#224: Deep Dive on Hotel Investment & Growth Strategy | with Tiffany Donato
The Modern Hotelier · David Millili & Steve Carran
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Show Notes
In this episode, Steve and David sit down with Tiffany Donato, Chief Investment Officer at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, for a candid deep dive into hotel investments, portfolio strategy, and the art of turning underused spaces into revenue and memorable experiences.
Tiffany shares lessons from Hyatt and beyond, why Marcus pairs long-term thinking with entrepreneurial experiments (think igloos, mocktails, and ski hills), and how co-investing, recapitalizations, and smart PIPs shape their expansion outside the Midwest. Plus: texting over email, AI for call handling, and why serving locals is a growth strategy.
You’ll learn:
- The Marcus blueprint for expansion beyond the Midwest
- How to underwrite labour, rate, and demand honestly (and still win)
- Practical activations that drive revenue
- Why co-investing and long-term thinking beat quarter-to-quarter pressure
- Simple tech moves that delight guests and reduce friction
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zYPYxG0AZJA
Links:
Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-leadbetter-donato-46b1027/
Marcus Hotels Management | Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants: https://www.marcushotels.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/224
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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.