#294: These 2 Things are the Foundation of a Great Guest Experience | with Branigan Mulcahy

In this special HITEC episode of The Modern Hotelier, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Branigan Mulcahy, CEO and Co-founder of Virdee, to explore how AI and digital wallet technology are transforming the hotel guest experience.

Branigan shares insights into Virdee’s partnership with Apple and Google to bring hotel room keys directly into mobile wallets, eliminating many of the friction points associated with traditional digital key systems. The conversation dives into the future of contactless hospitality, AI-powered guest engagement, personalization at scale, sustainability benefits, and how hotels can balance automation with exceptional human service.

From seamless room access through Apple Wallet and Google Wallet to AI-driven guest communication and operations, this episode offers a glimpse into what the next generation of hospitality technology looks like—and why hotel operators should be paying attention.

Key Topics Covered:

•  Digital room keys in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet 
•  Enhancing guest convenience and satisfaction 
•  AI’s role in the hotel guest journey 
•  Sustainability benefits of eliminating plastic key cards 
•  The future of hospitality technology and guest experiences 

Watch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/46LegJqDHdQ

Links:
Branigan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/branigan-mulcahy/
Virdee: https://virdee.ai/
 

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/294

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-..

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.