September 2024: Top 11 Hospitality Consultants, Professional Services, & Consulting Firms
Updated: September 2024
Consultants and consulting firms in the hospitality sector play a pivotal role in shaping the success of hotels, restaurants, and other service-oriented businesses. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, offering tailored advice to improve operational efficiency, customer experience, and financial performance.
Why are Hospitality Consultants Important?
The hospitality industry, with its multifaceted challenges and opportunities, requires a nuanced approach to management and strategy. Hospitality consultants and consulting firms offer this specialized expertise, providing invaluable insights and solutions to businesses striving for excellence in this sector.
These professionals assist in various areas, including market analysis, business strategy development, operational improvements, and customer service enhancement. Their expertise is not just in identifying issues but in implementing practical, innovative solutions that drive growth and success. Furthermore, they can be instrumental in navigating market trends, adapting to changing consumer behaviors, and staying ahead of the competition.
Choosing the Right Hospitality Consultant or Firm
Selecting the right hospitality consultant or consulting firm is crucial for your business's success. It involves understanding your unique needs and objectives and finding a consultant whose expertise aligns with these requirements.
When choosing a consultant, consider their experience in the hospitality industry, their track record of success with similar businesses, and their approach to problem-solving. It's also essential to assess their understanding of current market trends and their ability to tailor their services to your specific needs. A great consultant or firm should not only offer expert advice but also collaborate closely with you to ensure that their strategies are effectively implemented and yield tangible results.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 11 of the best hospitality and consulting firms out there, specializing in different areas.
Tl;DR Top 11 Hospitality Consultants & Consulting Firms
Alpha Apex Group - Alpha Apex Group, a leading hospitality consulting firm, excels in delivering innovative solutions and strategic insights across strategic planning, operational efficiency, customer experience, revenue management, digital transformation, and sustainability, ensuring clients in the hospitality industry achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
IHCS - International Hotel Consulting Services: Specializes in hotel management consulting with a personalized approach, focusing on quality enhancement, cost optimization, and comprehensive services like feasibility analysis and strategic marketing.
Horwath HTL: The world's most experienced hospitality consulting brand, part of the Crowe Global network, offering impartial advice in hotel, tourism, and leisure with a strong commitment to sustainable development.
Luxury Hospitality Consulting: A leader in bespoke consultancy for the luxury hotel sector, specializing in hotel and resort concept development, brand strategy, and operational excellence, with a global perspective.
Carpedia Hospitality: A global management consultancy focused on improving operating performance in the hospitality industry, known for tailored, results-oriented approaches in areas like workforce management and revenue growth.
Cayuga Hospitality Consultants: A network of independent consultants offering diverse services in various hospitality sectors, known for their extensive global experience and personalized, efficient project management.
Alpha Apex Group, Leaders in Hospitality Consulting
Alpha Apex Group stands at the forefront of hospitality consulting, offering unparalleled expertise and innovative solutions to the industry's most complex challenges. With a deep understanding of the dynamic hospitality landscape, they empower clients to navigate market changes, optimize operations, and elevate customer experiences. This mastery has positioned Alpha Apex Group as a leader in hospitality consulting, recognized for their strategic insights and commitment to excellence.
In an industry where guest satisfaction and operational efficiency are paramount, Alpha Apex Group delivers tailored strategies that drive success. Their team of experts leverages cutting-edge research and proven methodologies to transform hospitality businesses, ensuring sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Through a collaborative approach, they work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and objectives, crafting bespoke solutions that deliver tangible results.
Key Services:
Strategic planning and market analysis
Operational excellence and efficiency optimization
Branding and customer experience enhancement
Revenue management and profitability improvement
Technology integration and digital transformation
Sustainability and ESG consulting
Why work with Alpha Apex Group:
Choosing Alpha Apex Group means partnering with a firm that not only understands the intricacies of the hospitality industry but also possesses the innovative thinking and strategic prowess to propel your business forward. Their commitment to delivering measurable outcomes and exceptional client service ensures that your investment translates into lasting success, making Alpha Apex Group the ideal choice for hospitality businesses aiming to achieve new heights of excellence.
