Meridian Thinking

We'd be lying if we didn't love this experience at GROUPE BON MARCHé : Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche et La Grande Epicerie de Paris.

?????? ?????????? ???? ??????????????????????:????????? ?????????? ?????? ??????’?? ???????????????????? ???????????? ?????????? ?????? ???????????? ???? ????????????-?????????????? & ?????????????????? ???????????? This week, two major announcements shook up the hotel world: ???????????? ?????????????– Hyatt’s?new select-service brand, designed to expand its midscale and upscale offerings with a streamlined development model. ??IHG Hotels & Resorts ?????????????????????? ???? Ruby Hotels?– A bold expansion into the????????? ?????????????space, reinforcing lifestyle as a key driver of growth. At first glance, these moves seem distinct—one a brand launch, the other an acquisition. But they point to a shared truth:??????? ?????????????????????? ?????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????????? ??????????????????. ????????’?? ?????? ???????? ??????????????: ? Select-service is evolving beyond efficiency—???????????????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????????are now front and center. ?????????? ?????????????is becoming a mainstream growth engine, where??????????????????????????? ?????????? ????????????-?????????????? ??????????????????????. ? Major players are doubling down on???????????????????????, ??????????-?????????????? ????????????????????, ?????? ?? ?????????? ?????????????????across brand portfolios. At?Meridian Thinking, we help brands navigate these shifts—building resonance, rethinking experience design, and crafting strategies that make guests feel something real. The future of hospitality isn’t just about category alignment; it’s about how brands show up in ways that are?????????????????????, ????????????????????????????, ?????? ???????????? ??????????. ???????? ???? ?????? ??????????? Are these shifts signs of deeper transformation in the hotel space? Would love to hear your thoughts. #meridianthinking #brandstrategy #leanluxury #hospitality #selectservice #leanluxury

THE WHITE LOTUS EFFECT: HOW TV DRIVES LUXURY HOTEL DEMAND The HBO hit?The White Lotus?isn’t just entertainment—it’s a tourism catalyst. After Season 1, Maui’s Four Seasons saw a 425% spike in website traffic. Season 2 put Sicily’s San Domenico Palace on the map, with bookings soaring and Taormina experiencing a tourism boom. Now, Season 3 is poised to do the same for Thailand’s Koh Samui. KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR HOTELIERS: ???Be the Destination?– Featured hotels aren’t just backdrops; they?become?the destination. How are you embedding your locale into the guest experience? ???Social Currency Matters?– Today’s travelers seek status-driven, exclusive experiences worth showcasing. What makes your property Instagrammable and aspirational? ???Luxury is a Narrative?– Guests don’t just book a stay—they buy into a story. What’s the compelling, must-experience tale your hotel tells? At?Meridian Thinking, we help brands craft unforgettable guest experiences that drive loyalty and demand. From weaving local culture into hospitality to designing high-impact storytelling strategies, we ensure your property isn’t just seen—it’s sought after. The future of luxury hospitality isn’t just about service—it’s about storytelling. Is your hotel ready for its close-up? #meridianthinking #whitelotuseffect #hospitality #travel #hoteltrends #cx

????Read all about it! I had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Glatt, M.A. from Mint Pillow Newsletter, the latest and greatest newsletter for hospitality professionals. We talked all things Meridian Thinking, how brands aren't all about a logo but the experience, shifting trends in the segment and some of the biggest headaches I get to solve alongside our clients. #meridianthinking #customerexperience #brandstrategy #hotels #hospitalitynews

For years, I’ve been passionate about shaping brands that create meaningful connections with people—whether through hotels, real estate, food & beverage, or beyond. But as I looked at the evolving landscape, I saw a gap: Too often, strategy and execution exist in silos, leaving great ideas diluted by misalignment or operational constraints. I wanted to create a consultancy that blends deep brand strategy with pragmatic execution—helping companies not just define who they are, but also activate it in ways that resonate with both guests and operators. With?over 12 years of experience across 25+ hotel brands?and a track record of launching and repositioning major players like Radisson, Hilton’s Spark, and LivSmart Studios, I’ve seen firsthand what works—and what gets lost in translation. At Meridian Thinking, we focus on: ??Brand Creation & Repositioning?– Developing clear, compelling brand identities that stand out. ??Guest & Operator Experience?– Ensuring the strategy is felt at every touchpoint. ??Strategic Growth & Differentiation?– Helping brands carve out a unique space in the market while driving long-term success. If you’re exploring what’s next for your brand, let’s connect. #BrandStrategy #CustomerExperience #MeridianThinking #BrandBuilding #BusinessGrowth

Curious about how we work? Custom-built teams to suit your needs. We are a team of?senior professionals?with deep experience in both the?agile world of consulting?and the?intricate dynamics of large corporations. This dual perspective allows us to approach every challenge with a blend of strategic clarity and real-world practicality. But we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all teams. To ensure our clients get?the most impactful solutions, we bring in?specialist expertise exactly where it’s needed. #CX #meridianthinking #customerexperience

The best experiences don't just meet expectations—they redefine them. At Meridian Thinking, we believe exceptional customer experiences are crafted with intention and insight. We stay attuned to what makes experiences not just memorable, but meaningful.?These three have caught our eye this week: ????Quill Wine Bar: Write a letter to your future self, sip on a cocktail, and the bar will send it to you on your behalf a year later. "Wine, words, and wisdom - what more could you want?" https://lnkd.in/eV-THHky ?? ?? Twin Farms: Part of Relais & Chateaux, this hotel allows you to enjoy the fresh Vermont air while dining at one of its fully catered picnic spots. A smart way to expand F&B revenue while offering a unique customer experience. https://lnkd.in/eGAUjyhm ????Google "Ask for Me": Google's new AI feature can call businesses on your behalf to check pricing and availability. Currently piloted with nail salons and auto repair shops, it identifies itself as an automated system, making interactions seamless while saving time.?https://lnkd.in/eExXbt-8 #cx #customerexperience #meridianthinking

Experience isn’t just what happens—it’s how it makes people feel. From the first impression to the final interaction, experience is the invisible thread that weaves together perception, expectation, and emotion. It’s marketing and booking, but also anticipation and advocacy. It’s service delivery, product use, and every touchpoint in between. At?Meridian Thinking, we help brands design experiences that don’t just meet expectations—they create lasting connections. Because when every moment is intentional, loyalty follows. What kind of experience are you creating? #BrandStrategy #CustomerExperience #CX #Hospitality #MeridianThinking