In this inspiring episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, Adam Hamadache sits down with Ben Harper, the visionary CEO behind Watergate Bay and Another Place. Together, they delve into Ben’s innovative approach to running successful hotel businesses while staying true to their lifestyle brand ethos.

Ben reveals the strategies behind creating destination experiences that resonate deeply with guests, fostering loyalty without depending on online travel agencies (OTAs). From cultivating a unique brand identity to prioritising guest connection and direct booking channels, this conversation is a masterclass for hoteliers aiming to thrive in a competitive market.

We dive straight in to the lessons and insights Robin Sheppard FIH, President of Bespoke Hotels, has from 50 years working in the hotel industry.

I’m joined this week by Rosie Radwell, Managing Director of Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth, Chair of the Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association and Chair of the BCP Coastal Bid. Rosie shares the successes she’s enjoyed by embracing diversity in her recruitment, and how investment into accessibility has opened up new markets.

Mark Yates is an experienced hospitality General Manager, having trained with Relais & Châteaux and worked his way up from front office management at The Savoy to holding General Manager positions for properties such as Ashdown Park, The Atlantic Hotel and Careys Manor. In this wide-ranging episode, Mark explains how the General Manager role has changed since we emerged from the COVID years and how hoteliers should approach rate management.

Adrienne is the Founder & CEO of Right Revenue and an all-round revenue nerd! With a lifetime career in travel and hospitality, Adrienne has spent the last 25+ years in the amazing world of revenue management. With a background in Revenue Management consultancy, Adrienne saw a problem in an industry she was passionate about and wanted to fix it, hence Right Revenue was born. Designing and developing a revenue software solution that takes the myth out of Revenue Management, Adrienne’s goal is to partner with independent hotels providing a software solution that gives great rate recommendations, accurate forecasting and bespoke reporting. A regular speaker at industry conferences and international events, Adrienne is passionate about not only the hospitality industry but also the world of tech start-up; supporting female business leaders and generally encouraging as many young people as possible to get excited about the next huge opportunity!

Having recently been awarded the AA Lifetime Achievement Award for a hospitality career spanning 45 years, Adrian has recently retired from his 10-year position as General Manager of The Lowry Hotel, Manchester and has recently launched the Hospitality Connect initiative, providing a career pathway for schools into the hospitality industry.

We dive into Evie Brockwell's time working at Booking.com to share the insights she learned from within the most successful hotel booking platform on the planet, plus she draw on her experiences as a product consultant, coach and trainer.