Why Hyatt Is Betting Big on Midscale Hotels

Why Hyatt Is Betting Big on Midscale Hotels

In this episode of Check-In with Bryan, Bryan Fish sits down with Jason Ballard, SVP and Global Brand Leader for the Essentials Portfolio at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Jason shares how Hyatt is expanding into new markets through brands like Hyatt Studios, Hyatt Select, Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Unscripted by Hyatt, and UrCove. The conversation dives into Hyatt’s approach to midscale and upper-midscale growth, owner-focused development, conversion strategy, brand discipline, guest experience, and what it takes to build hotel brands that actually work in the real world. They also discuss Jason’s 20+ year career at Hyatt, how hospitality creates long-term opportunity, why travel changes people, and the leadership lessons he has learned from working across revenue management, operations, analytics, brand development, and global hotel strategy. Topics covered: * Hyatt’s growth in the essentials and midscale hotel space * The strategy behind Hyatt Studios and Hyatt Select * Why conversion brands are becoming more important * How Hyatt thinks about owners, operators, and development costs * Building hotels around real operational feedback * The future of hotel loyalty and guest experience * What makes Hyatt’s brand approach different * Career lessons from 20+ years in hospitality * Why travel and hospitality still matter If you’re a hotel owner, developer, operator, investor, or hospitality professional, this conversation offers a deep look into where the hotel industry is heading and how one of the world’s most respected hospitality brands is thinking about growth. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders across hospitality, hotel ownership, operations, development, branding, and business strategy. #hoteldevelopment #hotelownership #hotelbrands #hospitalityleadership, #hotelconversions #midscale#hotels #HyattEssentials

Inside the Future of Hospitality Technology

What if the future of hospitality starts with better spaces? In this episode of Check-In with Bryan, Bryan Fish sits down with Jeff Emmons, CEO of Immedia, to talk about how NextSpace became more than a showroom — it became an immersive experience center where clients can see, touch, test, and understand technology before making major investments. Jeff breaks down how Immedia built a multi-million-dollar ecosystem around AV integration, workplace technology, smart meeting rooms, event rentals, hospitality tech, and podcast production — and why physical experience still matters in a digital world. Bryan and Jeff also dig into what hotels can learn from this model, including built-in AV, smarter meeting spaces, guestroom automation, occupancy sensors, leak detection, energy savings, ROI, and the operational value of better data. In this episode: * How NextSpace became a sales and experience engine * Why clients need to experience technology before buying it * How built-in AV can improve hotel meeting spaces * Why smart guestrooms can reduce costs and improve operations * The ROI behind occupancy sensors, leak detection, and automation * How podcast studios and content spaces are becoming business assets * Why hospitality needs better technology infrastructure Subscribe to Check-In with Bryan for more conversations on hospitality, hotel operations, technology, leadership, travel, business, and the future of guest experience. #HospitalityTechnology #HotelTechnology #AVIntegration #SmartHotels #CheckInWithBryan

Is Hotel Tech Losing the Human Touch?

What happens when a longtime hotel operator moves into the world of hospitality technology? In this episode of Check-In with Bryan, Bryan Fish sits down with Nick Knight of Duetto to talk about the evolution of hotel tech, revenue management, AI, personalization, and why the future of hospitality still depends on human connection. From old-school PMS systems and wake-up call printers to cloud-based platforms, machine learning, generative AI, and profit optimization, Nick breaks down how technology is reshaping hotel operations — and where the industry still needs to be careful. They also discuss the disappearing role of the traditional concierge and maître d’, the importance of training, the rise of revenue and profit operating systems, and why hoteliers need to stay curious as the industry changes faster than ever. In this episode: * How hotel technology has changed over the last 20 years * Why AI should support hoteliers, not replace them * The future of revenue management and profit optimization * How Duetto is approaching AI and machine learning * Why hospitality still needs human connection * The importance of training the next generation of hotel leaders Subscribe to Check-In with Bryan for more conversations on hospitality, hotels, travel, technology, operations, and the future of the industry. #HospitalityTechnology #HotelIndustry #RevenueManagement #HospitalityPodcast #HotelTech

The F&B Playbook Hotels Still Get Wrong

What separates a great hotel restaurant from one that quietly loses money? In this episode of Check-In with Bryan, Bryan sits down with hospitality veteran Guy Reinbold—former VP of Food & Beverage and Corporate Executive Chef at Marriott International—to break down what actually drives success in hotel F&B. With over 40 years of experience, Guy shares real-world insights from the front lines of hotel operations, covering everything from concept development and menu strategy to guest expectations and profitability. From fixing underperforming restaurants to navigating brand standards vs. owner ROI, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for hotel owners, operators, and hospitality professionals. They dive into: * Why most hotel restaurant concepts fail before they even open * The balance between brand standards and owner profitability * How guest expectations should shape your F&B strategy * The real impact of pricing, room service, and retail on revenue * Why simplicity and execution matter more than over-designed menus * Lessons from decades inside one of the world’s largest hotel brands Whether you’re building a new concept or trying to fix an existing one, this episode is a masterclass in keeping hospitality both profitable and authentic. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly insights from leaders shaping the hospitality industry. #Hospitality #HotelManagement #FoodAndBeverage #HotelBusiness #Leadership

What It’s Like Having Your Virgin Voyage Planned

What does it actually feel like to take a trip where everything is planned for you? This week on Check-In with Bryan, we’re coming to you aboard the Scarlet Lady with Lara Eurdolian, Belle Baskt, and Melissa & Skye Neumann to break down their full Caribbean experience—this time planned entirely by Destinations by Reliance. From the moment they left home to the moment they stepped back off the ship, every detail of this trip was handled—from flights and transportation to onboard reservations, excursions in Key West and Bimini, and everything in between. The result? A completely different way to travel. Instead of stressing over logistics, the group was able to fully immerse themselves in the experience—leaning into spontaneity, enjoying curated recommendations, and having a dedicated concierge available 24/7 to handle anything that came up along the way. In this episode, they share their honest, unfiltered experience of what it’s like to: * Travel without planning every detail yourself * Experience a Virgin Voyages cruise through a fully curated itinerary * Balance spontaneity with structure * Enjoy high-level service without the usual travel headaches They also dive into the moments that made the trip unforgettable—from Scarlet Night and late-night karaoke to exploring Key West, discovering Bimini, and experiencing the energy that makes Virgin Voyages stand out. And perhaps most importantly, they reflect on what changed when they were able to truly be present—thanks to having every moving piece handled for them.  #VirginVoyages #LuxuryTravel #TravelPlanning #DestinationsByReliance #CheckInWithBryan In this episode, you’ll learn: * What it’s like to have your entire trip planned for you * How Destinations by Reliance creates a seamless travel experience * Why concierge-level service changes how you travel * The real difference between DIY travel and curated itineraries * Highlights from Virgin Voyages, Key West, and Bimini About the Show: Check-In with Bryan is hosted by Bryan Fish, CEO of Reliance Hospitality, featuring conversations with leaders, creators, and operators shaping the future of hospitality, travel, and business. Credits: This show is a production of RH Media Productions. Executive Producer: Tyler Alexander Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Reliance Hospitality Global Limited Co., its affiliates, or subsidiaries. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions regarding your business. #VirginVoyages #LuxuryTravel #TravelPlanning #DestinationsByReliance #CheckInWithBryan