Ian Schrager created culturally resonant boutique hotels for decades. He's back to prove he can scale the Public Hotels brand despite changing market dynamics.
Replicating a lifestyle hotel brand worldwide is a bit like walking on a tightrope blindfolded. Only the skilled survive. Marriott's Edition is up to the challenge, according to the brand's boss. Expect an acrobatic 2023.
The Americas still takes the (slightly) biggest piece of IHG's development pipeline pie, but Greater China is vaulting forward each year with new signings and higher room counts for the company behind brands like Holiday Inn and InterContinental.
The U.S. hotel industry’s recovery is volatile heading into fall, especially in major cities. A vaccine mandate like at Ian Schrager’s Public Hotel is an added security blanket — but a bigger hotel company might face legal challenges trying to implement something like this in more anti-vax parts of the country.
It is not the first time Ian Schrager has attempted to brand Public as the next big thing for hotels with its “luxury for all” mantra. But the pandemic primed the travel market where this kind of high-end, limited-service brand has a real shot at growth.
The nightlife industry has long been riddled with fly-by-night club closures and seedy venues. Now a handful of powerful hoteliers are changing that by launching new nightlife concepts — and parlaying them into higher room rates. Who says disco is dead?
Ian Schrager opens up about his history in hospitality, and there's more to come at Skift Global Forum in New York. Trust us — you don't want to miss this interview.
If hotels could out-innovate Airbnb, then Schrager is right that would certainly be part of the answer to the threat posed by the homesharing company. However, Airbnb is more nimble than many big chains. And they are unlikely to give up their legislative efforts anytime soon.
So much for taking a summer vacation. This year, the hotel industry was busy making major moves and investments, as well as launching new brands, properties, and policies.