2. IHCS - International Hotel Consulting Services
IHCS, an international consultancy firm, excels in hotel management across various aspects. Their specialization spans consultancy and development of hotel projects, ensuring client success through a comprehensive range of services. They focus on strategies to enhance quality, optimize costs and revenues, and improve overall reputation and success. Key services include feasibility analysis, concept development, commercial strategy, revenue management, and asset management. Their 26 years of experience and over 215 international successful cases reflect their commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation.
IHCS stands out for its personalized, tailored approach to each project, emphasizing mutual respect, communication, and integrity in client relationships. They adapt flexibly to diverse team needs and project methodologies, driven by integrity, transparency, and enthusiasm for the hotel community.
Key Services
Hotel Project Development
Revenue Management
Investment Management and Asset Analysis
Strategic Marketing and Business Optimization
Why work with IHCS
IHCS's depth of experience and personalized approach to hotel management consulting ensures that your project receives expert guidance and innovative strategies, leading to enhanced profitability and customer satisfaction.
3. Horwath HTL
Horwath HTL, established in 1915, stands as the world’s most experienced hospitality consulting brand, focusing exclusively on hotel, tourism, and leisure consulting. With over a century of expertise, they offer impartial, specialist advice, significantly contributing to the success of their diverse projects. Their global presence includes 52 offices across 38 countries, reflecting their vast experience with over 40,000 assignments.
Horwath HTL is a key part of the Crowe Global network, a top accounting and financial services network, making them a primary choice for companies and financial institutions in the industry. Notably, they emphasize corporate social responsibility, pioneering sustainable methods in hotel development and creating the HICAP sustainability award to recognize hotels committed to sustainable business practices.
Key Services
Impartial Consulting in Hotel, Tourism, and Leisure
Hospitality Accounting Standards Development
Sustainability-Focused Hotel Development Consulting
Why work with Horwath HTL
Horwath HTL's long-standing reputation for impartial and specialist advice, combined with their commitment to sustainability and extensive global network, positions them as an industry leader for businesses seeking to innovate and succeed in the hospitality sector.
4. Luxury Hospitality Consulting
Founded by Liv Gussing Burgess, Luxury Hospitality Consulting (LHC) is a leader in providing bespoke consultancy services in the luxury hotel sector. With a career spanning multiple continents, Burgess brings visionary understanding and creative passion to transform hotel brand visions into successful realities.
Luxury Hospitality Consulting specializes in a wide range of services, from developing new hotels and brand development to operational consultancy. They have a proven track record in enhancing guest experiences, brand identity, and operational excellence for esteemed clients including Six Senses Shaharut, Airelles, and Beaverbrook.
Key Services
Hotel and Resort Concept Development
Brand Strategy and Development
Operational Excellence and Management
Resort Development and Operator Search
Strategic Leadership Programs
Spa Concept, Development, and Management
Global Growth and Fundraising Strategy
Why work with Luxury Hospitality Consulting
With Liv Gussing Burgess' extensive experience and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality, LHC excels in creating distinctive, innovative, and successful hotel and resort projects. Their focus on tailoring each project to its unique needs and context, along with their strategic and creative approach, makes them a fine choice for clients in the luxury hospitality sector.
5. Carpedia Hospitality
Carpedia Hospitality is a global, implementation-based management consultancy specializing in the hospitality and hotel industry. The company is renowned for improving operating performance while simultaneously enhancing the guest and employee experience.
Carpedia works with various stakeholders, including owners, management companies, brands, and leaders, across several sectors like lodging, recreation, gaming, conferences, events, and food & beverage. Their approach is tailored and results-oriented, focusing on areas like workforce management, revenue growth, supply chain optimization, service enhancement, and capital planning.
Key Services
Operational Performance Improvement
Profitability Enhancement
Asset Management
Pre-opening Services and Due Diligence Support
Customized and Data-driven Management Tools Development
Why work with Carpedia Hospitality
Carpedia's unique approach, which includes active assistance with implementation, coaching, and training, consistently delivers substantial returns on investment. Their solutions are data-driven and tailored to each client, ensuring sustainable improvements in financial performance and customer satisfaction.
The firm's extensive experience across both public and private sectors, including diverse areas like conference centers, convention centers, and large outdoor event facilities, underlines their broad expertise and adaptability to different hospitality environments.
