Latest news with #boutiquehotels
Grazia USA
7 days ago
- Grazia USA
The GRAZIA Retreat: The EVE Hotel, Sydney
Photo: Supplied When it comes to escaping the UAE heat during summer, the first destination which is the go-to is, naturally, the balmy climes of Europe – namely the Greek islands, the Amalfi Coast, Bodrum or perhaps a cityscape in the form of Paris, London or, if you're going slightly further afield, New York City. But what about looking to the East of the region? Specifically, southeast towards Australia. As a bucket list destination for many, the country's biggest city, Sydney, is arguably the gateway to the country for many. With a population of over five million, the coastal Australian city has everything from a buzzing cosmopolitan centre to being home to over 100 beaches, as well as being a major cultural hub. In fact, it ranked number five on the global survey for the best cities in the world for culture in 2025 by Time Out – and it was the only Australian city to rank on the list. In recent years, post the pandemic, there's been a huge investment in both the culture and hospitality sectors in the city, with approximately $279 million USD investments in the hotel sector alone in 2025 so far, according to reports, which includes a huge rise in boutique and independent hotels. Perhaps one of the most notable recent hotel openings, tucked into the vibrant heart of Sydney's inner-city Redfern district, is The EVE Hotel. Opened in late 2024, the boutique bolthole has already earned a cult following among in-the-know aesthetes, drawn to its art-filled interiors, sultry rooftop and irreverent personality. A love letter to the creative pulse of Sydney, if you will. From the moment you step through its bronze-framed glass doors, you're immersed in a sensory world that blurs design, culture and comfort, complete with moody lighting, terrazzo floors, and local artworks curated with gallery-level taste. If its Brisbane counterpart, The Calile, which opened its doors in 2018 and has been on the World's 50 Best Hotels list for two years running, is anything to go by, The EVE could very well be on its way to many incoming global accolades. The 102 rooms are equal parts sleek and soulful. Expect high ceilings, curvaceous furniture, Aesop amenities, and thoughtful tech touches that whisper luxury without trying too hard. But what truly sets The EVE apart is its connection to Sydney's cultural lifeblood. The hotel shares a postcode with artist-run spaces, buzzy wine bars, design-forward boutiques and even GRAZIA editor-approved brand Aje's head offices, which give the neighbourhood its enriching character. That's not all, the hotel is also complete with a rooftop pool, which gives a West Hollywood, Los Angeles vibe with its terracotta accents and lush sunbeds. By way of gastronomy, the Greek restaurant Olympus, located in the hotel, is a chic location for drinks and small bites at the bar, or just next door, Island Radio, is an eclectic spot for casual dining and indulging in Southeast Asian street food. The EVE is a hotel that will leave you falling a little bit in love with the city's grit and glamour, and marks the perfect place for the start of a bucket list trip in Australia.
Skift
08-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
IHCL Eyes Boutique Chain Acquisition to Drive Growth to 700 Properties by 2030
India's hotel growth story won't be built on mega-properties alone. Having snapped up boutique chains like Claridges and Tree of Life, IHCL is betting that small hotels in the right places can deliver big returns and faster market reach than legacy five-star sprawl ever could. Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the hospitality business of the Tata Group, looks to acquire boutique hotel chains as part of its effort to nearly double its hotel portfolio by 2030. The company currently has a portfolio of 392 hotels, including 143 under development globally across 14 countries and in over 150 locations. The company wants to grow to 700 hotels, with a total of 70,000 rooms by 2030. To meet this goal, IHCL would be investing around INR 12 billion ($142 million) each year. In the last earnings call, IHCL CEO Puneet Chhatwal said, the company has also allocated INR 250 million ($3 million) over three years to promote India abroad. At IHCL's 124th annual general meeting on Monday, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran talked about acquiring boutique hotels. The shift to smaller, often locally-rooted boutique hotels helps IHCL enter markets where large properties may not be viable. 'Everywh
South China Morning Post
24-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
The rise of independent female hoteliers: from Valentina De Santis with Passalacqua, rated one of the best hotels in the world, to Esin Güral Argat with Joali in the Maldives
