Hey, Ben here!

This week Scott, Edwin, Zach and I spent the whole episode on one question.

Who actually owns the guest?

We talk about how the top players in hospitality are either fighting to capture more of your guests, or admitting they can't fake it anymore.

Airbnb's hotel program just crossed 4,000 properties, growing 3x faster than Airbnb's core home business.

Uber's playing the same game from a different angle.

It's becoming a new booking layer for Expedia's hotel supply, using 50 million paying Uber One members to do it.

Then we have IHG and Hyatt who just admitted their scripted, brand-approved creator content was tanking.

So, if you're still reliant on OTAs and hoping the algorithm throws you a bone, this episode’s for you.

In this week's episode, we cover:

• How Airbnb's hotel program crossed 4,000 properties this month, growing 3x faster than its core home business, and why it's staying laser-focused on independent and soft-brand 3- and 4-star product instead of chasing five-star luxury. (Onera's already in talks to move over from the short-term rental side.)
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• How Uber is quietly becoming a new hotel booking channel through Expedia's supply, backed by 50 million paying Uber One members.
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• How IHG and Hyatt just handed creative control back to creators after years of scripted, corporate-approved campaigns tanking engagement.

We also close out the episode with Edwin's tip for the wildest travel weekend on the calendar:

A 90s Ibiza clubbing revival, but with no phones allowed.

​Click here to watch this week's full episode of This Week in Hospitality.​

Enjoy.

Ben Wolff
Founder, Oasi & Modern Hospitality Accelerator