Luxury Hotel Trends in 2026 with Jonathan Raggett, CEO, Red Carnation Hotels

Mar 11, 2026

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Luxury travelers are becoming harder to impress, not because they want more “stuff,” but because they expect less friction and more recognition. In the first episode of our Luxury Hotel Series, Jonathan Raggett, CEO of Red Carnation Hotels, joins us to explore the trends shaping luxury hospitality in 2026. From deeper personalization and emotional service to the growing expectation of fast, accurate responses at every guest touchpoint, we discuss how leading luxury hotels are evolving to meet the changing demands of today’s travelers.

We discuss what it takes to deliver truly bespoke hospitality at boutique five star hotels. That includes planning days ahead of arrival, using guest history thoughtfully, working closely with travel advisors, and recognizing that the moment a guest hears “your room is ready” is often the first true moment of trust. Jonathan shares how small but meaningful details and exclusive concierge access can create memories guests talk about for years. He also explains why hotel teams must strike the right balance with generosity in a world where social media makes every perk instantly visible and comparable.

The conversation also turns to leadership and culture. Jonathan explains what exceptional general managers do differently, why leading from the floor is so important, and how Forbes Travel Guide standards align with service that feels genuine rather than scripted. He also discusses the role of Master Inholders, the importance of mentorship and scholarships, and why family owned hotel groups can often move faster than large global brands when decisions need to be made quickly.

Finally, we explore the role of AI in hospitality. The goal is not to replace people but to use technology to improve consistency while protecting what luxury guests value most: a capable human who can solve problems and make them feel truly known.

Thanks to GuestOS.ai for sponsoring this series!

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🔥 Special Thanks to our Season 7 Title Sponsors for their Support: Bokun, Civitatis, Intrepid, Kaptio, Propellic and Protect Group.

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