The hospitality industry has long been powered by women but it wasn't until the mid-1990s, when Singaporean hotelier Cristina Ong founded Como Hotels and Resorts that female founders started to attract the spotlight. Women like Rosewood's Sonia Cheng and Marie-Louise Scio from Pellicano Group have taken the helm of their family businesses and focused on new brands, openings and acquisitions. Others like Italian Irene Forte, heir to Rocco Forte Hotels, have carved their own niche by experimenting with new concepts ranging from wellness to fashion. Now a new generation of female founders are moving beyond their family legacies to create fresh hotel concepts that reflect their own personalities, while catering to the needs and desires of a new breed of travellers. Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor, Egypt. Photo: Handout Advertisement 'Today most female-run hotels are not big chain hotels. Many of these properties are independent and showcase the founder's unique personal touch. Female hoteliers today are intent on doing things their own way – it's not about following the masses,' says Zeina Aboukheir, founder of Al Moudira. Aboukheir is not a new name. The Italian-Lebanese tastemaker launched Luxor's now famed Al Moudira Hotel in 2002, before selling it in 2022 (she is still a consultant). The chic boutique hotel was designed by renowned Egyptian architect Olivier Sednaoui, but every detail was conceived by Aboukheir, including its old-world interiors featuring artworks and antiques she sourced, from handcrafted doors to hand-painted floor tiles. 'Twenty-five years ago it was already strange to have someone building a hotel in Egypt in the middle of the desert, let alone a woman,' she explains. 'Al Moudira has been successful because it has a special charm – everything is personal. It reflects my tastes and personality. It's a little bit of a mess, like me.' Zeina Aboukheir, founder of Al Moudira. Photo: Handout Italian hotelier Valentina De Santis is another ambitious hotelier who has made waves by transforming an 18th century private villa on the banks of Lake Como into Passalacqua, one of the best hotels in the world (an accolade bestowed upon the hotel by the World's 50 Best organisation, William Reed Business Media, in 2023). Hospitality runs in her veins – her grandfather bought Grand Hotel Tremezzo, another iconic property on Italy's Lake Como, in 1975. She joined the family business in 2010, but it wasn't until 2018, when they stumbled upon the property, that she was ready to build a new concept from the ground up. De Santis meticulously restored and updated the villa's historic interiors, while also engaging her good friend, renowned Milan-based designer J.J. Martin of La DoubleJ, to help her transform the hotel's pool and bar areas with her colourful and maximalist prints. Valentina De Santis, founder of Passalacqua. Photo: Handout 'It was the first time J.J. worked on a design project but we loved the idea of doing something together. Hospitality is still quite a male-dominated industry but the attention to detail, the kindness, the feminine touch a woman can bring to a property are unique. Guests are always saying our hotel has a female heart,' she says.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
7 Fall Destinations That Make the Middle Class Feel Rich
Fall travel can feel indulgent; crisp weather, colorful landscapes, fewer crowds … but you don't need a trust fund to enjoy it in style. With smart planning, the middle class can savor luxury-like experiences on a budget. For You: Find Out: Think cozy boutique hotels, farm-to-table dining, scenic vineyards, and mountain retreats that don't require a black AmEx to enjoy. Here are seven fall destinations where middle-class travelers can feel rich, without overspending. Why it feels rich: Napa vibes without Napa prices. This Central Coast gem is packed with world-class wineries, boutique stays, and scenic vineyard views. Many tastings are free or low-cost, and fall is harvest season, making it even more magical. Money-saving tip: Look for weekday tasting deals or wine passports to save on multiple vineyard visits. Explore More: Why it feels rich: Adobe architecture, sweeping desert views, and a thriving arts scene give Taos a serene, high-end feel. Fall brings golden aspens and fewer tourists, so you can take in the luxury of peace and quiet for less. Money-saving tip: Visit during Taos' shoulder season (late October) for reduced lodging rates and small-town charm. Why it feels rich: This coastal town is the gateway to Acadia National Park, where stunning fall foliage meets rocky shorelines. It's a nature lover's dream that feels more 'Kennedy compound' than campground. Think lobster rolls, sailing excursions, and fireside lodges. Money-saving tip: Skip the luxury hotels and book a charming bed and breakfast with an included breakfast. Why it feels rich: Just a couple of hours north of NYC, this region is all about apple picking, antique shopping, and sipping wine at countryside estates. It's rustic elegance at its finest – and you don't have to splurge to feel like you're living a Nancy Meyers film. Money-saving tip: Use Amtrak or Metro-North to skip rental car costs and take in the scenic ride. Why it feels rich: This Bavarian-style village is like stepping into a European mountain town with alpine lodges, Oktoberfest celebrations, and fresh fall air. It's charming, festive, and photogenic. Money-saving tip: Plan your trip just after the Oktoberfest peak for similar ambiance and lower hotel rates. Why it feels rich: With red rock canyons, luxe spas, and spiritual retreats, Sedona feels like a wellness resort town, without the Aspen price tag. Fall weather is ideal for hiking, hot air ballooning, or relaxing under the stars. Money-saving tip: Skip