Hybrid hospitality brands are meeting modern consumers’ needs by providing dynamic, multifunctional spaces where people can stay, work, eat and drink, and socialise – all under one roof.
The popularity of the hybrid model has grown over the past 12 months as businesses across the hospitality sector have recognised the benefits of optimising their spaces and diversifying their revenue streams. That’s why we’re starting a new series to shine a spotlight on the leading hybrid hospitality brands in different locations around the globe.
The idea for Stay the Night was born on a backpacking trip in South Africa, so it only seems fitting that we start there! Plus, there are some incredible examples of innovation and creativity happening in the South African hospitality sector right now.
Below, we have listed 7 of the best hybrid hotel brands in South Africa, who are leading the way in this space.
1. Curiocity
CURIOCITY are a trailblazer when it comes to hybrid hospitality on the African continent. In 2019 they launched the first hybrid hotel in Cape Town, giving visitors to the Mother City the chance to stay in luxury private rooms or shared suites all of which are designed to cater to the modern traveller.
The design-led property has plenty of shared spaces, including a pool, an onsite café/restaurant and numerous lounge spaces for both working and socialising. CURIOCITY also leads the way when it comes to providing curated activities and experiences for guests, offering everything from mountain-top meditations to weekend road trips.
The growing brand also operates 3 sites in Johannesburg – their famous backpackers, 12 Decades Art Hotel and Fox Street Studios apartments. The latest exciting addition to their portfolio is Farmhouse – a stunning retreat nestled in nature at the heart of the Cradle of Humankind.
CURIOCITY states that their mission is to ‘create spaces where people can connect with each other and with their destination’ and there’s no denying they’ve achieved this with their hybrid hospitality offering. We can’t wait to see what’s next on the agenda for this African industry leader.
2. Neighbourgood
Neighbourgood takes all the best elements of hotels, co-working spaces, traditional rentals and Airbnbs and blends them into one big thriving neighbourhood. The growing brand currently operates 7 sites across Cape Town. Each site is built with design and community in mind, focusing on all-inclusive living and working spaces.
Members stay in fully furnished private rooms or apartments, with access to each site’s various different communal spaces, including inspired workspaces, rooftop pools, gyms, kitchens, games rooms and vegetable gardens.s. Each location also hosts regular built-in community events, giving members the opportunity to meet and connect with one another in Neighbourgood’s unique spaces.
Neighbourgood offers the ultimate in coliving and hybrid hospitality, building neighbourhood communities that make living and working together better.
3. BlackBrick
Blackbrick are an exciting hybrid hospitality brand bringing subscription living to South Africa (and beyond) with their residential members’ clubs. Members are empowered to live and work freely between cities with a combination of short, medium and long-term stay options and tiered workspace memberships.
So whether guests want to stay for a day or stay for a lifetime, BlackBrick has an option to suit all. They currently operate three locations in South Africa – 1 in Cape Town and 2 in Johannesburg – each of which has its own integrated live-play-work experience for members.
The properties themselves – described as ‘vertical villages’ – offer state of the art design and facilities, including onsite concept restaurants, rooftop bars, cinemas, gyms, libraries and lounges. There’s also big plans for this brand on the horizon, with a property in Umhlanga underway and sights set on key US sites for expansion. Watch this space!
4. Ideas Cartel
Ideals Cartel is an ecosystem of multi-use spaces designed to bring together members who wish to work, stay and play in South Africa.
They operate boutique hotels across three Cape Town sites and pride themselves on providing the perfect social settings for budding entrepreneurs, creative minds and global travellers to connect and thrive. The luxury properties offer spacious suites with elegant design, scenic views and central locations.
Through Ideas Cartel’s Cartel Club membership, guests get more than just a room – they can access Cartel Club members’ exclusive Inner City coworking spaces, a collection of workspaces designed with productivity and meaningful connection in mind. Membership also grants access to lounges and bars, restaurants, rooftop pools and HITT gyms across multiple locations.
The brand also makes great use of technology to enhance their guest experience with an app that acts as a digital concierge, allowing guests to book meeting rooms, order coffee or even request a private limo pickup (move over Uber!).
5.Daze House
Daze House is a 10-room contemporary boutique hotel in Johannesburg’s Observatory neighbourhood that opened its doors last year. Each room represents a different African nation that founder Gabriel Leavall has visited including Tanzania, Morocco and Kenya.
The design elements and artwork in the rooms are sourced directly from these countries and are for sale, creating a mini economy out of this concept and supporting local artists across the African continent. Leavell spoke of trading with artisans in those countries, explaining “If you go into a room, let’s say Tanzania, you may have Tanzanian coffee, you may see Tanzanian blankets that are actually for sale and artwork from that local region as well.”.
Besides offering a home away from home to guests, Daze House is built on community and regularly hosts events including live music events, art shows and cooking classes. The property also boasts stunning interiors, a vast garden and a swimming pool.
The long term goal for Daze House is to expand the brand throughout Africa, operating boutique hotels of 50 units or less to maintain the intimate and authentic vibe created at this flagship site.
6. Once in Cape Town
Once in Cape Town is a social hub for young travellers looking for affordable accommodation with an authentic South African experience.
Centrally located on the city’s vibrant Kloof Street, the property offers guests a mix of stylish private rooms and modern dorms as well as plenty of shared social spaces. Their onsite restaurant and bar – Yours Truly – hosts live DJ sets on the regular and is always packed with travellers and locals alike.
Once also offers daily free activities to help guests get the most out of their trip. These include free neighbourhood walking tours, traditional South African braais in the townships and salsa dancing on the promenade.
7. The Stock Exchange Hotel
The Stock Exchange Hotel in Cape Town’s multicultural hub of Woodstock is the perfect option for travellers and business workers who need a long-term base camp to work and live from. This hotel forms part of a mixed-use building, WEX1, which includes stylish residential units, retail outlets and restaurants. The property has thirty-three apartment-style rooms for guests to choose from, with the interior of each furnished by nearby local businesses.
The Stock Exchange also offers guests access to plenty of facilities and amenities that they can use during their stay, however long it may be. Besides the usual free WIFI, concierge and regular housekeeping services, the hotel also has an expansive lounge and bar that opens out onto a communal outdoor ‘entertainment deck.’ This spot is perfect for socialising, as all the guests and residents can share this space. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel’s location is right in the middle of Woodstock, which is full of street art, independent microbreweries and some of the city’s best markets for travellers to explore.
Need help marketing your hybrid hotel brand?
Need support with your marketing? Stay the Night can help! We work with innovative businesses around the world that are changing the way people stay, work and play. From hybrid hospitality brands to design hostels and coliving spaces, our clients create spaces that connect like-minded people through shared experiences.
If you’re looking for a team that truly understands your business and can take your marketing to the next level– you’re in the right place. Drop us a message and let’s see how we can support your brand.
