Best Puzzling Conundrums Podcasts (2025)

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To Crab, or Not to Crab? 29:02

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3h ago29:02

29:02

We can all picture a crab, but did you know that nature has reinvented those claw clicking, sideways scuttling crustaceans at least five separate times? In recent years the internet has run wild with the idea that crabs are the ultimate life-form, and that even humans might one day end up with pincers too. But is there any truth behind the memes? H…

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How to Create Hotel Emails Guests Actually Want to Read?-094 6:01

4h ago6:01

6:01

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Email Marketing for Hotels: What to Send (And When) In this Hotelier Helpcast episode, we explore the forgotten art of hotel email marketing. Discover the emails your guests actually want to read, and how they can boost your re…

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How Can You Make Your Hotel Website a Booking Machine?-093 7:17

7d ago7:17

7:17

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Your Hotel Website’s Job: Convert or Confuse? In this episode of the Hotelier Helpcast, we explore the simple tweaks that turn a hotel website into a high-conversion powerhouse. If guests are browsing but not booking, your webs…

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Coming soon... a brand new series of Curious Cases 2:10

8d ago2:10

2:10

Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain return to Curious Cases HQ for a brand-new series. And curios, there’s a lot to unpack! Coming soon to BBC Sounds.By BBC Radio 4

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How To Forecast Your Hotel’s Off‑Season Cash Flow-092 5:42

19d ago5:42

5:42

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Facing the off‑season slowdown? Learn to manage your hotel’s cash flow with forecasting, saving, smart pricing, and fresh revenue ideas. Timeline: 0:00 Hook & topic intro 1:20 Cash forecasting and reserves 3:00 Expense control …

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How To Track The Most Essential Hotel KPIs?-091 8:01

26d ago8:01

8:01

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Running a hotel is part art, part numbers—this podcast shows the numbers that matter. In today’s episode, you’ll get a straight‑talk guide to hotel KPIs you can track right now: Occupancy Rate, ADR, RevPAR, GOPPAR, and RevPAC. …

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How Can Hotels Cut Costs Without Cutting Corners?-090 6:35

1M ago6:35

6:35

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download 💸 Hotel Cost-Saving Without Sacrifice! In this episode of the Hotelier Helpcast, we reveal five brilliant ways to reduce operating costs at your hotel—without cutting guest service. Learn how to save on utilities, streamline op…

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How Can You Build a High-Morale Hotel Team That Won’t Leave?-086 7:30

1M ago7:30

7:30

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Hotel Rate Strategy: Compete on Price or Value? In this Hotelier Helpcast episode, we unpack the critical choice for hoteliers: price vs value. Learn why cutting rates can backfire—and how to build a hotel rate strategy that at…

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When Staff Go Rogue—Handling Hotel Employee Misconduct-088 8:37

2M ago8:37

8:37

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download When Staff Go Rogue—Handling Hotel Employee Misconduct Ever had an employee go off the rails? In this episode, we talk about handling hotel staff misconduct without blowing up your business. We’ll share practical steps for inve…

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How Do You Train Seasonal Hotel Staff Fast Without Losing Your Mind?-087 7:03

2M ago7:03

7:03

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Want a hotel team that sticks around and treats guests like royalty? In this episode, we’re sharing proven ways to boost morale, reduce turnover, and create a workplace your staff actually enjoy. ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 1:10…

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How Can You Build a High-Morale Hotel Team That Won’t Leave?-086 8:08

2M ago8:08

8:08

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download How to Train Seasonal Hotel Staff Fast and Make Them Shine Hiring seasonal staff for your hotel? Don’t panic! In this episode, learn how to train seasonal hotel staff fast so they deliver great guest experiences from Day One. D…

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How to Hire Your First Hotel Employees Without Losing Sleep-085 8:26

2M ago8:26

8:26

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Hotel Hiring 101: What to Look for in Your First 5 Employees In this episode, we explore how to make your first hotel hires count. From front desk charmers to housekeeping heroes, we’ll unpack what personality traits, attitudes…

