Independent hotels offer a unique destination experience. Free to follow their imaginations, owners can create spaces that stand out in a crowded vacation landscape or offer a new take on business travel.
So it’s no surprise that independently owned economy hotels operating at the local level are gaining market share. Collectively, these hotels represent more than 70% of the segment and were the driving force behind Dazzler Select by Wyndham.1 It is a soft-brand limited service lifestyle extension of the Dazzler by Wyndham brand that empowers owners to preserve the character, branding, and individuality of their hotels while unlocking the benefits of Wyndham’s preferred supplier rates, industry-leading loyalty programs, and the operational support of the world’s largest hotel franchisor.
We sat down with Carina Radonich, owner of the debut Dazzler Select by Wyndham in Kissimmee, Florida, to explore her journey from independent hotelier to empowered member of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts family.
According to Carina, it’s going extremely well — she sums up her experience with Dazzler Select by Wyndham in six words: “Structured to improve, freedom to grow.”
The Independent Hotel Experience
Independent hotel owners are passionate about the spaces they build and the experiences they create.
Many independent owners struggle, however, to stay competitive. Without the backing of bigger brands, it’s difficult for boutique hotels to deliver the level of consistent service guests have come to expect. Independent owners may also struggle with technology implementation and management — leading brands offer solutions designed to help owners make the most of revenue, property management, and customer loyalty solutions.
The Transition to Dazzler Select by Wyndham
Carina Radonich is passionate about hotel ownership and was a natural fit as the first-ever owner of a Dazzler Select by Wyndham.
“This is our first property with Wyndham,” she says, “and the name of the property is Magic Moment. The magic moment in everyday life can be different for everyone. I really believe that being conscious about these moments is important. Every human being wants to be connected. We are celebrating that vision of connecting. It’s about having a unique experience that touches your heart.”
Radonich describes her property as “born from a miracle, in an absolutely extraordinary location.” Today, Magic Moment has 170 rooms across 10 acres, but when she first saw the property, it was abandoned. “We started putting in some love and purpose,” she says. “It’s really inspiring because you can convert a property into a worldwide success.”
Why Choose Dazzler Select by Wyndham?
With more than 16,000 economy independent hotels in the United States, it’s clear there’s a growing market for soft brand options that deliver the unique experience of boutique properties backed by the consistency of global brands.2
Radonich’s first property with Wyndham and the Dazzler Select brand, Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club, is known for its playful design, family-friendly amenities, and strong community spirit. With her characteristic charm, Radonich makes it clear that Dazzler Select is a great fit for her brand: “It’s the perfect combination that lets you show your uniqueness,” she says.
She is crystal-clear about her experience with Dazzler Select by Wyndham: “In talking with the executive team, I think we are going to be opening a big door. Everyone is going to want to join our Dazzler Select family.”
The Benefits of Franchising with Wyndham
Franchising with Wyndham offers multiple benefits for owners. These include owner-first support designed to help hoteliers find their niche and to expand their market share, as well as the industry-leading Wyndham Rewards Loyalty Program.
A Trusted Partner
Radonich trusts that Wyndham has her best interests in mind. “It has been extraordinary,” she says. “You’re reaching a happy client. Wyndham makes sure everything is supported — they go above and beyond.”
She points to Wyndham’s Loyalty Program, Wyndham Rewards, which helps get guests through the door and keep them coming back. While the Magic Moment property is located just five miles from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and eight miles from Epcot, the location itself isn’t enough to keep guests coming back. “Having the loyalty program offers exposure for your property and benefits for your guests!”
In addition, Wyndham Rewards helps independent hotel owners drive more direct bookings rather than relying on OTAs. For example, Wyndham Rewards lets owners offer exclusive perks such as early check-ins or late check-outs that OTAs can’t provide.
Wyndham also helps Radonich set the stage for flexibility and growth — the Wyndham Connect engagement platform helps franchisees elevate the guest experience, leading to $5.3 million in upsells in 2024 for participating hotels.3
Aligning with Ownership Goals
Currently, Radonich has a portfolio of three hotels, “but we are going for more,” she says. “We truly believe that people value traveling and having these experiences.” With Wyndham, Radonich gets the support she needs to both effectively manage Magic Moment and set the stage for future expansion.
Where Vision Meets Value
Radonich had a clear vision for Magic Moment. “It’s a place that we wanted to be for families, but we recognize they need to be budget-conscious. We wanted to create the best of both worlds.” Wyndham helped her find the balance, providing the market and operational experience necessary to get her new hotel up and running, while leaving the creative vision in her hands.
Dazzler Select by Wyndham offers a flat monthly brand fee to help lower barriers to entry for independent hotels. In addition, the Dazzler Select brand requires only a limited set of high-impact standards, such as 24-hour water and coffee stations and boutique-inspired design elements, to help owners manage costs while delivering guest essentials.
Elevated Experiences
Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club is known for its contemporary design, family-friendly amenities, and playful spirit. “What makes Magic Moment extraordinary is not just our rooms or our amenities,” she says, “it’s the soul we put into every stay, every detail, every memory created for our guests.”
Wyndham’s owner-focused approach allowed her to create immersive, themed rooms, interactive play areas, and the hotel’s standout attraction: its iconic Kids Club. “We know that families need to be budget-conscious,” says Radonich, “but we also want to offer a measure of luxury. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Inclusive Programs
Along with support for property conversion and revenue management, Wyndham also offers inclusive programs that help empower entrepreneurs.
Women Own the Room
Wyndham’s Women Own the Room program is committed to advancing and empowering women entrepreneurs through hotel ownership. Three foundational pillars help achieve this goal: Providing comprehensive financial solutions, delivering personalized operational guidance and support, and establishing an inclusive community for networking and education.
“Women Own the Room is happening at a fantastic moment in time,” says Radonich. “It’s not only that they help with the business — they help with visibility, with technology, with innovation. Any woman who wants to create and develop a wonderful space, this is the perfect scenario. It’s creating a new scenario where women can develop themselves.” With 90% of leadership positions staffed by men, despite women making up 60% of the hospitality workforce, Women Own the Room is taking steps to close the gap.4
She also notes that Women Own the Room thinks beyond the “ownership” part of hotel entrepreneurs. “It’s not just about ownership,” she says. “It’s about legacy. It’s about leading with purpose and vision.”
Onboarding and Training
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is committed to providing relevant, timely education curated to help hotels enhance performance and increase team member retention by aligning with their business priorities.
“Right now we are just starting with Wyndham,” says Radonich. “We are doing Wyndham University, and we are pleasantly surprised. It is immediate help. It is amazing.” Wyndham University offers role-based training for general managers, front desk staff, housekeeping employees, and sales team members.
Encouraging Exploration and Consideration
For other women considering exploring hotel ownership, Radonich has clear advice: “Keep your vision alive and keep passionate. Surround yourself with people who share your values. It’s not a challenge — it’s a gift. Dream high, and connect with the right people.”
1https://corporate.wyndhamhotels.com/news-releases/boutique-style-budget-sensibility-introducing-dazzler-select-by-wyndham/
2https://wyndham.showpad.com/share/oSAyuv9qvoVAyi8gT1noI
3https://wyndham.showpad.com/share/oSAyuv9qvoVAyi8gT1noI
4https://corporate.wyndhamhotels.com/news-releases/wyndhams-women-own-the-room-initiative-drives-over-one-dozen-hotel-openings/