Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive about our auditing process.
If you have a specific query not covered here, or would like to discuss how an audit could support your property, please contact us using the link below and we will be very pleased to speak to you.
What does a hotel audit involve?
Our audits are designed to be efficient, minimally disruptive to day-to-day operations, and to deliver clear value.
Before the visit, we ask for key documents such as policies, procedures, and training records, allowing us to understand your operation in advance.
During the audit, our auditors spend time across the hotel getting to know your business, your team, how things really work day to day and - crucially - how the different parts of the operation work together. We speak with staff at all levels and across all departments, helping us identify what is working well and where improvements would be most valuable.
Guest feedback, including online reviews, is reviewed alongside Health and Safety compliance, which forms a core part of every audit.
The audit concludes with a face-to-face discussion and a written report. Any Health and Safety issues identified are raised immediately so they can be addressed without delay.
How do we maintain quality following an audit?
Quality is maintained through the use of a detailed checklist supplied by Gabr Pilkington. One individual should be appointed within each department to take responsibility for ensuring every standard on the checklist is consistently met. Where any element falls short, targeted retraining should be implemented immediately to prevent repeat issues and to maintain overall standards.
Where should we buy quality fixtures and fittings? Who produces the best china ware?
Gabr Pilkington can advise on trusted suppliers of high-quality fixtures, fittings, and china ware in both the U.K. and Egypt. Our guidance is based on proven performance, durability, and suitability for hospitality environments, ensuring long-term value rather than short-term savings.
Do you help with financial advice and planning?
No, we do not provide financial or business planning advice. However, we are highly focused on ensuring value for money from a guest perspective. We can advise on how to present and enhance perceived value, helping properties justify pricing through service quality and attention to detail.
Do we receive a certificate or accreditation from an audit?
Our audits are not accredited and do not result in a formal certificate. Instead, they provide assurance that your property is operating at its best, supported by clear, practical recommendations designed to improve standards and performance.
What do your audits find that others often don’t?
Our audits are true “deep dives” into every aspect of hotel operations. We identify issues that may not yet be obvious but have the potential to become future problems. With a proactive, preventative approach, we address emerging risks before they result in service failures, guest dissatisfaction, or reputational damage.
What are the payment options?
Payment is structured in two stages:
-
A deposit is required when the audit date is confirmed.
-
The remaining balance is payable on the final day of the audit.
Why should I use independent external hotel auditors?
As independent auditors, Gabr Pilkington has no vested interest in your business beyond its improvement. This independence allows us to identify issues objectively, including those that may be overlooked by internal teams due to familiarity with day-to-day operations. We provide clear guidance on corrective action and sustainable improvements.
How long does a hotel audit take?
Most audits take between three and five days, depending on the size, complexity, and operational scope of the property.
Are hotel audits required by law?
No, hotel audits are not a legal requirement.
How often should a hotel be audited?
We recommend that hotels undergo a full audit at least once per year to maintain standards, adapt to changing guest expectations, and prevent service decline.
Can an audit increase profitability?
Yes. Improved guest satisfaction leads to stronger online reviews, increased repeat business, and enhanced reputation across booking platforms, all of which directly support long-term profitability. We also advise on strategies for making sustainable savings on operational costs.
Will an audit disrupt daily operations?
No. Audits are designed to observe the hotel in normal operation. There is minimal disruption, and the process is intentionally unobtrusive to ensure a true reflection of the guest experience.
Are audits confidential?
Yes. All audits are conducted in strict confidence, and findings are shared only with the client.
How much do audits cost?
Audit fees vary depending on the scope and requirements of the property. A detailed quotation and proposal is provided after our initial discussions.
Do you assist with disputes or legal matters?
No, we do not provide assistance with disputes or legal issues.
Do you work with banks or lenders?
No, we do not work with banks, lenders, or financial institutions.
Can audits be carried out remotely?
No. All audits are conducted on site to ensure accuracy, context, and a genuine understanding of operations.
How quickly can an audit be started?
Audits typically commence three to four months after booking. This allows sufficient time for us to review guest feedback on social and booking platforms, and to study the property’s policies, procedures, and training materials in advance.