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How to Cut Hotel Supply Costs Without Cutting Corners-084 7:42

3M ago7:42

7:42

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Inventory Management Tricks That Save You Thousands You're not losing money because of bad guests—you're losing it in the stockroom. In this week’s Hotelier Helpcast, we tackle the real reason your profit margins are disappeari…

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The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Maintenance Scheduling-083 8:19

3M ago8:19

8:19

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download How to Set Up a Hotel Maintenance Schedule That Actually Works Every hotel owner says they want fewer surprises—but few have a hotel maintenance schedule that makes that possible. In this practical episode of the Hotelier Helpc…

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How Do You Build Hotel SOPs Without Going Mad?-082 8:25

3M ago8:25

8:25

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download How to Streamline Hotel Operations with Daily Checklists | Episode 080 – Beds, Breakfast & Business Ever feel like your hotel is one missed checklist away from chaos? In Episode 080 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, I break down h…

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How to Make Your Hotel Front Desk Run Like Clockwork?-081 9:12

3M ago9:12

9:12

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download The Secret Sauce for Smooth Front Desk Operations Welcome to the Hotelier Helpcast! In this episode, we dive deep into front desk operations—the nerve centre of your hotel. Learn how to streamline guest check‑in, boost efficien…

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Clever Crows 28:30

3M ago28:30

28:30

The term 'bird brain' might suggest our feathered friends are stupid, but Hannah and Dara learn it's completely untrue. They play hide and seek with a raven called Bran, and hear how his behaviour changes depending on his mood. Corvid expert Nicola Clayton explains these creatures are actually cleverer than the average 8-year-old, and can learn how…

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How To Streamline Hotel Operations With Daily Checklists-080 9:11

3M ago9:11

9:11

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download How to Streamline Hotel Operations with Daily Checklists | Episode 080 – Beds, Breakfast & Business Ever feel like your hotel is one missed checklist away from chaos? In Episode 080 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, I break down h…

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Memory Swap 30:19

3M ago30:19

30:19

Could you ever trade memories with someone else? Fancy downloading the experience of landing on the moon, winning an Oscar or performing at Glastonbury? Listener Adam wants to know, and Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain are on the case. With expert insights from Professor Chris French and Professor Amy Milton, they dive into the mind’s tendency to blur …

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5 Hotel Launch Fails & What You Can Learn From Them-079 8:57

4M ago8:57

8:57

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download 5 Hotel Launch Fails & What You Can Learn From Them | Episode 079 – Beds, Breakfast & Business In Episode 079 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, we’re getting brutally honest about what can go wrong when launching a hotel. These ar…

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Clowns in Spacetime 29:57

4M ago29:57

29:57

Can you slow down time by hurtling through space at breakneck speed? Could listener Saskia’s friend - currently one year older - end up the same age as her if he went fast enough? It sounds bananas, but it’s all part of Einstein’s mind-warping theory of relativity. With expert copilots Professor Sean Carroll and Dr. Katie Clough, Hannah Fry and Dar…

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Hotel Zoning Nightmares and How to Avoid Them-78 10:00

4M ago10:00

10:00

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Hotel Zoning Nightmares and How to Avoid Them | Episode 078 – Beds, Breakfast & Business You’ve got the vision, the budget, and the passion—but do you have the right zoning? In Episode 078 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, we tack…

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Colossal Creatures 28:57

4M ago28:57

28:57

How big can animals really get before they collapse under their own weight or run out of snacks? Could a 12-foot comedian survive their first punchline without snapping in half? Listener Andrew sends Hannah and Dara on a deep dive into the science of supersized species. With evolutionary biologists Ben Garrod and Tori Herridge as their guides, they…

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10 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Hotel Site-077 8:26

4M ago8:26

8:26

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download 10 Red Flags to Watch When Choosing a Hotel Site | Episode 077 – Beds, Breakfast & Business In Episode 077 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, we’re diving into a crucial topic for aspiring hoteliers: how to spot red flags when sele…

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Nano Sharks 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

