About Us
What's different about Gabr Pilkington Associates?
We started Gabr Pilkington Associates because we believe that independent hotels deserve the very best: expert oversight that matches anything the big chains have access to, delivered by people who have actually done the work. Every audit is undertaken by both partners personally and, between us, we bring decades of hands-on experience across every level of the industry in multiple countries and cultures, and a genuine commitment to making a lasting difference.
We believe that success begins
at the front door
Our audits draw on a complete and deep understanding of hospitality operations and we review every single stage of the guest journey from the moment of arrival to departure, throughout the day and night. We look beyond the symptoms to identify underlying issues - however complex - and put effective, lasting solutions in place.
We understand the power of relationships
At the heart of our work is a strong belief in relationships and communication. We take time to build open, collaborative partnerships with the businesses we audit, while supporting better communication between staff, teams, and guests. This helps create a positive, harmonious environment where people feel supported, work well together, and deliver a better experience for every guest.
We care about your business
When you've worked hard to get an independent business off the ground, you really need someone who respects your vision and understands the effort that has gone into getting where you are today. We take an objective, professional approach while listening carefully and working in partnership with you. Our audits are designed to support improvement and inform decision-making, not to impose generic solutions that don’t fit your operation.
We know how you feel
What sets us apart is our ability to truly understand your operation from every perspective: owner, manager. staff, and guest. In addition, having been on the other side of audits ourselves, we work with compassion and understanding throughout the whole process. We understand and respect cultural differences and individual needs, helping remove barriers and making the audit a genuinely respectful and productive process for every member of your team.
Meet The Partners
Khalid Gabr
For over two decades, I have worked across the hospitality industry in roles ranging from hands-on to high-level, in settings as varied as boutique hotels, large international properties, and premium airline service. Wherever I’ve been, one principle has remained constant: the guest experience starts the moment someone approaches the door - and every detail matters.
My journey began not behind a desk, but in the kitchen. With the ambition to become a General Manager, I was advised to learn the business from the inside out. So I did. From back-of-house operations to front-of-house service, I have spent years understanding how each part of a hotel works and, more importantly, how they work together.
Before returning to hotels, I held a senior cabin crew role at British Airways. That chapter taught me the the power of calm communication, and the impact of delivering service to the highest standard, day in and day out. It also gave me a global perspective on hospitality, an understanding of how different cultures expect to be treated, and what ‘excellence’ really means in practice.
Today, I carry those lessons into my auditing and consultancy work. I help owners and managers see what they can no longer see: the gaps in systems, standards, and staff training that slowly but surely erode guest experience. My focus is always on practical improvements, identifying small changes that lift the whole operation and help a business flourish.
I take a pride not just in the systems that improve, but the confidence I leave behind. I believe in high standards, clear communication, and making people feel valued, both as guests and as team members. And whether I’m assessing health and safety, refining front desk procedures, or mentoring staff, I hold to one personal goal:
To leave every place better than I found it.
Susan Pilkington
There’s no drama in a well-run hotel. And that’s exactly how I like it.
I came into this industry through real, hands-on, sleeves rolled up work. In a career spanning thirty years, I've worked my way through almost every role in the industry, from housekeeping and children's activities to senior leadership positions, and across every area of hospitality from five-star international brands to family-run independent hotels.
That hands-on foundation shaped everything that followed. I went on to read for a Master's degree in Quality Management Systems for the hospitality industry - a research degree with real-world application - and have spent my career leading operational improvement, including serving as a guest lecturer at the Moquattam Institue of Hospitality and working with the Shalakany Law Office, putting in place their Quality Management systems. As a result, I understand hospitality operations and quality management at every level, and I know how small issues, left unattended, can unravel even the most successful businesses.
Clients often tell me that I bring calm to chaos and notice what others miss: a kitchen layout that’s slowing service, a safety issue that’s been normalised over time, or a culture problem that’s driving good people away. My approach is practical and respectful. I don’t arrive pointing fingers or issuing ultimatums; instead, I observe, listen and ask the right questions. And when something isn’t working, I help you put it right, without blame or unnecessary friction.
I’ve lived and worked across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, speak several languages, and genuinely enjoy building relationships with clients and teams from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I believe strong operations start with trust, and with people who who feel valued and know what's expected of them.
If you want to improve your hotel without losing your mind - or your team - I can help.