Hybrid Hotels: The Rise of Social Ecosystems in Hospitality
The hospitality industry is undergoing a transformation with the rise of hybrid hotels that merge lodging with coworking spaces and cultural activities. Established in 2012 by Charlie MacGregor, The Social Hub boasts 21 locations across cities such as Vienna and Berlin, along with four in Italy. Mama Shelter, launched by Serge Trigano, has broadened its reach to places like Nice and Dubai, with an upcoming site in Lake Como set for 2026, showcasing designs by Benjamin El Doghaïli. Bunk hotels, initiated by Robin Hagedoorn, are situated in converted churches in Amsterdam and Utrecht. Anda Venice Hostel, located near Venezia Mestre, received four HOSCAR Awards in 2025 for featuring artwork by children from Gaza. In Milan, Madama Hostel & Bistrot, housed in a former police station, incorporates reclaimed materials and invites artists for its Madama Museum.
Key facts
- Hybrid hotels combine accommodation with coworking, cultural events, and community spaces.
- The Social Hub founded by Charlie MacGregor in 2012, now 21 properties in European cities.
- The Social Hub has four Italian locations: Florence Belfiore, Rome San Lorenzo, and soon Turin.
- Mama Shelter conceived by Serge Trigano, expanded to Nice, Dubai, Singapore, Medellin, Casablanca, Zurich.
- Mama Shelter plans a Lake Como location in 2026.
- Mama Shelter design by Benjamin El Doghaïli, with graffiti by Beniloys.
- Bunk hotels in Amsterdam and Utrecht are housed in repurposed churches.
- Anda Venice Hostel won 4 HOSCAR Awards 2025, near Venezia Mestre station.
- Madama Hostel & Bistrot in Milan occupies a former police barracks, features Madama Museum within Maua.
- Madama Hostel uses reclaimed materials and artworks from a call to artists.
Entities
Artists
- Charlie MacGregor
- Serge Trigano
- Benjamin El Doghaïli
- Beniloys
- Robin Hagedoorn
- Rob Salemans
- Silvio Stefani
- Peeta
- Joys
- Maysa Yousef
- Alessandro Martello
Institutions
- The Social Hub
- Mama Shelter
- Mama Design Studio
- Bunk
- Raumkultur
- Studio OIII
- Anda Venice Hostel
- Hostelworld
- Madama Hostel & Bistrot
- Madama Museum
- Maua (Museo di Arte Urbana Aumentata)
- Artribune
Locations
- Vienna
- Berlin
- Amsterdam
- Porto
- Madrid
- Paris
- Italy
- Florence Belfiore
- Rome San Lorenzo
- Turin
- Nice
- Dubai
- Singapore
- Medellin
- Casablanca
- Zurich
- Lake Como
- Toulouse
- London
- Luxembourg
- Utrecht
- Santa Rita
- Venice
- Venezia Mestre
- Milan
- Porta Romana
- Gaza