Think of a shark and you'll probably conjure up images of Jaws, but it turns out their skin is also covered in tiny teeth. Hannah and Dara investigate the incredible properties of these so-called dermal denticles, to find out whether they could be replicated at a nanoscale to increase vehicle speeds. They learn that while sharks might look like the…

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How to Decide Between Building or Buying Your First Hotel-076 7:17

4M ago7:17

7:17

Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download Should You Build or Buy Your First Hotel? | Episode 076 – Beds, Breakfast & Business In Episode 076 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, we tackle one of the biggest decisions a new hotelier will face: build or buy your first hotel? …

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Chuckle, Snigger and LOL 29:27

5M ago29:27

29:27

Why do we giggle, snort, and bust a gut laughing? Is it just humans being weird, does it serve some higher function or do other animals crack up too? And, okay, Dara is a comedian, but has he ever really made anyone laugh, like properly? With help from Professor Greg Bryant and Professor Sophie Scott, they dive into the science of LOLs, exploring h…

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How to Craft a Hotel Business Plan That Attracts Investors-75 8:04

5M ago8:04

8:04

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ How to Craft a Hotel Business Plan That Attracts Investors | Episode 075 – Beds, Breakfast & Business Episode 075 of Beds, Breakfast & Business is for every aspiring hotel owner staring at…

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Don't Bite Me! 29:47

5M ago29:47

29:47

Ever wondered why some people are mosquito magnets and other people barely get bitten? Hannah and Dara grapple with the question of whether these insects are evil or genius, discovering how they’re experts at finding blood when they’re hungry, even using a specially designed syringe to suck it out. But when Professor Leslie Vosshall tells them some…

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How to Choose a Hotel Concept That Matches You?-074 8:58

5M ago8:58

8:58

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ How to Choose a Hotel Concept That Matches You | Episode 074 – Beds, Breakfast & Business Welcome to episode 074 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, where we dive into the heart of what makes a…

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Aches and Rains 29:29

5M ago29:29

29:29

The team test the theory that you can use the weather to predict pain, separating science fact from fiction. It's an area with a huge amount of conflicting research, but one man who has investigated this is Professor Will Dixon, who explains that low pressure could be causing people's joints to ache more. Dara and Hannah are intrigued to hear our g…

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How to Know If Opening a Hotel in 2025 Still a Smart Investment-073 9:06

5M ago9:06

9:06

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Is 2025 the Right Year to Open Your Independent Hotel? In this episode of Hotelier HelpCast podcast, host Gerry MacPherson explores whether 2025 is the optimal year to open an independent …

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Furnishing with Fungi 28:35

5M ago28:35

28:35

From mouldy bread to athlete’s foot, fungi don’t exactly scream “home improvement.” But what if this misunderstood kingdom is the secret to the sustainable materials of the future? Listener Alexis - definitely not a gnome - wants to know how much of our homes we could build with fungi. Professor Katie Field describes how the mushroom is the just ti…

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How Do You Develop a Winning Hotel Team?-072 9:03

5M ago9:03

9:03

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ How Do You Develop a Winning Hotel Team? What’s the real secret to delivering an exceptional guest experience? It starts behind the front desk—with your team. In this episode, Gerry MacPhe…

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Love Neurons 28:37

6M ago28:37

28:37

What happens in your brain when Cupid’s arrow strikes? As a teenager, Alison developed an intense crush on George Harrison from the Beatles. But, she wants to know, why do we develop these feelings for pop stars we’ve never actually met? And what potent swirl of neurochemistry drives those fierce emotions? With neuroscientist Dr. Dean Burnett and e…

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How Can Independent Hotels Build Customer Loyalty That Lasts?-071 9:34

6M ago9:34

9:34

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Building Lasting Customer Loyalty for Independent Hotels In this episode of Hotelier Help Cast, discover essential strategies to foster customer loyalty for independent hotels. Host Jerry …

