What an Imaginary Hotel Can Teach Us About Awe and Hospitality - Milou Neelen

What an Imaginary Hotel Can Teach Us About Awe and Hospitality - Milou Neelen

July 10, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

Milou Neelen discusses the importance of awe in hospitality and how it can transform guest experiences.

In this episode, Milou Neelen, the Founder of Hôtel Magique, shares why so many beautifully designed hotels leave guests feeling nothing. You'll hear why she chases awe over polish, how imperfection makes a space feel more human, and why she believes an awe-inspired hotel moves guests from memorable to transformational. She also gets into the science of awe through the work of UC Berkeley's Dacher Keltner, author of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder. Connect with Milou: LinkedInInstagra...

People in this episode

Host: Josiah Mackenzie

Guest: Milou Neelen

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hôtel Magique, UC Berkeley

Books & works: Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder

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