Hybrids are dynamic, multifunctional spaces where people can stay, work, eat and drink, and socialise all under one roof. Over the past 18 months, many hospitality brands have pivoted to a 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, we’re heading over to Portugal! Here are six of the leading hybrid hospitality brands in Portugal:
1. Hostels Hub Group, Lisbon, Ericeira & Peniche
Combining high-quality yet affordable accommodation with the opportunity to socialise with like-minded guests and experience unique local activities, they are the ‘go-to’ for travellers from around the world when visiting this European destination.
Dedicated to serving travellers of all kinds, the group’s properties vary from city-centre hubs in Lisbon to beach side bases on the coast in Ericeira. More than just a place for guests to rest their heads, their hostels’ facilities include onsite bars, lounges, an infamous ball pit, swimming pool and – launching in January 2022 – a dedicated coworking room.
The leading group has a number of plans in the pipeline to open new sites around the country
2. Selina, across the country
From buzzing global cities to remote jungle locations, their sites are created to cater to today’s nomadic travellers who are always on the move. They are a true hybrid brand – combining beautifully designed accommodation with coworking spaces, wellness experiences and local adventures.
With six locations across Portugal, the brand has fast become one of the most popular venues for digital nomads in the country. Creating buzzing hubs for both locals and travellers to stay, work and play, Selina’s properties are known as the ideal spaces to catch up on work, meet like-minded people over drinks, switch off with one of their onsite activities – or all three!
Selina expects to gain from the remote working trend and a health and wellness-focused lifestyle shift by its target customers, which the company anticipates will become more pronounced in the coming years.
The hospitality brand recently announced it would go public via a merger with blank-check firm BOA Acquisition Corp in a transaction valuing the business at approximately $1.2 billion. Selina projects next year’s revenues will be $234 million.
3. The Independente Collective, Lisbon and Porto
The Independente Collective is a Portuguese creative hospitality company that boast a number of stunning properties in Lisbon and Porto including elegant apartments and suites, buzzing restaurants and bars and beautiful design hostels.
This group is the brainchild of four brothers who envisioned a different concept of hospitality where travellers, as well as locals, could come together, sharing stories, experiences and memories. While each of their sites is completely original, the aim remains the same – bringing together a community of locals and travellers in spaces where they can truly feel welcomed and at home.
Located in Porto, The House of Sandeman Hostel & Suites is actually the world’s first branded hostel in partnership with Sandeman Port Wine and is located in the iconic Sandeman Port Cellars.
The group is looking to invest in the historic centres of Lisbon and Porto as well as Tavira, Évora and Comporta in the coming years. There are also plans to diversify their portfolio further with a hotel opening coming soon. Whatever they do next, it’s safe to say they represent Portuguese hospitality at its finest.
4. Home Lisbon Hostel
Opening in 2006, award-winning Home Lisbon Hostel is an intimate space offering affordable city-centre accommodation, social spaces (including an open all hours bar) where you can easily meet fellow travellers and a dedicated coworking space for those working on the move.
The home-from-home ethos is one that many brands love to preach but not all live up to. But, this 86 bedroom hostel is the real deal and is committed to ensuring that travellers from all walks of life feel welcome and truly at home with them.
The real golden ticket for guests – and one that no other brand can replicate – is Mamma’s cooking. Mamma is the mother of the hostel’s two owners, and she is known for serving up authentic Portuguese specialities as part of her delicious communal dinners which bring the whole hostel together.
5. Outsite
Founded in 2015, Outside is a members-based network of coliving spaces located in seven destinations across the world – including two sites in Lisbon. The company aims to serve a new segment of location flexible creative professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to integrate their life and work.
Not simply a place to sleep at night, Outsite’s spaces combine slick accommodation with a coworking space, cafe and weekly community programming to facilitate social interaction.
As well as being dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections between their residents, they are also passionate about their members connecting authentically with the local destination. Encouraging slow travel, they support residents in truly getting to know – and becoming a part of – the local community.
As a real favourite with millennial remote workers, Outsite have seen a dramatic increase in demand in the past year since the pandemic began and have an exciting future ahead.
6. Destination Hostels
Offering spaces for travellers to stay, work and play, facilities include dedicated coworking spaces, onsite bars, weekly social programming and more. They also offer longer term coliving accommodation stays for remote workers and digital nomads who are looking for a social hub to base themselves.
As one of the first 10 hostels to open in Lisbon, Destination Hostels have always been an innovative brand who constantly look at ways to diversify and meet the needs of changing guest demands.
Most recently, is their new ‘Anywhere Destination Nomad Hostel’ concept whereby guests can take their ‘hostel’ on the move by hiring a camper van with mates and freely exploring the country together.
Destination Hostels are aiming to expand internationally in the future.
Obrigada for reading! We hope you enjoyed learning more about some of the best hybrid hospitality brands in Portugal.
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.
