Looking to build on your 2025 success? Discover how smart hoteliers plan for even better results in 2026.

Before we dive in—don’t forget to subscribe and tap that bell so you don’t miss future episodes. We’ve got a cracker of a tip coming at the end you won’t want to miss!

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Now… is it just me, or did 2025 feel like the hotelier version of a long-haul flight with surprise turbulence and unexpected upgrades? Buckle in. Let’s unpack the wins, the “oops” moments, and how you can make 2026 your hotel’s best year yet.

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How Did Your Hotel Win in 2025?

Let’s start on a high. What worked?

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Many independent hotel owners reported stronger direct bookings this year. Why? They invested in their own websites and stopped relying so heavily on OTAs. That’s right—cutting out the middleman is back in style.

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Maybe you added breakfast with a twist—think locally sourced honey or the best darn croissants this side of Paris. Maybe you upgraded your PMS and finally said goodbye to your ancient Excel spreadsheet. Whatever it was, take a moment. You did that.

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👉 What was your biggest “aha!” moment this year? I’d love to hear it.

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Lessons from the Front Desk (and Beyond)

Let’s be honest—some things flopped harder than a pancake at brunch. Maybe your new booking software had more bugs than a summer campsite. Maybe that “influencer collab” just meant a free weekend for someone’s cousin.

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But here’s the thing: mistakes are gold dust. They show us what not to do again.

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Take note of:

• Marketing channels that didn’t pull their weight

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• Services guests said they wanted but didn’t book

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• Staff changes that created more chaos than calm

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Tip: Keep a “Lessons Learned” doc in your management folder. Update it monthly. Future You will thank present you.

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Trend Spotting: What’s on the Horizon for 2026?

Now for the juicy bit.

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2026 is shaping up to be the year of experience-first stays. Guests want stories, not just beds. Expect rising demand for:

• Themed packages (like “Digital Detox Weekends” or “Foodie Fridays”)

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• Local collaborations (think: tours, tastings, and unique pop-up events)

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• Green practices that feel real—not just token recycling bins

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And yes, AI is coming to the front desk—but don’t worry. You won’t be replaced. You’ll just stop answering the same question 47 times a day.

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Quick question. Are you tired of feeling like your hotel’s running you? Join my free training webinar “From Chaos to Control: The 3 Fixes Every Hotel Owner Needs to Boost Bookings and Cut Stress”. Register Now! You can find the link in the show notes.

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The People Behind the Property: Your Team

Your hotel is only as strong as the people running it—and that includes you.

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This year, many owners started investing in staff training again. Not just the boring compliance stuff, but real development: hospitality soft skills, guest psychology, and yes, even leadership coaching.

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Did your team feel more motivated in 2025? Or did burnout sneak in?

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👉 If you’re not sure, here’s a tip: ask your staff what they want to improve next year. You’ll be surprised how insightful their answers are.

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🎥 Want more training insights? Subscribe to the Hotelier Helpcast YouTube Channel

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What Should You Do Differently in 2026?

This is your reset moment.

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Here’s your mini roadmap:

• Audit your guest feedback—what themes keep popping up?

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• Prioritise systems that save time—automate one new task each month.

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• Reconnect with your “why”—remember why you started this journey.

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If 2025 was about survival for some, 2026 should be about sustainability—and not just the environmental kind. I mean building a business that works for you, not just because of you.

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💡 Bonus Tip: Schedule one day per quarter for “strategy only“. No emails, no staff issues. Just planning.

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Running a hotel without a plan? That’s like sailing without a rudder.
Romantic…
Until the storm hits.

Get the “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”. Seven proven steps to calm the chaos.

Download it now—before the next wave hits.

You can find a link in the show notes.

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What lesson did 2025 teach you that you’ll carry into 2026?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways

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In Conclusion

You made it through another year. That’s no small feat in this industry.

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Whether you added three new rooms, two more stars, or just one better breakfast, you moved forward. And next year, with the right plan, you can move even faster—without burning out.

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For more hands-on help, dive into “The Hotel Owner’s Roadmap: 90 Days to More Bookings, More Time, and Less Stress.” It’s the ultimate way to start 2026 ahead of the pack.

https://courses.keystonehospitalitydevelopment.com/course/the-hotel-owners-roadmap-90-days-to-more-bookings-more-time-and-less-stress/

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🎯 Want another deep dive? Try this episode, Why Is Hotel Brand Consistency Important? Episode 38.

And of course—subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. If you found this helpful, feel free to buy us a coffee. You’ve earned one too.

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Tip of the Episode: Start a “Yearbook Folder” for your hotel. Include guest testimonials, photos, and milestones. At the end of each year, turn it into a simple digital PDF. Share it with your team. Celebrate wins together.