In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan sits down with Saxton Sharad to explore how hospitality and hotel design are evolving for today’s guest experience. Sponsored by BERMANFALK, this conversation dives into micro vacations, invisible hospitality, and how modern leadership is reshaping the way hotels connect with travelers.

Saxton shares how Hideaway Inns is redefining hospitality by blending local authenticity, frictionless experiences, and thoughtful design to meet the expectations of millennials and Gen Z guests.

About the Guest:

Saxton Sharad is the Founder and CEO of Revival Hotels and Hideaway Inns, where he’s building a portfolio of design-forward boutique properties in destinations like Mount Sunapee, Mount Snow, and Lenox. He previously helped scale Graduate Hotels and has worked across major brands, but is now pioneering a high-margin “invisible hospitality” model that’s delivering additional operating profit across his properties.

Chapters:

01:15 Office Vibes And Intentionality

03:03 Defining Hospitality

05:58 Origins Of The Philosophy

07:51 Unplugging And Micro Breaks

09:18 Hideaway Inns Vision

11:00 Millennial Travel Shift

14:15 Building From Guest Research

17:02 Authenticity And Giving Back

25:59 Invisible Hospitality Platform

30:30 Innkeeper Model Explained

36:11 Owner Economics And Margins

39:58 Lease Deal Sweeteners

40:36 Scale And Tech Advantage

44:35 Innkeeper Career Model

46:53 Fixing Hospitality Turnover

48:15 Design Led Growth Plan

50:00 Fandom And Regional Focus

56:21 Revival Management Focus

58:41 Invisible Or Full Service

01:01:35 Authenticity Through Local Art

01:03:27 Berkshires Travel Pitch

01:07:59 Wrap Up And Thanks

Quote of the Show:

“ I don't care how talented you are or how much money you have in your pocket, you cannot be good at everything. Step into what you're good at, find that strength, and live that strength.” - Saxton Sharad

Building a hotel, brand, or guest experience? Reach out to Dan on LinkedIn or hit reply on the Substack to share what you’re working on.

Links:

• Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@defininghospitality?sub_confirmation=1
• Substack: https://www.defininghospitality.live/
• BERMANFALK: https://www.bermanfalk.com/
• Saxton Sharad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saxton-sharad-cha-6642a49/
• Hideaway Inns: https://www.hideawayinns.com/
• Dan Ryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedailydanryan/

Tags:

#DefiningHospitality #HospitalityDesign #HotelDesign #GuestExperience #MillennialTravel #BoutiqueHotels #HotelInnovation