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Larry Mogelonsky P. Eng.

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The Butler Did It! Unless you were born into royalty or lived abroad at some wealthy uncle’s residence, chances are you’ve had limited experience with the quintessential luxury hotel service… | Larry Mogelonsky, P. Eng.

🏨 In the 1920s, Great Britain had roughly 30,000 butlers, but today there are only about 5,000 trained butlers in the UK. The Lanesborough Hotel in London has assigned butlers to each guest since the early 1990s. The Ritz-Carlton and other luxury hotels like The St. Regis Rome and The Savoy London enhance guest experiences with butler services. This service increases average daily rates (ADRs) but requires highly trained staff, highlighting a competitive edge in the luxury hotel market.
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Here are the 12 New Year's resolutions for hoteliers with 50 characters or fewer titles: 1. Ditch Flash Sales for Yield Management 2. Focus on Direct Bookings Over OTAs 3. Respond to Customer… | Larry Mogelonsky, P. Eng. posted on the topic | LinkedIn

💸 In 2026, net revenue in hospitality involves subtracting direct sales deductions from gross revenue. For example, a hotel with $100,000 gross revenue from 500 room nights at a $200 average daily rate subtracts $5,000 for returns, $3,000 for discounts, and $2,000 for allowances, resulting in $90,000 net revenue. Tracking is facilitated by reconciling daily through Property Management Systems (PMS) and using spreadsheets or revenue software for automation.
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The Seven Deadly Sins of Hotel Marketing If you haven't done so already, it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to make this year different. Based on my experience helping hotels around… | Larry Mogelonsky, P. Eng.

📈 Avoid the "Seven Deadly Sins" of hotel marketing to ensure success in 2026. Focus on strategy over voluminous plans, learn from past mistakes, and avoid impulsivity. Maintain justifiable pricing without ignoring marketing funds, and embrace social media to stand out. Stick to your base budget and reward your team, while shifting focus from OTAs to enhancing your digital presence and engaging directly with your audience. Prioritize quality guest service over excessive tactics.
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My First Hotel Job High school was ending, and my father encouraged me to find a summer job. I was 15 years old. I took the bus downtown. My journey ended at the Quality Inn. The employment office… | Larry Mogelonsky, P. Eng.

🚗 15-year-old started a job in the summer as a car valet at Quality Inn. HR Manager Marcel offered the role with pay at 90 cents/hour plus tips. Teen had no driving license; learned driving in a parking lot for about 4 hours. After crashing a Chrysler at 15 MPH, Marcel fired him. The incident ended his brief stint in hospitality, not revisited until years later at Inn on the Park Hotel.
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5-Star Hotels: What makes them different? You've read so much verbiage regarding the 5-star property, and my goodness, I've been one to contribute to this pile! But let's set the story… | Larry Mogelonsky, P. Eng. | 13 comments

💰 5-star hotels rely on human capital, not just luxury amenities. While physical elements like guest rooms and ambiance matter, staff quality is crucial. Despite investing heavily in decor, poor service can ruin the experience. Human capital appears as a cost on the P&L, while capital expenditures face less scrutiny. Reducing labor increases property NOI, benefiting bonuses tied to EBITDA. Consider reallocating funds from luxury items, like a $2,000 lamp, to team training for better service.
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Our crystal ball: What is in store for 2026? 1. AI: The ‘blabbing’ is non-stop. But what are you doing about it? If you are an owner or a GM, ask your team to put together an action plan… | Larry Mogelonsky, P. Eng.

📱 2026 predictions highlight AI's integration in hospitality, urging owners to develop action plans. Wellness shifts beyond massages, demanding spa updates. 5-star hotels thrive, while 4-star counterparts struggle. Younger guests favor mocktails over wine, shifting focus. The Experience Economy's importance grows. Tech advancement is key, balancing back-of-house efficiency with guest interaction. Social media strategies evolve, focusing on targeted influencers. Team support is crucial, with inflation stabilizing, efficiency remains vital. Robots improve but aren't prominent this year.
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