6. Cayuga Hospitality Consultants
Cayuga Hospitality Consultants is a network of independent hospitality consultants offering diverse consulting services and expert guidance across various sectors, including hotels/resorts, food & beverage, commercial food service, clubs and spas, casinos, and tourism industries.
With over 35 years of experience, Cayuga boasts a globally networked organization, with each consultant possessing extensive experience in ownership, executive, and senior-level positions within the hospitality business and related industries like real estate, development, and financial services. Their seasoned professionals have provided services in over 100 countries, developing strong relationships and a deep understanding of diverse cultures and languages.
Key Services
Digital Marketing Consulting
Market & Feasibility Analysis
Spas, Wellness & Recreation Management
Buyer Advisory Services
Investment Analysis, Appraisal & Valuation
Food and Beverage Consulting
Hospitality Management Assessment & Organizational Development
Financing Services, Revenue Management, Hospitality Facilities Management
Why work with Cayuga Hospitality Consultants
Cayuga's network of consultants works independently with clients, ensuring direct and immediate access and minimal interruption to ongoing businesses. Their approach is highly personalized, with a focus on effective and efficient project management, delivering superior high-impact work products.
7. HVS
HVS is a global consulting firm specializing exclusively in the hospitality industry. With over 250 professionals in more than 50 offices worldwide, they provide comprehensive solutions across various hospitality assets, including hotels, restaurants, casinos, shared-ownership lodging, mixed-use developments, golf courses, and spa and wellness facilities.
HVS prides itself on offering a wealth of hospitality intelligence, extensive expertise, and a deep understanding of local markets, helping clients achieve success in the complex hospitality arena.
Key Services
Appraisals & Valuations
Asset Management
Brand & Management Selection and Contract Negotiations
Brokerage & Advisory
Feasibility Studies
Financing and Hotel Management
Interior Design Services and Litigation Support
Why work with HVS
HVS stands out for its exclusive focus on the hospitality industry, bringing a global reach and local market understanding to each project. Their extensive range of services and deep industry knowledge make them a go-to consultant for any hospitality-related financial, developmental, or operational needs.
8. Strategic Solution Partners
Strategic Solution Partners (SSP) is a top hospitality consulting firm providing comprehensive, project-based expert consulting services for the hotel industry. As a single-source hospitality solutions provider, SSP specializes in offering advisory services in all aspects of hotel operation and management. Their consulting team comprises top-tier professionals with decades of experience in assisting boutique and upscale hotels, restaurants, ownership groups of luxury hotels, and other hospitality and tourism-related companies.
The firm's results-oriented approach focuses on consistent execution, prioritizing both results and guest experience. Custom solutions are designed to improve hotel sales and market positioning. SSP's industry experts are senior-level, hands-on hotel development executives and management consultants, skilled in assisting hotel owners, asset managers, VPs, and senior management. They provide hands-on training program guidance and craft action plans for operational success.
Key Services
Expert Consulting in Hotel Operations and Management
Advisory Services in Human Resources, Marketing, F&B, and Revenue Management
Strategic Assistance in Sales, Operations, Finance, and Engineering
Key Attributes:
Comprehensive Solution Provider for Independent Hotels and Hotel Brands
Multi-Disciplinary Team with Global Experience
Results-Oriented and Innovative Consulting Approach
Why work with Strategic Solution Partners
SSP's combination of a multidisciplinary team, global expertise, and a results-oriented approach makes them a valuable partner for hotel businesses seeking to evolve and succeed in a competitive market. Their tailored solutions and hands-on guidance ensure effective management and operational improvements for clients in the hospitality sector.
9. HoCoSo - Hospitality Consulting Solutions
HoCoSo is a renowned consultancy firm focused on the hospitality sector. They specialize in concept development, portfolio creation, strategic project scoping, execution and asset management, and hospitality education. HoCoSo's initiatives, like HoCoSo CONNECT and The Hospitality Resilience Series, emphasize collaboration, unity, and support within the hospitality community, especially during challenging times. These initiatives aim to find innovative solutions, best practices, and foster personal resilience and inner immunity among industry professionals.
