Author

Keith Johnson

Owner - President - Founder AiBellHop.com


Interview: CEO Keith Johnson on How AI + Local Inns Are Reinventing Trip Planning

An inside look at how AiBellhop blends artificial intelligence with real-world lodging to deliver smarter, more personalized travel

Q: Keith, everyone’s trying to use AI for travel these days. What makes AiBellhop’s approach stand out?

Keith Johnson: We’re not just throwing hotel listings at people. Our process starts by asking the questions a real travel agent would ask: Who’s going? How many people are on this trip? What’s your budget? Once we know that, our AI builds a custom itinerary from scratch—lodging, activities, food, all of it. It’s not just search results—it’s a real plan.

Q: And where do innkeepers come into that? Are they offering advice or recommendations?

Keith: Actually, no. What makes this model powerful is how the AI and innkeepers work together without needing that direct input. The AI determines what kind of activities or experiences fit the traveler’s profile. Let’s say canoeing pops up as a good fit—now, any innkeeper in our network who offers access to canoeing can automatically be included in that itinerary.

The innkeepers aren’t suggesting ideas—they’re letting their availability and offerings be matched to the right traveler. It’s a behind-the-scenes collaboration that makes the itinerary feel seamless and relevant.

Q: So you’re saying the AI curates the "what," and the innkeepers step in if they match?

Keith: Exactly. It’s like a puzzle. The AI builds the frame—trip goals, vibe, budget—and then pulls pieces that fit. If an innkeeper’s property lines up with a certain activity or style of travel, they naturally show up in the results. It’s not just “here’s every place in town with a bed.” It’s: Here’s the right place for your specific trip.

Q: Sounds like travelers get something more cohesive than a list of options. Can you walk us through an example?

Keith: Sure. Let’s say a couple is planning a 4-day fall getaway. They’re on a budget, they want to stay near nature, and they're traveling light. The AI suggests scenic drives, a farm-to-table dinner spot, and a few activities like hiking and canoeing. Now, any innkeeper in our system who has properties near trails or offers canoe access can be slotted right into that plan. Their place isn’t just listed—it’s relevant to the experience.

Q: Who’s this really built for? Who benefits most from using AiBellhop?

Keith: People who are overwhelmed with planning. Anyone who’s ever thought, “I want to go somewhere, but I don’t want to plan the whole thing,”—that’s our customer. We’re making it easy for travelers to get a full, customized itinerary, without spending hours researching. Whether you’re going cheap, mid-range, or luxury, AiBellhop adapts.

Q: Final thoughts—what’s next for AiBellhop?

Keith: We’re continuing to grow our network of innkeepers and refine our AI to get even smarter. Our goal is simple: make travel feel personal again. It should be easy, enjoyable, and tailored to you—and that’s what we’re delivering.

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