Hybrids are dynamic, multifunctional spaces where people can stay, work, eat and drink, and socialise all under one roof. In the past few years, we have seen a growing number of hospitality brands pivoting to the hybrid model in order to maximise revenue and cater to changing guest needs.
In this series, we’re travelling around the world to highlight the brands that are leading the way in this exciting space. This month, it’s France’s turn to take the spotlight!
From the bright lights of Paris to the beaches of Nice, here are 8 of the best hybrid hospitality brands in France.
1. RockyPop
RockyPop is a French hybrid hotel brand currently in 3 locations – Chamonix-Les Houches, Flaine and Grenoble – with the ambition to open at least two locations per year in major French cities moving forwards.
In 2016, the mountain hybrid concept was first launched in the Chamonix Valley by investment and hotel management company, Assas Hotels. The flagship site was hailed for its originality and popularity among the millennial market, leading to a second RockyPop opening in Flaine in December 2021.
Now, the mountains will no longer be the only home of Rocky Pop. Their third site has landed in the southeastern city of Grenoble, offering guests and locals a place to stay (both short and long term), work, eat, drink and play.
RockyPop aims to go beyond the facilities of a typical offering, offering an experience to those with aligned states of mind. We are looking forward to seeing where this brand heads to in the future.
2. The Hoxton Paris
The Hoxton is a series of open-house hotels with infamous lobbies that are loved by locals and guests alike in some of Europe and America’s best cities.
With their Paris site dubbed as one of the city’s more relaxed, easygoing and affordable properties, it’s a popular choice among visitors. It’s also a vibrant local hub for Parisians to work from with a flat white by day and socialise with a martini by night.
When it comes to F&B, The Hoxton’s bars and restaurants are destinations in themselves and their Paris property’s options – Rivié, Jacques Bar and Plance – don’t disappoint either.
Ennismore’s The Hoxton are truly a masterclass in the hybrid concept.
3. The Student Hotel
The Student Hotel is a pioneer in the hybrid hospitality industry, with locations in 15 European cities, including Paris. The Student Hotel Paris La Défense is located in Puteaux, a residential and industrial suburb of the city.
In the hotel itself, guests get access to a shared kitchen, study room, games area, gym, and pool at the hotel. Flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and a desk for studies are all standard features in the rooms. Extended stay options are available, as they are at all Student Hotels, so guests can check-in for one night or up to a year.
The brand released their latest Impact Report for 2020-2021 recently, outlining steps they have already made – and are striving to achieve – on areas including sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion and leaving a valuable footprint.
4. Generator Paris
Generator has 14 locations across Europe and the United States. Each location combines the social culture of a hostel with the high-end hotel characteristics of design-centric décor, exciting public spaces, and high-quality food and beverage to provide visitors with the ultimate luxury on a budget.
In 2015, the industry-leading brand landed in the heart of Paris’s vibrant 10th arrondissement. Their design-led hotel give guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a dynamic social culture and connect with each other as well as with their surroundings.
As well as stylish and affordable accommodation, Generator Paris offer both guests and locals a variety of social spaces, opportunities to relax, meet others and work. There is also a rooftop bar [open to guests only], a cafe, underground club and many more chill-out areas to kick back in.
5. Okko Hotels
OKKO HOTELS is an urban four-star hotel concept that has turned the hotel sector on its head. Launched by Olivier Devys in 2009, the contemporary lifestyle hotel brand has 10 sites across several French cities including Paris, Grenoble, Lyon, Cannes, Bayonne, Strasbourg, Biarritz, and Toulon.
Offering high-quality service across sites, rooms are decorated in contemporary designs and common areas that are called the “Club”, are open 24 hours a day, for guests as well as locals. They are on a mission to prove that ‘it is possible to create hotels which are at once modern, sustainable, personal and fairly priced’.
Two additional hotels are under construction in Lille and Nice and are scheduled to open soon.
6. Bob Hotel
Going beyond the facilities of a traditional hotel, Bob Hotel – an acronym for ‘Business on Board – is a connected collaborative space for guests and locals to stay, work and socialise.
Designed to stimulate creativity and encourage connection, their dedicated onsite coworking spaces and meeting rooms are available to work from at a fee by the hour, half-day, day or month.
Ideal for working by day, it’s also the perfect place for people to sit back, relax and unwind at their onsite spa before hitting the hay in design-led rooms.
7. citizenm Paris
citizenm hotels are located in some of the world’s most interesting cities and Paris is no exception, with four locations dotted around the city. Each of their sites serves as a place to work, relax, and play as well as a place to sleep.
citizenm began disrupting the traditional hotel sector back in 2008 by building premium hybrid hotels designed for both business and leisure travellers. Today, they are on a mission to become “the leading transformational hotel” brand.
Currently, the brand have plans to open 36 hotels and 8,545 rooms in the next three years in areas including Europe, the US, Asia and potentially Australia. Most recently, they have opened flagship hotels in Boston, Seattle, Washington DC, Zurich and Geneva.
8. Zoku Paris (coming soon!)
Having already landed in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Vienna, hybrid hospitality trailblazers, Zoku’s next stop is Paris. Spearheading the ‘work from anywhere’ revolution, Zoku ‘facilitates living and working internationally for the growing population of globetrotting professionals, remote workers, and digital nomads’.
Located opposite the iconic “Tribunal Judiciaire” judicial court building in the 17th District of Paris, the property is expected to open soon.
In recent weeks, their flagship property Zoku Amsterdam were awarded Tripadvisor‘s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award for Top 25 Hotels in The Netherlands.
Looking for support with your hybrid’s digital marketing?
Merci for reading! We hope you enjoyed learning more about some of the best hybrid hospitality brands in France.
Are you looking for marketing support for your hybrid hospitality brand? We work with innovative businesses that are changing the way people stay, live, work & play. From hybrid hotels to design hostels and coliving spaces, our clients create spaces that connect like-minded people through shared experiences.
If you’re looking for a marketing team that finally ‘gets it’ – and gets results – you’re in the right place. Drop us a message and let’s chat about how we can support your brand.
