Say it plainly
Findings are written in direct language. If something is not working, the report says so.
About
Built from the operating side of the hotel business.
The Hotelier Lab was founded on a simple observation: hotels rarely need more analysis. They need someone experienced enough to say clearly what is wrong and what to do first.
Over thirty years in hospitality, Serdar Güntekin has worked across general management, training and human resources leadership in resort and city hotel environments. The perspective is an operator's: formed on property, during season, with responsibility for the result.
That background shapes how the advisory works. Commercial and operational questions are not treated separately, because in a hotel they never are. A rate decision shows up at the front desk; a staffing gap shows up in the reviews; a reporting habit decides whether ownership sees a problem in week one or month three.
The Hotelier Lab works with independent hotels, boutique properties, small and mid-sized groups, owner-managed hotels and new or re-opening properties. The engagement ends with the property better equipped than it was — not more dependent.
Founder & Principal Advisor
Serdar Güntekin
Career background
Selected roles.
- Founder & Principal AdvisorThe Hotelier Lab
- General ManagerMP Hotels & Resorts
- General ManagerLabranda Excelsior Side
- General ManagerDesign Plus Seya Beach Alaçatı
- Training DirectorKaya Hotels & Resorts
- HR DirectorHapimag Resort Seagarden Bodrum
How the work is conducted
Respect the operation
Reviews happen in live conditions, with the team informed, and without disrupting service.
Prioritise ruthlessly
A long list of recommendations helps nobody. The value is in the order of the list.
Leave capability behind
The measure of the engagement is what the property can sustain once it is over.
Start with a clear read of the property.
A short introductory conversation is enough to establish whether an audit, a revenue reset or retained advisory is the right first step.