In this episode, we're looking back at the biggest hospitality headlines from March—joined by none other than Grey Raines, Managing Partner at Raines Company. Fresh off the Hunter Conference, Grey dives into everything from staffing shortages to hotel design trends and cruise-ship inspired stays.

We chat about:

The ongoing labour crunch in hotels—and how flexibility and culture are key
Airlines switching lanes: Spirit goes premium, and Southwest says goodbye to free bags
Bleisure travel and how hotel lobbies are getting a serious glow-up
Hotels partnering with cruise lines—and even taking to the skies with private jet experiences
What’s new at Raines Company, including a fresh hotel opening in Greenville, NC

This is your one-stop-shop for insights, hot takes, and a glimpse into the future of travel and hospitality.

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CvYBHy3PBjA

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page
The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media

Links:
Hotels still struggling with staffing shortages: https://usa.boutiquehotelier.com/staff-shortages-across-american-hotels/

Southwest ends free bags: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/southwest-airlines-ending-free-checked-bags-policy-many-passengers/

Spirit moves Premium: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/12/spirit-airlines-completes-financial-restructuring-exits-chapter-11.html

Hotels updating design for bleisure travel: https://hotelsmag.com/news/the-evolution-of-hotel-design-creating-spaces-for-work-leisure-and-community/

Hotels ride the cruise ship wave: https://www.costar.com/article/1339140196/us-hoteliers-try-to-ride-the-wave-of-surging-cruise-demand

Four Seasons Private Jet experience: https://www.travelpulse.com/news/entertainment/four-seasons-launches-private-jet-trip-inspired-by-the-white-lotus

What is new with Raines?: https://hotelsmag.com/news/rains-to-manage-hilton-garden-inn-greenville/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/145

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Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

#145: Southwest & Spirit Shakeup, Hotels Design for Bleisure & Ride the Cruise Wave | March Hot Topics with Grey Raines

The Modern Hotelier

#145: Southwest & Spirit Shakeup, Hotels Design for Bleisure & Ride the Cruise Wave | March Hot Topics with Grey Raines