Natalia Jaramillo

📈 Last week, a post on LinkedIn highlighted key business concerns for 2026: technology won't save your business without focusing on people; culture should be a strategic priority; and budgets must prioritize training, leadership, and cultural transformation. Engagement was high on ideas, but when asked about commitment and budgets, only three comments addressed accountability versus seven for technology and 20-30 for luxury topics. The industry faces repeated challenges by prioritizing convenience over meaningful action.

Luxury as a Discipline 📖 Repetition and discipline are key to luxury, akin to athletes like Michael Phelps, who trained 6 hours daily for 5 years. Luxury hotel staff often lack training, with many spending just 2 hours on sessions, leading to subpar service. Excellence demands more: weeks of practice, role-play, and study. Without sustained effort, expecting elite results is unrealistic. For 2026, focus on rigorous training to truly embody luxury.

🏨 Personalized service, flawless first impressions, exceptional room experience, food & beverage excellence, and emotional connection are key for guest satisfaction in luxury hotels. Anticipate needs using guest data, ensure pristine cleanliness, and provide luxury amenities. Facilities should include spas and exclusive experiences. Consistency across touchpoints is vital, measured by surveys and Net Promoter Scores. Effective problem handling and training are essential. The success formula: Anticipation + Personalization + Consistency + Emotional Connection.