AI Won’t Save Your Hotel — But This Mindset Shift Will.TSHS-135

In this episode of The Social Hotelier Podcast, Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with Pablo Torres, founder of Torres Hospitality Consulting and a driving force behind the Global Revenue Forum Madrid, to explore the next frontier of hotel profitability.

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Discover how hotels can unlock total revenue by looking beyond room sales — tapping into F&B innovation, upselling culture, AI-powered decision making, and zero-waste sustainability. Pablo shares practical strategies from working with hundreds of hotels in 30+ countries, revealing how leadership mindset, guest-centric culture, and technology can transform your bottom line.

Key takeaways:
✅ Why most hotels still overlook 50% of their revenue potential
✅ How to turn “order takers” into “profit makers” in F&B
✅ How AI can amplify — not replace — human intuition in revenue management
✅ Why sustainability is no longer just ethical but financially smart
✅ The rise of dynamic pricing across every hotel department

If you’re a GM, hotel owner, or revenue leader, this episode will help you move from firefighting to strategic innovation — and future-proof your hospitality business.

Building with Purpose: Portia Hart’s Vision for Sustainable Hospitality in the Caribbean. TSHS-134

Building with Purpose: Portia Hart’s Vision for Sustainable Hospitality in the Caribbean What happens when hospitality becomes a force for good?

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🌿 #HospitalityInnovation #ConsciousLeadership In this inspiring episode of The Social Hotelier Show, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann sits down with visionary hotelier Portia Hart, founder of Blue Apple Beach, The Green Apple Foundation, and Nuestra Cartagena. Together, they explore how conscious leadership, community empowerment, and cultural authenticity can redefine the future of luxury hospitality. Discover how Portia is transforming Colombia’s Caribbean coast through sustainable design, social impact, and a bold reimagining of what it means to “build with purpose.

” 👉 Learn how purpose and profit can coexist.

👉 Hear real stories from behind the scenes of ethical hotel development.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on conscious leadership and hospitality innovation.

The AI Revolution in Hotel Marketing: Why Storytelling Beats Ad Spend. TSHS-133

The AI Revolution in Hotel Marketing: Why Storytelling Beats Ad Spend

Can independent hotels truly compete with global brands in today’s AI-driven world?

In this episode of The Social Hotelier Show, host Sam-Erik Ruttmann speaks with Sarahstahlmarketing strategist Sarah Stahl (@MarketMoversLLC), the creative mind behind a boutique resort that achieved an extraordinary 93% direct booking rate — without OTAs or massive ad budgets.

Sarah shares the strategies that turned chaos into clarity, transforming a six-unit start-up into a 21-unit success story.

💡 You’ll learn:

• How AI is reshaping hotel discovery and visibility

• Why storytelling beats ad spend • How to build PR credibility that AI (and guests) trust

• The power of inclusivity in hospitality marketing

• How to blend data, emotion, and storytelling for real results

🎙 Hosted by Sam-Erik Ruttmann — global hotelier, conscious leader, and creator of The Social Hotelier Show.

 

He Beat Cancer And Built A Healing Retreat! TSHS-132

He Beat Cancer And Built A Healing Retreat!
How Barry Shimelfarb turned a life-changing diagnosis into a playbook for human-centered hospitality.

In this episode, Barry Shimelfarb shares his transformative journey from a high-pressure career in Silicon Valley to creating healing retreats in Carmel by the Sea after facing advanced cancer. He discusses the power of resilience, the importance of community, and how personal experiences shape hospitality. Barry emphasizes the significance of creating moments of perfection for guests and the role of technology in enhancing human connection. He also reflects on the legacy he wishes to leave and the emerging trends in the hospitality industry.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the mics are still warm but the pressure is off, welcome to Off The Mic. 🎙️

It’s the companion show where I sit down with my guests after the main conversation, in a relaxed atmosphere, to explore the lighter side of life. From personal stories to quirky rituals, and those fun, unexpected questions—you’ll meet the person behind the professional.

Join me for the OFF THE MIC CONVERSATION WITH BARRY SHIMELFARB AND MANY MORE.

LINK TO OFF THE  MIC: https://premiumpodcast.show/afterthemicunscriptedchat

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LINKS TO BARRY’S PARTNERS IN CARMEL

https://www.saltysoulsanctuary.com/

 

https://www.moja.yoga/

 

https://www.refuge.com/

 

https://www.earthboundfarm.com/farm-stand/

 

https://www.maddogsandenglishmen.com/

 

https://www.montereytouringvehicles.com/

 

https://www.caracciolicellars.com/home/

 

https://www.scheidvineyards.com/Wines

 

https://auberginecarmel.com/

 

https://www.casanovacarmel.com/

 

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571

 

 

LINKS TO BARRY’S WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

 

Website

https://www.carmelretreats.com/