This week’s episode, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Stacy Warner, Executive Vice President at Eat.Drink.Sleep., the boutique hospitality group known for concept-driven hotels, restaurants, and bars that blend standout design with unforgettable guest experiences.

Stacy shares her journey from a small town in Massachusetts to shaping some of California’s most creative hospitality projects, including the iconic Tower 23 Hotel. She talks about her People First philosophy, why she believes independent hotels offer the best growth opportunities, and how Eat.Drink.Sleep. balances design ambition with operational excellence through their in-house creative studio.

From navigating unique project challenges (like renovating a hotel on Catalina Island) to leading teams in an era of shifting workplace expectations, Stacy offers candid insights into what it takes to create spaces where both guests and employees thrive.

You’ll also hear her take on:

The difference between “boutique” and “independent” hotels
How guest expectations are evolving (and how they’re not)
Why investing in communication tech is shaping the future of hospitality
Tips for retaining top talent in a competitive market

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

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:
Stacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-warner-4369406/

Eat.Drink.Sleep (EDS) Hospitality Group: https://eatdrinkandsleep.net/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/200

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...

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

#200: Turning a Love for Hotels into a Career in Hospitality | with Stacy Warner

The Modern Hotelier

#200: Turning a Love for Hotels into a Career in Hospitality | with Stacy Warner