Episode Details
Back to EpisodesMews’ Mega-Raise, NYC’s Crack Down on Hotel Fees, More Airbnb Rumors, and Controversy over Hilton's New Hotel Brand
Description
This week opens in a literal snow-and-ice meltdown — and somehow ends in Bangkok’s Hangover Hotel with 3,000 people a day lining up for a movie photo op. In between, the guys hit the real storylines moving the industry.
Mews just raised $300M at a $2.5B valuation, and the panel asks the uncomfortable question: is this finally the moment hotels stop “talking about modernization” and actually do it — or are we about to watch another year of operators moving at glacial speed? Then Hilton drops Undergraduate by Hilton (yes, that’s the name), and the guys debate whether it’s smart segmentation… or a branding unforced error.
We close with New York’s crackdown on hidden hotel fees and credit card holds — and why this isn’t about fees at all. It’s about trust exhaustion.
Journey is a loyalty platform built specifically for independent boutique hotels and high-touch hospitality brands. Our mission is to give operators the same powerful rewards engine, data intelligence, and guest insights that major chains rely on — without asking them to give up the individuality, soul, or story that makes their property extraordinary.
If you’re an owner or operator of an extraordinary, independently owned and operated hotel or residence — and you want to see whether your property is a fit for the Journey Alliance — you can learn more and apply at https://www.journey.com/alliance
Key Topics & Timestamps
00:00 — Intro
02:09 — Story #1: Muse raises $300M Series D at a $2.5B valuation
13:32 — Story #2: NYC bans hidden hotel fees and limits credit card holds
24:23 — Rumorville: Airbnb exploring an apart-hotel / management brand
27:26 — Story #3: Hilton announces “Undergraduate by Hilton” as brand #26
42:27 — Spice of the Week
Your Hosts:
Zach Busekrus — Journey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbusekrus/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthestays/
Scott Eddy — Global Travel & Hospitality Expert @MrScottEddy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrscotteddy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrscotteddy/
Ben Wolff — Founder of Onera & Oasi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-wolff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambenwolff/
Edwin Kramer — Luxury Hotelier Consultant & Former GM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinckramer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinkramer/