Home / Business and Economy / Hybrid Hotels Mix Students & Travelers
Hybrid Hotels Mix Students & Travelers
24 Feb
Summary
- The Social Hub offers hybrid accommodations for students, business travelers, and locals.
- Founder Charlie MacGregor views students as 'next generation talent,' fostering respect.
- The model aims for economic and social impact, injecting millions into local economies.
Charlie MacGregor's company, The Social Hub, is transforming city centers by creating hybrid accommodations that house students alongside business and leisure travelers. This innovative model, with 21 locations and over 10,000 rooms, addresses the growing criticism of student-only buildings "hollowing out" neighborhoods.
MacGregor emphasizes treating students with trust and respect, viewing them as "next generation talent." The Social Hub's design integrates students into vibrant lobbies shared with hotel guests and co-working professionals, fostering a community atmosphere and mutual benefit through networking and shared spaces.
Currently valued at over £2bn, The Social Hub operates primarily in Western European capitals. Its sole UK presence is in Glasgow, with plans for an Edinburgh location facing opposition over housing shortages. MacGregor differentiates his model from Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), as over half its rooms are conventional hotel offerings.
This flexible business model proved resilient during economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. The company claims its Glasgow location injects over £10 million annually into the local economy, significantly more than a conventional hotel of similar size. The integration of diverse user groups is seen as a key factor in this success.
