Check-In with Bryan
Welcome to Check-In with Bryan, your essential podcast for staying ahead in the dynamic world of hospitality. Hosted by Bryan Fish, CEO of Reliance Hospitality and a highly sought-after keynote speaker, this podcast dives deep into the strategic insights, evolving trends, and transformative ideas driving the hospitality and travel industries forward.
Drawing from Bryan’s extensive background in hospitality management, strategic planning, and business innovation, each episode features compelling discussions with influential industry leaders, hotel executives, investors, asset managers, and expert consultants. You’ll gain valuable insights into operational excellence, market developments, investment opportunities, asset optimization strategies, and relevant travel news influencing the hospitality landscape.
Designed specifically for hotel owners, operators, hospitality investors, travel professionals, and industry leaders, Check-In with Bryan empowers listeners to elevate their business strategies, harness industry-leading insights, and navigate the ever-evolving intersection of hospitality and travel.
Stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the competition with Bryan Fish and Reliance Hospitality.
Check-In with Bryan
Black Friday Travel Hacks, Hilton Deals & The Sonder Fallout
Black Friday isn’t just about TVs and gadgets—this week we’re talking travel deals, Hilton’s huge sale, and what the Sonder–Marriott mess really means for guests.
In this Check-Out Friday episode of Check-In with Bryan, host Bryan Fish and producer Tyler Alexander catch up post-Thanksgiving and cover everything from Black Friday software buys to why airlines are in the business of service, not hospitality—a callback to a powerful analogy from recent guest Sarah Dandashy (@askaconcierge).
They also unpack highlights from this week’s long-form conversation with hospitality attorney and professor Stephen Barth (HospitalityLawyer.com), including:
- The Sonder–Marriott case study and why it’s such a big deal for the industry
- Who actually owns your hotel, who really has your money, and why that matters
- Why travel insurance might be worth it—especially when you’re dropping $10K+ on a trip
- How loyalty points, third-party ownership, and franchise structures can leave guests confused and frustrated
Then Bryan shifts gears into practical Black Friday and holiday travel tips, including:
- Details on Hilton’s major Black Friday sale and how to maximize the promo window
- Why you should avoid third-party booking sites like Expedia/Booking.com for “deals”
- How to use airline vacation packages (like AA Vacations, Delta Vacations, etc.) to bundle flights + hotels for better value
- How advanced pricing algorithms and AI-driven revenue systems changed the old “book on Tuesday” travel hacks
Along the way, Bryan and Tyler riff on:
- Overhead bin drama, basic economy, and the eternal carry-on battle
- Why some airline staff feel firmly “service only” while hotels lean into hospitality
- Holiday chaos, family dinners, and the golden rule of returning the Tupperware
If you’re in hospitality, hotel ownership, or just a frequent traveler trying to protect your wallet and your sanity during peak travel season, this Check-Out Friday is for you.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Check-In with Bryan for more candid hospitality conversations every Tuesday, plus our lighter, fast-hit Check-Out Fridays with Bryan & Tyler.
