Simon demonstrated strong analytical skills and a thorough approach to the work he conducted. (He) was especially respected by our team members for his training skills . . . demonstrated strong client relationships, flexibility and a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ whenever required.
2. Phil Golding - Cedar Capital Partners
For close to ten years Simon has been known to me as a colleague and in most recent time as a valued adviser. He possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the hotel field and is widely regarded as one of Europe ’s leading independent advisers. I strongly appreciate Simon’s integrity and honesty, and his work is well supported by detailed market research. Whether it be hotel development, hotel acquisition, hotel repositioning, or hotel valuation services you require I would not hesitate in recommending Simon.
3. Patrick Smith - IFA Hotels & Resorts
Simon is widely regarded as one of the leading hospitality and real estate consultants around, specializing geographically in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and I was lucky enough to spend a high proportion of my assignments at HVS with Simon being the lead director. Simon’s meticulous attention to detail and his consistent methodical approach to personal primary research in the field led to Simon having the very highest of reputations among many of our clients at the time . . . . as being a ‘no stones unturned’ type of guy . . . . able to call from a wealth of knowledge through years of experience.
I personally found my time working with Simon as an invaluable life experience and many of his teachings/ influences . . . . are still with me on a daily basis in my working life.
4. Gerard Greene - CEO, Yotel!
I met Simon when I joined HVS back in 1997. I had the pleasure of working with him a great deal over the five years I was at HVS and he never failed to amaze me with his diligence. Whether a five star resort, major city centre hotel or budget hotel he always spent an enormous amount of time and energy in diligently analysing the project. He was extremely creative and always willing to think outside the box in order to ensure that all angles were covered. Obviously over the years we spent a great deal of time together and he is nothing short of a gentlemen and an inspiration when I was starting out in my hotel career. I still speak to Simon for advice today and his broad spectrum of work in all areas of the hotel industry make him a good sounding board.
5. Laurent de Kousemaeker - SVP Development, Marriott International
Simon Hudspeth was a director at HVS London, and my supervisor and coach when I joined the company in 1999. He taught me the value of hard work, attention to detail, diligence and integrity, which are essential in the hotel consulting business; unfortunately also scarce in this particular sector. These key values have been important to me personally - in my career growth with HVS International (subsequently opening the HVS Madrid office) and thereafter with Marriott International.
It is with this same integrity that I can say that Simon is the most responsible hotel analyst/consultant I know. I have recommended him at every possible opportunity since as, in the end, the value of the report is really determined by the trustworthiness of the consultant signing off, and not the company logo.
6. Chris Day - Managing Director, Christie + Co
Whilst he was employed by Christie + Co Simon proved to be an exemplary professional, with very high standards in work and in business relations. The quality of work produced by Simon and his team has been of great value and importance to Christie + Co, and this has helped establish the firm as a credible provider of high-level corporate advisory, agency and investment services. Simon represented the firm at many industry conferences and events, speaking on a wide range of topics relating to hotel investment, development, and valuation, and on hotel leases and management contracts. He and his team published numerous articles that have underlined his, and Christie + Co’s, status as respected industry experts. Simon’s wide-ranging industry contacts and his high profile in the international hotel investment sector have helped to promote Christie + Co to a wide audience of large corporate and international hotel owners, investors and operators . . . . Simon has created a sustainable legacy in our corporate and international hotel advisory services.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his valuable contribution to Christie + Co’s development in the large corporate and international hotel area during the past four years. He has played a vital role in our recent successes, and I wish him every success in the future.