"Travel Talk" featuring Edward Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide cover art

"Travel Talk" featuring Edward Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide

"Travel Talk" featuring Edward Leos, publisher of The Hotel Guide

By: Edward Leos publisher The Hotel Guide
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Your gateway to unforgettable adventures! For over 32 years, The Hotel Guide has been your trusted source for travel inspiration. Now, through exclusive interviews and insider tips, we bring you the best in luxury hotels, hidden gems, top destinations, wellness retreats, and travel trends. Whether you're planning a getaway or dreaming of your next adventure, we've got you covered. Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube—your next journey starts here! ✈️🌍Edward Leos, publisher, The Hotel Guide Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Travel Talk: "True Luxury, Boutique Style"
    Aug 14 2025

    In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with Mark Reichle, CEO of Select Registry, to explore the future of independent inns, boutique hotels, and bed & breakfasts.

    From guest loyalty to brand trust, Mark reveals what sets Select Registry properties apart and how they’re redefining the art of personalized hospitality in an era dominated by big brands.

    🎟️ Discover why discerning travelers are seeking stays with soul, character, and an unmatched sense of place.

    🎤 In This Episode:
    ✅ What today’s traveler wants from boutique accommodations
    ✅ How Select Registry maintains exceptional quality across 260+ properties
    ✅ Why “authentic luxury” beats cookie-cutter opulence
    ✅ The growing demand for experiential travel and local immersion
    ✅ How guest recognition programs drive repeat stays
    ✅ The role of storytelling in boutique property marketing
    ✅ Why independent hoteliers must lean into their uniqueness
    ✅ Post-pandemic shifts shaping intimate travel experiences

    💡 Key Takeaways:

    🏡 Quality Is the Differentiator
    • Select Registry’s 300-point inspection ensures every stay exceeds expectations
    • True luxury is found in service, comfort, and attention to detail

    🌍 Local Roots, Global Appeal
    • Travelers crave places with personality and a connection to the community
    • Authenticity builds emotional loyalty—and lifelong memories

    📣 Brand Trust = Guest Confidence
    • Consistency across unique properties inspires confidence in booking
    • Guests return for both the destination and the hospitality they’ve come to trust

    🌟 About Mark Reichle:
    With decades of experience in hospitality leadership, Mark Reichle is committed to championing the independent lodging sector. As CEO of Select Registry, he leads a network of remarkable properties that combine individuality, quality, and unforgettable guest service.

    📍 Whether you’re a boutique hotelier, a seasoned traveler, or someone who values travel experiences with depth and character, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

    📲 CONNECT WITH SELECT REGISTRY
    Instagram: @selectregistry
    Website: https://www.selectregistry.com

    📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
    Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
    Facebook: The Hotel Guide
    LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

    📖 Explore more and subscribe for exclusive travel stories & insider access:
    https://www.thehotelguide.com

    🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast and join us as we explore luxury escapes, cultural gems, wellness travel, and stories that change the way we experience the world.

    #TravelTalkPodcast #EdwardLeos #MarkReichle #SelectRegistry #BoutiqueHotels #LuxuryTravel #AuthenticTravel #BedAndBreakfast #IndependentHotels #HospitalityLeadership #TravelWithPurpose #ExperientialTravel #TravelAndCulture #LuxuryEscapes #DestinationBranding #MeaningfulTravel #TravelPodcast

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    16 mins
  • EPISODE 97: "Lake Tahoe Luxury"
    Aug 7 2025

    What does it take to launch an iconic new resort—and how do you create a destination that blends bold luxury with local soul? In this episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos, CEO of The Hotel Guide, sits down with hospitality powerhouse Karie Hall, General Manager of the all-new Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, to explore leadership, design, and what truly defines a world-class guest experience.

    From opening strategy to building a culture of excellence, Karie shares her vision for a reimagined Lake Tahoe resort—and why storytelling, intentional service, and bold branding matter more than ever.

    🎟️ Get a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of one of the most anticipated luxury destinations in the West.

