Show Notes
In this episode we look at how to build experience and tap into events in a large countryside resort - identifying opportunity for operational efficiency and revenue optimisations. Paul Wells from Studio Moren kicks us off by discussing the evolution of UK resort development. We examine how country house hotels are rethinking their extensive grounds to function more like modern resorts, touching on the key opportunities of space utilization and the complex realities of navigating planning permissions - while securing more high-value revenue. Next, Geraldine Brennan from Oracle provides a deep dive into managing weddings, parties, and conferences in a countryside setting. Geraldine shares the latest industry wedding trends and explains how hotels can master event management on large resorts through streamlined communications, efficient processes, and mobile accessibility. We also look at how leveraging the right technology can eliminate administrative errors by reducing double-entry and fragmented management. The conversation then shifts to the guest experience, with Prem Jethwa-Odedra from Biteluxe exploring how AI-led messaging can treat every guest like a VIP. We discuss actionable goals for introducing these tools and analyze the commercial impact of AI-driven guest engagement. Finally, Renato Machado from Upsell Guru shares expert advice on tapping into additional revenue streams, covering high-converting packages and the best practices for managing upsell products. The episode concludes with hoteliers sharing real-world insights on overcoming spa management challenges to successfully capture extra spend.
More from Hoteliers’ Voice
In this episode, we unpack real-world examples of hotels taking direct action. Discover how Redworth Hall Hotel & Spa generates 86% of its electricity on-site through combined heat and power while using wood pellets for hot water. We also dive into voco Sheffield’s story, where a £50,000 monthly electricity bill prompted an energy assessment that caught excessive water flow rates, putting them on track to save nearly £400,000 next year simply by optimizing facility operations. With margins under pressure across the industry, hoteliers are proving that reducing environmental impact and boosting the bottom line are often two sides of the same coin. Tune in as we discuss why cutting emissions starts with identifying operational waste, how upfront investments pay off, and why profitability and sustainability no longer need to be competing priorities.
In this episode, we sit down with Pete Hurley, founder of Well-Seasoned, to dive deep into the changing landscape of recruitment in the hospitality industry.
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Morris, founder of Hospitality Staffing UK, who brings over two decades of recruitment experience in the hotel and stadia sectors.
Is hospitality just a stepping stone, or can it be a lifelong, fulfilling career? In this episode, we sit down with Marsela Loulai, Hotel Manager at Mercure Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa, for an insightful, practical conversation on the future of talent in the hospitality industry. Drawing from her personal career journey—spanning past milestones, current leadership challenges, and future ambitions—Marsela shares her direct experience with modern people management and hiring in today's competitive landscape. Together, we explore how leaders can rewrite the industry narrative to transform hospitality from a temporary stint into a rewarding, long-term profession. Plus, Marsela gives us an insider’s look at Kenwood Hall—a historic 4-star country house hotel set in 12 acres of tranquil parkland near Sheffield city centre. She breaks down their target guest profile, marketing focus, tailored event packages, and the distinct advantages of combining boutique charm with the global reach of the Mercure brand. Key Highlights & Takeaways Career Trajectory: Marsela’s personal journey and how early experiences shaped her modern leadership style. The Hiring Reality: Honest insights into modern recruitment, retention, and managing diverse teams in today’s market. From Job to Career: Actionable strategies for hospitality leaders to foster long-term career growth and employee loyalty. Behind the Scenes at Kenwood Hall: Understanding their target guests, custom event offerings, and marketing focus. The Brand Advantage: Balancing the local character of a Sheffield landmark with the global strength and support of Mercure.
Discounting gets heads in beds, but does it drive profitable growth? Does it deliver the right type of guests? What are the risks? In this episode, we sit down with Jon Siberry, Revenue Consultant for Z Hotels and Sarova Hotels, to uncover the real impact of flash sales and impulse buying in today’s hotel landscape. Jon breaks down what actually drives results versus what simply erodes your Average Daily Rate (ADR). Whether you're looking to fill sudden distressed inventory or test new market segments, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for executing flash campaigns without diluting your brand. In this episode, we discuss: What Works vs. What Doesn't: The exact conditions under which a flash campaign succeeds, and the common pitfalls that burn revenue. Impact on Rates & ADR: How to structure deep discounts without destroying your rate integrity or anchor pricing. The "Impulse" Guest Profile: Who actually books these deals, their lead times, and how their behavior differs from direct bookers. Ancillary Spend & RevPAR: Does a discounted rate lead to lower overall spend, or can on-property upselling make up the difference? Reviewing Performance: Key metrics beyond occupancy to evaluate whether a campaign was genuinely incremental or just cannibalized direct bookings.