After 19 years in the corporate world I have stayed in more than my fair share of hotels travelling, extensively both in the UK and internationally. From 2010 I spent several years in a senior position within the serviced apartment sector which is also when I first started mystery shopping accommodation. Most recently I worked for 11 years with an international law firm, responsible for a multi-million pound global account. The hours were long, the stakes were high and the challenges never ending, and I loved it.

Alongside this, for the last 12 years I’ve also set-up and run various small businesses, including both a co-working office and holiday properties, the latter have achieved 5 star ratings for over 10 years. My work in both my corporate life and personal enterprises, mean I understand and have experienced the effort that is required to make a good business profitable, the importance of good customer service and the impact of first impressions.

Always passionate about the quality of accommodation that I’m staying in, the time felt right to step back from the city and give proper attention to this idea. So after 16 years reviewing hotels, serviced apartments and holiday lets on the side, I now have the freedom to run my own, boutique, hotel secret shopper business and in the spring of 2026 founded OHB Consultancy.

Let’s chat soon

Val Gascoyne