40 Years in Hospitality: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating People
In a world where the hospitality industry is increasingly shaped by technology, analytics, and rapid change, one truth remains timeless: great service and genuine human connection are at the core of a memorable hotel stay. While tech tools have revolutionized everything from bookings to back-end accounting, they can never replace the warmth of a friendly front desk smile or the comfort of a clean, welcoming room. Guests may tolerate a slightly outdated showerhead, but they’ll remember how they were treated — with care, respect, and a sense of home.
The challenge today lies in balancing this human touch with evolving expectations. Post-pandemic travel has brought skyrocketing rates, tighter budgets, and a labor market that feels stretched thin. As hoteliers strive to maintain profitability, they must also navigate the fine line between cost-cutting and customer satisfaction. It’s no longer just about luxury or loyalty programs; it’s about delivering consistent quality and earning guest trust night after night.
That trust isn’t built with fancy amenities alone. It comes from a team that feels valued, supported, and empowered to serve. Hiring the right people and investing in them isn’t just good business — it’s what keeps guests coming back. Because when employees feel looked after, that care naturally extends to every traveler who walks through the door.
Few people understand this better than Dorraine Lallani, Senior Director of Asset Management at Westmont Hospitality Group, who celebrates an incredible 40 years in hospitality this year. In our “40 Years in Hospitality: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating People” conversation for Visual Matrix, Dorraine shares how a journey she never expected led to a lifelong passion — and why the industry’s future still rests on the same core values it always has.
