In the age of 24/7 connectivity, some innovative properties are looking to distinguish themselves with nontraditional luxuries. Today, they’re in the experience business, providing culturally enriching pleasures for guests whose work and leisure are increasingly intertwined. Think of them as “ideas” spaces, halfway between TED Talks and the salons of yesteryear. Here are four of the latest standout programs.
The Hoxton
This hotel group, which has properties in Amsterdam, London, and Paris, has organized Hox How To’s, which are classes geared toward members of the fashion, music, tech, and design communities. Programs like “How to Have a Tech Side-Hustle” cater to the urban professionals who already congregate in Hoxton lobbies and serve as networking opportunities. This summer, Hoxton will open an offshoot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where the How To’s will focus on the arts. Rooms from $200.
Arlo Hotels
With locations in New York City’s SoHo and NoMad neighborhoods, Arlo Hotels considers creative programming to be at the heart of its identity. At WAYE Talks (Weekly Advice for the Young Entrepreneur), panelists discuss topics ranging from cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence to the future of social media. Rooms from $199.
The Upper House
This Hong Kong property offers a series, Up Close, that consists of cultural “salons” in the Sky Lounge, a space designed by internationally acclaimed architect André Fu. For each event, a notable person from the world of art, fashion, design, or architecture is invited to host an intimate conversation with guests. Past speakers have included Christian Louboutin, Fanny Moizant, Nick Wooster, and Victoria Beckham. Rooms from $660.
Corinthia Hotel London
This hotel has just launched a yearlong residency with the Future Laboratory, a trend forecasting and brand strategy firm founded by Martin Raymond and Christopher Sanderson. A series of briefings, dinners, and installations, each designed to make sense of the future, will take place on a monthly basis. Starting in July, a shop of “future curiosities” will sell one-off objects tying back to the themes discussed throughout the year. Rooms from $435.
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