Vincent Ramelli, CEO of LodgIQ, has been at the forefront of hotel technology for decades. In his recent interview for Hospitality Net, he reflects on a career that spans the early days of the internet, the rise of online distribution, and now the integration of generative AI into hotel operations.
From building websites for Parisian hotels to creating AI-driven revenue management systems, Ramelli has witnessed (and helped shape) the evolution of hospitality technology. He sees digitalization not as a technical challenge alone, but as a human one, where collaboration, openness, and curiosity matter as much as innovation.
Early Lessons in Digital Hospitality
Ramelli began his career in telecom before moving into digital solutions for hotels, a world he knew well from his family’s history in hospitality. Early on, he recognized that hotels needed more than a static online presence.
I became successful by really understanding how the internet works: how servers operate, how domain name systems function, and what they are for. The structure of the internet felt tangible to me because I knew how it all fit together,
Ramelli says.
His first experiences with Parisian hotels were revealing. He discovered that assumptions long held in the industry – like the idea that rooms always fill in peak months – were often wrong. By experimenting with online strategies, he learned how brand reputation, guest reviews, and direct booking channels could become decisive factors in a hotel’s success. These insights would guide his future innovations in revenue management and meta-search.
Meta-Search and Market Transformation
One pivotal moment came with the rise of meta-search. Ramelli’s team worked closely with Google and TripAdvisor, testing tools that allowed hotels to compete with OTAs in real time. These platforms aggregated thousands of properties, sometimes generating up to 40% of a hotel’s revenue.
Before Google Hotel Finder, we were building a backend platform to send prices and create a bidding system. We started working with Google and TripAdvisor to send real-time prices through booking engines. Once the real-time system was in place, it was a game changer – hotels could show accurate prices instantly, and buyers could book with confidence. It completely transformed sales
, he recalls.
LodgIQ: AI That Explains the ‘Why’
Today, LodgIQ uses generative AI to make complex revenue management tasks simple and understandable. The platform not only automates data analysis and pricing recommendations, but also explains the reasoning behind each decision. It works for independent hotels with full automation and for large chains with semi-guided insights, bridging human expertise and machine intelligence.
For Ramelli, the real challenge of revenue management is rarely technology but rather people. You need pride in your products, sure, but if you are only working in a closed ecosystem and never compare information, you are being foolish. For me, stupidity is not being able to put data in context
, he shares.
Any information is true, as long as it can be compared.Vincent Ramelli, CEO of LodgIQ
Practical Advice for Hoteliers and Technology Providers
Find clients who will be your true ‘power users’ – the ones who push your software harder than anyone and tell you exactly where and how to improve it. You will become a better software engineer, a stronger company, because they give you real-time feedback while using the system to its limits. They have broken the system – and those are the people you need to listen to. They are the ones that help you build better software.
Additionally, avoid comparisons to irrelevant competitors; instead, use technology and data context to benchmark correctly. Embracing automation means freeing up time for authentic guest experience, which remains the heart of hospitality. The industry must balance revenue innovation with genuine, memorable service, even simple touches like PlayStations for kids or a complimentary bottle of champagne can make all the difference.
The Takeaway
Vincent Ramelli’s career illustrates a simple truth: the future of hotel success lies in connecting technology with people. Data, AI, and automation are essential but empathy, intuition, and memorable service remain at the heart of every thriving hotel. For those willing to embrace innovation while staying grounded in genuine hospitality, the next wave of transformation promises both smarter operations and more meaningful guest experiences.
About LodgIQ™
LodgIQ™ is a leading AI-enabled revenue management platform for the hospitality industry, transforming data integration and decision-making for hotel commercial teams. Our platform consolidates Revenue, Sales, and Marketing data, providing insights into market trends and consumer behaviors for strategic, data-driven decisions. LodgIQ offers a real-time, comprehensive view of key metrics, enhancing room rate adjustments, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies. Committed to optimizing operations and maximizing revenue, LodgIQ is the essential tool for unified commercial strategies in hospitality. Currently working with over 550 hotels, LodgIQ’s products combine sophisticated machine learning with an intuitive and powerful user interface, delivering advanced recommendations and actionable analytics. LodgIQ is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in New York City, and Bangalore. For more information visit https://lodgiq.com/