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Our story

Putting 200 years of experience to work for independent hotels

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Our people, our passion

Across a fast-growing portfolio of over 800+ distinctive hotels in 70 countries, The Guestbook stands for innovation that enhances hospitality, solutions that drive success and the power of personal relationships.

The Guestbook was founded on the belief that a direct relationship between hoteliers and their guests is more rewarding for everyone. With over 200 years of hospitality experience, The Guestbook team is committed to helping independent hoteliers increase net revenue while reducing dependence on OTAs.

Our Founders

James Gancos

CEO & Founder
James Gancos is a seasoned hotel executive and technology innovator in the revenue management, distribution, and loyalty disciplines.
James Gancos is a seasoned hotel executive and technology innovator in the revenue management, distribution, and loyalty disciplines. Prior to founding The Guestbook, Mr. Gancos held General Manager positions at the W Los Angeles, W Istanbul, and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas as well as Hotel Manager positions at the Sheraton Seattle and Sheraton Kauai Resort in Hawaii.
In addition, he served as North America Director of Operations for Starwood for three years working directly for the divisional President on all aspects of division management. He graduated Cum Laude from Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School.

Dana Manacher

CSO & Co-Founder
Hospitality is in Dana Manacher’s blood. Growing up, her family owned/operated hotels, nightclubs and restaurants and, in turn, she spent most of her early life learning about back-of-the-house hotel operations.
Hospitality is in Dana Manacher’s blood. Growing up, her family owned/operated hotels, nightclubs and restaurants and, in turn, she spent most of her early life learning about back-of-the-house hotel operations. Now she is putting that expertise to work as CSO/co-founder of The Guestbook where she is responsible for all new and existing hotel relationships.
Prior to joining The Guestbook, Dana was VP of Strategic Partnerships at Bonotel Exclusive Travel for 10 years, which is a company her family founded in 1990 and evolved into one of the largest receptive tour operators worldwide. Dana has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of San Diego.

Our Guiding Principles

Purpose

Help people make the most of life’s opportunities to travel

Mission

We provide travelers the most rewarding ways to figure out where to stay, what to do, and how to make travel happen

Vision

A world where travelers search less and experience more

Awards & certfications

Best Loyalty Program Software 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

HotelTechReport.com
The Guestbook stands as the Best Loyalty Program for Independents, awarded by HotelTechAwards for five consecutive years. Our success reflects our innovation and meaningful partnerships in hospitality.

Finalist Best Direct Booking Tool 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

HotelTechReport.com
Ranked among the top three Direct Booking Tools by HotelTechAwards for four years running, The Guestbook exemplifies dedication to enhancing direct bookings through innovation and partnership.

Level II Certified Customer Support Since 2024

HotelTechReport.com
The Guestbook secures Level II Global Support Certification, affirming our commitment to outstanding customer service and support across the hospitality industry.

As seen in the news

From industry recognitions to feature stories, see where we've been in the news.

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