    🎤 In This Episode:
    ✅ How Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe redefines mountain luxury
    ✅ Karie’s insights on culture-building in pre-opening and beyond
    ✅ The importance of diversity, authenticity, and inclusion in leadership
    ✅ Why bold branding is more than a logo—it’s an experience
    ✅ Creating guest experiences that reflect the soul of Lake Tahoe
    ✅ What makes a hotel stand out in a competitive resort town
    ✅ The role of strategic partnerships and community connection
    ✅ Elevating women in hospitality leadership
    ✅ The mindset and execution behind an iconic launch

    💡 Key Takeaways:

    🛎️ Culture Is the Cornerstone
    • Leadership starts before opening day—with vision and values
    • Staff buy-in and empowerment are critical to long-term success
    • Hospitality thrives when teams feel seen, heard, and proud

    🏔️ Bold Vision, Local Heart
    • Caesars Republic is reshaping luxury in Lake Tahoe
    • It’s not about copying Vegas—it’s about honoring Tahoe
    • Local culture, design, and energy are infused into every guest touchpoint

    👑 Leadership with Purpose
    • Karie Hall brings decades of brand-building, operational excellence, and inclusive leadership to her role
    • Women in executive hospitality roles are changing the industry narrative
    • Leading with clarity, confidence, and compassion unlocks next-level results

    📣 Brand Is Experience
    • Every detail—design, service, scent, sound—is part of the brand
    • Great hotels don't just look good—they feel unforgettable
    • Consistency, surprise, and connection drive loyalty

    🌟 About Karie Hall:
    With more than 25 years in hospitality leadership, Karie Hall brings an unapologetically bold and strategic mindset to her role as General Manager of Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe. A champion of culture, creativity, and operational brilliance, Karie is shaping a new chapter for luxury in the mountains—one where inclusion, innovation, and local spirit meet.

    📍 Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or dreaming of your next escape—this episode offers rare insight into what it really takes to bring a hotel to life.

    📲 CONNECT WITH CAESARS REPUBLIC LAKE TAHOE
    Instagram: @caesarsrepubliclaketahoe
    Website: https://www.caesarsrepublic.com/laketahoe

    📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
    Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
    Facebook: The Hotel Guide
    LinkedIn: The Hotel Guide

    📖 Explore more and subscribe for exclusive features, travel stories, and insider access:
    https://www.thehotelguide.com

    🛎️ Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast as we dive into boutique escapes, industry icons, and stories that change how we experience the world.

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    16 mins
  • Travel Talk: "Love, Laughter & Las Vegas"
    Jul 31 2025

    🎯 What happens when two travel lovers tie the knot—and take their passion on the road? In this special on-the-go episode of The Travel Talk Podcast, host Edward Leos is joined by his wife Roxann Leos for their very first road trip edition, recorded live from the vibrant heart of Las Vegas.

    From Bellagio backdrops to spontaneous detours, Edward and Roxann offer a candid, entertaining, and heartfelt look at travel, marriage, and chasing unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning your next couple’s getaway or simply need a dose of travel inspiration, this episode delivers laughter, love, and Las Vegas vibes.

    🎟️ Grab your shades, because this Travel Talk goes off-script and on the strip:
    https://www.thehotelguide.com

    🎤 In This Episode:
    ✅ The excitement of hitting the road as newlyweds
    ✅ Behind-the-scenes moments from the Bellagio
    ✅ What makes Las Vegas more than just bright lights
    ✅ Spontaneous travel and the joy of saying “yes”
    ✅ Trips might be the ultimate relationship test (and triumph)
    ✅ Real talk on balancing business and fun while on the move

    💡 Key Takeaways:

    💑 Travel Bonds Hearts
    • Navigating new destinations together strengthens connection
    • Shared experiences fuel great stories (and lots of laughs)

    🎲 Vegas is a Vibe
    • It’s not all casinos and shows—there’s culture, culinary surprises, and charm
    • Embrace the unexpected—like a podcast episode with sun glare and fountain views

    🌍 Spontaneity = Magic
    • Some of the best travel moments are unplanned
    • Saying “yes” to the unknown often leads to the most unforgettable memories

    🌟 About Edward & Roxann Leos:
    Edward, founder of The Hotel Guide and host of Travel Talk, brings decades of hospitality experience and passion for uncovering hidden gems around the globe. Roxann, his newlywed co-host for this episode, shares her own travel tales and energy for exploring new destinations—together.

    📍 Whether you're a newlywed, a travel enthusiast, or just need a good story on the go—this episode is your ticket to laughs, love, and Las Vegas.

    📲 CONNECT WITH THE HOTEL GUIDE
    Instagram: @officialthehotelguide
    YouTube: The Hotel Guide

    🎧 Subscribe to The Travel Talk Podcast for more travel stories, cultural explorations, and the people behind the places we love.

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    19 mins
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