chief Data Officer at Margaritaville, shares her perspective on the evolving role of technology in hospitality—what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to change.
 
From guest data management to AI and facial recognition, Claudia breaks down how hotels can leverage technology without losing the heart of hospitality. She also shares her thoughts on the next generation of industry leaders and why seamless tech integrations are still one of the biggest pain points in hospitality. Plus, we hear about her career journey from banquet server to hospitality tech leader and what earning a Lifetime Achievement Award means to her.
 

What does it mean to deliver authentic hospitality in an increasingly automated world? In this episode of The Turndown, Diogo Vaz Ferreira, Head of Commercial at Clink Hostels, shares his thoughts on balancing modernization with the human touch in the hostel industry.
 
The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of integrating automation, the evolving expectations of younger, tech-savvy travelers, and how hostels like Clink are staying ahead by embracing innovation without sacrificing community. From the intricacies of hostel revenue management to the impact of social dynamics on guest experience, this episode offers valuable insights for hospitality professionals navigating a fast-changing landscape.

What does it take to lead the largest hotel group in Mexico, oversee 17,000 employees, and navigate an industry in constant transformation? In this episode of The Turndown, Enrique Calderón Fernández, COO of Posadas, shares his insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of hospitality.
 
From keeping hotels open during the pandemic to developing 30 new properties, Enrique discusses the challenges of labor retention, rising costs, and evolving guest expectations. He explains how Posadas is driving productivity through guest experience, upselling, and sustainability - while navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. 

What’s it like to build a portfolio in a high-barrier market like San Diego? In this episode of The Turndown, Adam Dailey, real estate investor and accommodation operator, shares how he finds value in overlooked properties and why uncertainty is both a challenge and an opportunity for independent hoteliers.
 
From running an Olympic hospitality business to building a portfolio in San Diego, Adam shares how his early experience packaging tickets and accommodations sparked a passion for real estate. He talks through the realities of today’s hospitality market—financing challenges, shifting guest behavior, and why service still matters more than ever.

What does it take to lead a successful hotel brand while keeping people at the heart of everything you do? In this episode of The Turndown, Diego de Ponga, CEO of Port Hotels, shares his journey from head of revenue management to CEO of one of Spain's most iconic family-owned hotel groups.
 
Diego explains how Port Hotels invests heavily in employee development, emphasizing why training programs and team culture are critical for hospitality success. He also highlights the importance of clearly aligning sales, marketing, and revenue management teams to create a perfect growth cycle, shares how integrated technology drives efficiency, and provides practical advice for revenue professionals to future-proof their careers.