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Invisibility Quest 29:36

6M ago29:36

29:36

Hannah and Dara tackle a disarmingly simple question: is anything in the universe truly invisible? After ruling out mysterious Nordic spirits and ‘Dara’s ire’, our curious duo start to track down the invisible waves all around them. Including, it turns out, some which are emanating from their VERY OWN FACES! An infrared camera reveals Hannah’s nose…

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The Psychology Behind Great Hotel Service-070 10:54

6M ago10:54

10:54

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Unlocking Guest Satisfaction: Psychological Secrets to Boost Your Hotel Service In this episode of Hotelier HelpCast, host Gerry MacPherson looks into the psychology behind memorable hotel…

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Liar, Liar 28:41

6M ago28:41

28:41

For any of you who have ever told a porkie pie, don't worry, this week we hear why we all do it... and discover that deception is actually good for social bonding. From the red squirrels who cry wolf to scare off the competition, to kids who look you in the eye as they tell bare faced lies, this is a behaviour that occurs across all species. And on…

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How Can You Turn Guest Complaints Into Loyalty Opportunities?-069 10:28

6M ago10:28

10:28

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Mastering Guest Complaints: Turn Frustrations into Loyalty The episode covers the significance of active listening, empathy, offering solutions rather than excuses, and the importance of f…

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The Diamond Throwdown 32:09

6M ago32:09

32:09

“Diamonds are nonsense!” Hannah boldly proclaimed in a previous episode. But listener Guy is a diamond enthusiast, and he and his diamond-loving pals were NOT OKAY WITH THIS. He demanded we re-open the case, and here we are... SO in this glittering showdown, Dara is on a quest to flip Hannah’s perspective from “meh” to “marvelous.” And for Hannah, …

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How To Create Unforgettable A Guest Experience In Your Hotel-068 9:32

6M ago9:32

9:32

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Transforming Guest Experiences: Hotelier Help Cast In this episode of Hotelier Help Cast, learn easy strategies to make your hotel guests feel valued and connected. Host Jerry McPherson sh…

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Curious Cases is back! 1:51

6M ago1:51

1:51

Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain return to tackle listener's questions with the power of science!By BBC Radio 4

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What’s The Secret To Maintaining Healthy Hotel Cash Flow?-067 9:40

6M ago9:40

9:40

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Mastering Cash Flow: Essential Strategies for Independent Hoteliers In this episode of Hotelier Help Cast, we delve into critical cash flow management strategies tailored for independent h…

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How Can You Create A Realistic Hotel Budget-066 9:55

7M ago9:55

9:55

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Mastering Hotel Budgeting: Simple Strategies for Success In this episode, discover effective strategies to set and manage a hotel budget that meets your financial goals. Host Gerry McPhers…

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How To Manage Your Hotel's P&L Statement-065 19:32

7M ago19:32

19:32

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Mastering Your Hotel's P&L Statement: Essential Tips for Financial Success In this episode of Hotelier Helpcast, Gerry McPherson breaks down the basics of understanding and managing your h…

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How To Streamline Hotel Operations?-064 8:46

7M ago8:46

8:46

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Streamline Hotel Operations: Practical Strategies for Efficiency In this episode of Hotelier Helpcast, host Gerry McPherson provides actionable strategies for streamlining hotel operations…

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What Are the Key Steps to Navigating Hotel Construction?-063 9:46

7M ago9:46

9:46

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ Simplify Your Hotel Construction: Permits, Planning, and Practical Tips In this episode of Hotelier Helpcast, host Gerry McPherson breaks down the complex process of constructing or renova…

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How To Choose The Perfect Site For Your Hotel-062 11:35

8M ago11:35

11:35

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ 🎙️ Hotel Owner's Roadmap: Essential Strategies for Choosing the Perfect Location In this episode of Hotelier Helpcast, we introduce the comprehensive course, Hotel Owner's Roadmap: Start, …

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The Best Location for Your B&B — 5 Factors You Can’t Ignore-061 11:19

8M ago11:19

11:19

Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF. https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/ 🎙️ What’s your hotel’s concept? It’s more than just a theme—it’s your brand’s identity! 🎙️ In this podcast episode, we dive into why having a strong, well-defined concept is the foundation…