the resort packages and opt for a day pass at a high-end spa. Why it feels rich: This peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan offers fall colors, scenic drives, winery tours, and cozy lakeside cottages. It's the Midwest's best-kept fall secret and it's wonderfully affordable. Money-saving tip: Visit midweek for lower lodging rates and fewer crowds at popular spots like Fish Creek and Egg Harbor. You don't have to fly private or stay at five-star resorts to enjoy a rich-feeling fall getaway. With a little research and strategic timing, the middle class can experience the beauty, flavors, and luxuries of autumn without blowing the budget. So grab your coziest sweater, pack a thermos, and head to one of these destinations where the air is crisp, the leaves are gold, and life feels a little more luxurious. More From GOBankingRates These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on 7 Fall Destinations That Make the Middle Class Feel Rich
Hospitality Net
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
TakeUp and Cloudbeds Team Up to Make Revenue Optimization Effortless for Independent Hospitality Properties
TakeUp, the AI-powered revenue management platform built for independent hospitality properties, announced today a new integration partnership with Cloudbeds, the innovative leader in hospitality management technology. This collaboration equips boutique hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and glamping retreats with seamless, automated revenue optimization—helping them maximize earnings while saving time. With this integration, independent hoteliers using Cloudbeds can now access TakeUp's AI-driven pricing engine, which dynamically adjusts room rates based on real-time market demand, competitor pricing, and booking trends. Alongside AI-powered automation, TakeUp's experienced revenue strategists act as an extension of each property's team, providing expert guidance to fine-tune pricing strategies and maximize long-term profitability. Cloudbeds' partner integration marketplace connects hoteliers with industry-leading solutions that enhance property management, revenue strategy, and guest experience. By integrating with Cloudbeds, TakeUp becomes part of a growing ecosystem of innovative tools designed to help independent hoteliers compete more effectively. This seamless connection ensures that TakeUp users can access advanced revenue management capabilities without disrupting their existing workflows. 'Cloudbeds has built an outstanding platform that streamlines hotel operations, and we're excited to enhance that experience by making revenue optimization effortless for their customers,' said Bobby Marhamat, CEO at TakeUp. 'By partnering with Cloudbeds, we're delivering AI-powered pricing automation and expert-backed strategies in a way that's simple, effective, and tailored to small and independent properties.' Key Benefits of the TakeUp + Cloudbeds Integration: AI-Driven Pricing Optimization – Automatically adjusts rates to reflect demand, competition, and market trends. Revenue Strategist Support – AI-powered insights, enhanced by expert guidance, ensure a strategic approach to pricing. Seamless Cloudbeds Integration – Quick and easy setup with no disruption to existing operations. User-Friendly Analytics – TakeUp's intuitive dashboard provides performance tracking and benchmarking. 'At Cloudbeds, our goal is to give hoteliers the tools they need to run their businesses more efficiently and profitably,' said Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships at Cloudbeds. 'Partnering with TakeUp gives our customers access to a smart, easy-to-use revenue management solution that helps them stay ahead without adding unnecessary complexity to their workflows.' A Future of Smarter Revenue for Independent Hoteliers Independent hotels no longer have to guess at pricing strategies or spend hours manually adjusting rates. With TakeUp and Cloudbeds integrated together, properties of all sizes can now leverage AI-powered revenue management—a capability that was once only accessible to large hotel brands. About TakeUp TakeUp is an AI-powered revenue optimization platform built for independent hospitality properties, including boutique hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and glamping retreats. By leveraging AI-driven insights and expert revenue strategists, TakeUp helps properties maximize revenue and save time, seamlessly integrating with leading property management systems to drive profitability and operational efficiency. For more information visit About Cloudbeds Cloudbeds is the leading platform redefining the concept of PMS for the hospitality industry, serving tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries worldwide. Built from the ground up to be masterfully unified and scalable, the award-winning Cloudbeds Platform brings together built-in and integrated solutions that modernize hotel operations, distribution, guest experience, and data & analytics. Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System and Channel Manager (2021-2025) by Hotel Tech Report, World's Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider (2022) by World Travel Awards, and recognized in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 in 2024. Kelly Campbell Marketing Director View source
