“The launch of W Hotels in 1998 was a major inflection point and led to more groups embracing the lifestyle hotel concept. Activity spiked in the 2010s as large chains noticed materially higher growth in the category,” reads CBRE’s 23-page report, released May 28.
Generation Z (Gen Z) travellers — or those born between 1997 and 2010 — are opting for lifestyle hotels over standard mid-scale offerings or formal luxury, driven by a taste for experiential travel and authentic local culture, says CBRE.
In a special report on lifestyle hotels, CBRE defines such properties as “stylish boutique” spaces that place an emphasis on design and strong visual identity. They focus on highly personalised and experiential service, while offering a range of lively and flexible public spaces “optimised for social interaction”, according to the real estate consultancy.