HoCoSo's approach is forward-thinking, focusing on sustainable development, effective use of technology, and nurturing the industry's most valuable asset – its people. They have a proven track record in the industry, contributing insights and practical solutions for personal and business growth in hospitality.
Key Services
Concept Development and Portfolio Creation
Strategic Project Execution and Asset Management
Hospitality Education
Hosting Panels and Workshops at International Conferences
Why work with HoCoSo
Their emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and nurturing people, along with their commitment to finding collaborative solutions and best practices, positions them as a leader in hospitality consulting. HoCoSo's initiatives and services are designed to equip hospitality professionals and businesses to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
10. PKF Hospitality Group
PKF Hospitality Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry, offering comprehensive consulting services across four main divisions: PKF hotelexperts, PKF livingexperts, PKF tourismexperts, and PKF leisureexperts. Established in 1869, the group has a pioneering history in hospitality consulting, including the introduction of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry in 1927. Today, they boast a global team of over 100 consultants in 20 offices across 15 countries.
Key Services
Feasibility Studies
Valuations + Appraisals
Operator Search
Project Development
Asset Management
Financing + Investment
Destination Services
Data Analytics
Events + Networking
Why Work with PKF Hospitality Group
PKF hospitality group's extensive experience, global reach, and specialized consulting services across various sectors of the hospitality industry make them a top choice for tailored, effective advisory services. Their historic contributions to the field and affiliation with PKF International further underscore their commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality consulting.
11. Luxury Hospitality Consulting
Luxury Hospitality Consulting is an eminent consultancy in the hotel industry, renowned for its expertise in transforming hotel visions into successful realities. With a focus on innovation and excellence in global hospitality, the company excels in handling a variety of challenges faced by hotel owners and operators, from initial concepts to final check-out. Their approach involves skilfully navigating projects of all sizes through complex strategic and execution landscapes.
The founder, Liv Gussing Burgess, boasts a visionary understanding of global hospitality, gained from a career that spans continents and includes significant contributions to luxury hotel operations and new developments. Her work has included pivotal roles in the expansion of the Aman brand and as General Manager of the acclaimed Amandari in Bali, Indonesia.
Key Services
Developing New Hotels
Brand Development
Operational Consultancy
Why Work with Luxury Hospitality Consulting
Luxury Hospitality Consulting stands out for its ability to create unique and powerful experiences in the luxury hospitality sector. The firm brings a blend of creative passion, strategic insight, and operational excellence to each project. Their expertise in brand development, operational consultancy, and the delivery of distinctive guest journeys make them an exceptional choice for hotel owners and operators seeking to elevate their properties to new heights of luxury and success.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospitality Consultant
There are many different varieties of hospitality consultants, all with their own unique strengths and service offerings. Here are some factors to focus on when making your choice.
Experience in the Hospitality Industry: It's vital to select a consultant with a deep understanding and substantial experience in the hospitality sector. Their familiarity with industry trends, challenges, and best practices can provide invaluable insights for your business.
Range of Services Offered: Consider the variety of services offered by the consultant. From strategic planning, operational improvements, to marketing strategies, ensure they can cater to your specific needs.
Reputation and Client Feedback: Research their reputation in the industry. Client testimonials and case studies can give you a better understanding of their reliability and the quality of their work.
Customization and Flexibility: A good consultant should be able to tailor their services to your unique requirements. Flexibility in approach and solutions is crucial for addressing your specific challenges.
Cost and Return on Investment: Evaluate their fee structure and weigh it against the potential return on investment. An effective consultant should add value that far exceeds the cost of their services.
Compatibility with Your Company Culture: Ensure that the consultant’s approach and values align with your company culture. This alignment is essential for a smooth, productive working relationship.
What Hospitality Consultant Will You Choose?
Selecting the right hospitality consultant is a significant decision that can shape the future of your business. The ideal consultant should not only bring expertise and insight but also act as a catalyst for change and growth. As you consider your options, reflect on how each potential consultant aligns with the factors listed above.
The goal is to find a partner who understands your vision, challenges, and aspirations, and who can guide you effectively towards achieving your business objectives. In the dynamic world of hospitality, having a knowledgeable and reliable consultant can make all the difference in navigating the complexities of the industry and thriving in a competitive market.
