#264: Transforming a Route 66 Motor Lodge Into a Boutique Hotel | with Dr. Sharmin Dharas
The Modern Hotelier · Apr 7, 2026 · 45:08
The Modern Hotelier · Apr 7, 2026 · 45:08
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In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Dr. Sharmin Dharas, Chief Experience Officer at Hotel ZAZZ and Chief Storyteller at HERstory Hospitality.
Sharmin’s journey is anything but traditional. From growing up in a 13-room Route 66 motor lodge to becoming a physician, entrepreneur, author, and boutique hotel visionary, she shares how her diverse background shaped one of the most unique hospitality concepts in the country.
The conversation dives into the creation of Hotel ZAZZ, a colorful and rebellious boutique motor lodge in Albuquerque that blends wellness, storytelling, and experiential design—including a hidden speakeasy unlocked by tapping the famous Golden Banana. Sharmin also shares how authenticity, creativity, and community partnerships helped the property gain global attention, including recognition from Forbes as one of the must-see hotels in the world.
Along the way, the discussion explores entrepreneurship, Route 66 tourism, scaling independent hospitality brands, and Sharmin’s mission to empower more women to become hotel owners through HERstory Hospitality.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SjlSwSoSD-M
Links:
Dr. Sharmin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmindharas/
Hotel ZAZZ: https://www.hotelzazz.com/
For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/264
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Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.
