Sales with Substance: How Hilton Drives Direct Bookings & Real Results

In this episode of The Hotel Growth Podcast, I sit down with Sukh Dhaliwal, Director of Sales & Marketing at DoubleTree by Hilton Ealing and Monarch House Apartments. We dig into Sukh’s refreshingly honest take on hotel sales, service apartment strategy, and why he’s “begrudgingly” embraced the DOS title.Sukh shares his no-nonsense approach to revenue management (including why their rate system ‘Grow’ has a personality of its own), how he redesigned a serviced apartment site to drive 80% direct bookings, and his thoughts on hiring talent that actually fits.We also talk AI, sustainability, guest expectations—and what hotels should really focus on to grow in 2025.This one’s packed with commercial clarity, a few laughs, and plenty of practical takeaways.