Jordan Malara is doing something most people would never attempt: buying and repositioning boutique hotels with zero traditional hospitality background. And honestly? He's crushing it.

After serving in the military and cutting his teeth in short-term rentals, Jordan and his business partner took a leap and purchased the Adventure Inn in Durango, Colorado. The 27-room property had been sitting on the market for over a year, but Jordan saw what others missed: a chance to create something that truly reflects Durango's world-class outdoor culture.

The Adventure Inn now caters to mountain bikers, fly fishermen, rock climbers, and anyone drawn to Southwest Colorado's stunning landscape. Jordan added bike racks in the rooms, ski storage, a cedar hot tub for post-adventure soaks, and thoughtful touches that make guests feel like the hotel gets why they came to Durango in the first place.

In this conversation, Jordan shares his philosophy on hotels as ecosystems where culture, operations, and guest experience are completely interconnected. He talks about why he reaches out to local tourism boards to align on target markets, how he built team culture at smaller properties, and why he believes the future of hospitality is about fostering genuine human connection as the world goes increasingly digital.

His approach is refreshingly honest. He admits to making material choices he'd do differently, shares stories about hiring challenges (yes, including an employee who got arrested), and explains why he's willing to jump in and clean rooms even though he's terrible at folding linens.

Jordan's building something special in Colorado, and his willingness to learn, adapt, and stay true to creating authentic destination-driven experiences makes him someone worth watching in the boutique hotel space.

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Mullins, President of Evermore Hospitality, who shares her remarkable journey from a five-year-old enchanted by afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton to leading a revolutionary new category in hospitality. Elizabeth opens up about her 30+ year career spanning the Ritz Carlton and Walt Disney Company, and how those experiences shaped her approach to creating unforgettable guest experiences.

We explore the concept of "residential hospitality" and how Evermore is purpose-built for the growing trend of group and family travel. Elizabeth discusses the "architecture of memory," the importance of hiring people who are happy to serve, and why relational wellness (combating loneliness through togetherness) is the next big trend in hospitality.

Whether you're a hotel marketer, hospitality professional, or simply love great service, Elizabeth's insights on building culture, empowering teams, and creating rituals that guests remember for decades will inspire you to think differently about the guest experience.

Brandon Berkson turned a pandemic furlough into Hotels Above Par, a publication now reaching over 450,000 readers and championing independent boutique hotels that deserve recognition beyond traditional pay-to-play awards programs. In this episode, Brandon shares how he built a trusted editorial voice in hospitality media by maintaining strict standards, why personalization beats perfection in guest experience, and the three non-negotiables he looks for in every hotel review.

We dive into the inspiration behind the Star Awards, how small hotels with just four rooms can compete for recognition alongside major brands, and the underrated touches that create memorable stays. Brandon also reveals his favorite 2024 stay and what's next for Hotels Above Par in 2026.

Connect with Brando at HotelsAbovePar.com on IG @HotelsAbovePar and on LinkedIn - Brandon Berkson.