Burnell Goldman, General Manager, Modus by PM Hotel Group
In an interview with Invest:, Burnell Goldman, general manager of Modus by PM Hotel Group, discussed growth milestones, market trends, staffing strategies, and future priorities. “There is no better place to be than Philadelphia in 2026,” he said.
Over the past year, what have been the key milestones for Modus by PM Hotel?
At The Windsor Suites, we’ve focused on elevating the guest and resident experience in meaningful ways. The hotel’s all-suites design, full kitchens, and generous layouts continue to resonate with both short-term and long-term guests, and our location on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway remains one of our strongest assets.
We were honored to receive gold in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Philly Favorites awards — in 2024 for Best Family-Friendly Getaway, and in 2025 for both Best Family-Friendly and Best Pet-Friendly. These recognitions reflect the consistency, care, and hospitality our team brings every day.
Sustainability remains a core priority. Through our housekeeping opt-out partnership with EcoDrive, we have planted over 15,000 trees supporting projects in Rwanda and Haiti. We also partner with Foxfold for sustainable paper products that help reduce waste. We’ve reduced single-use plastics by introducing filtered water refill stations, expanded recycling, and transitioned fully to LED lighting.
We’ve also expanded our wellness and lifestyle programming, launching weekly yoga classes in partnership with ParisFit for guests and residents, and partnering with CocuSocial to host cooking classes in the hotel.
How do you strategically position yourself in Philadelphia, and what trends are you seeing in the hospitality market?
Leisure travel continues to be one of Philadelphia’s strongest demand drivers, even as corporate and group business steadily return. Guests’ expectations around digital convenience have increased significantly, and we continue to modernize our service platforms to meet those needs. Sustainability remains an important decision factor for travelers and meeting planners.
Our product differentiates us in a competitive market. Our suites are among the largest in the city, and our 24th-floor accommodations offer an elevated experience that competes with luxury hotels. Our rooftop infinity pool, fire pit, club lounge, fitness center, and two excellent restaurants enhance the overall experience.
We are steps away from Amtrak, the Museum of Art, City Hall, and the Comcast Center — placing us close to key businesses and demand drivers for leisure, corporate, and extended-stay guests.
What challenges are you seeing right now in the Philadelphia hospitality market?
Staffing remains a challenge across the industry. Attracting and retaining great people requires intentional recruiting, strong communication, and a culture where associates feel valued. From day one, it was clear that The Windsor Suites has a genuine sense of community, which has helped us retain talent.
Economic uncertainty also continues to influence planning — including inflation, tariffs, and evolving travel patterns.
What operational efficiencies or revenue strategies have proven most effective?
We have leaned into our strengths in the family-friendly and pet-friendly segments, and the visibility from recent awards has helped attract new guests.
International travel continues to be a meaningful source of business for us. Philadelphia’s diversity, cultural institutions, and dining scene resonate strongly with global visitors. The city’s museums, historic sites, and attractions — including Reading Terminal Market — remain major draws.
How are you tackling the challenge of attracting and retaining new talent in the hospitality industry?
The industry continues to face shortages, but hospitality offers tremendous long-term career potential. Many people begin in hospitality without realizing the depth of opportunity. Our role as leaders is to help them see that it is more than a transitional job.
What new partnerships or approaches are you using to support staffing needs?
In addition to robust recruiting, we partner with several staffing organizations to fill roles quickly and maintain consistent service levels. Whether someone joins us directly or through an agency, they are treated as a full member of The Windsor Suites family.
Looking ahead, what are the key goals and priorities for Modus Hotels over the next few years?
Philadelphia is preparing for an exceptional 2026 with the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, and the nation’s 250th anniversary. There is no better place to be than Philadelphia in 2026.
WrestleMania last year — which felt like hosting a Super Bowl — served as a strong test of how the city performs under major international demand. It proved that Philadelphia can deliver on a global stage.
FIFA will serve as a launching point for continued tourism growth and momentum in the years ahead.
