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

Smiling man with short dark hair wearing a gray blazer and white patterned shirt standing against a plain dark background.

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. 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.