The Real Competitive Landscape
Independent hotels or chains
Roundtable host:
Balve Bains
Digital roundtable with hospitality professionals
April 22 · Session 1
April 29 · Session 2
Chains are going boutique. Independents are under pressure. Who's actually winning?
Chains are launching boutique brands and going after the traveler that used to choose independents. Independents say they offer something chains never can.
But is that still true in 2026?
This is not a panel where everyone nods along. We want honest disagreement, real perspectives, and the kind of conversation that creates clips people actually share.
Roundtable subjects
Where independents
still win
Experience, loyalty, and local knowledge. Are these advantages still real, or just good marketing?
Distribution & the loyalty machine
OTAs, points programs, and direct booking. Can an independent really compete with a chain's infrastructure?
Soft brands: bridge
or trap?
Autograph, Unbound, Curio - the promise is the best of both worlds. Is that still true five years in?
Strategy or Stubbornness?
At some point, staying independent stops being a vision and starts being the reason you're losing ground. Where's the line?
Does the Guest Even Care?
Price, location, reviews. Maybe the whole independent vs. chain debate is irrelevant to the person actually paying.
If you started a
hotel tomorrow...
Independent or branded? Every GM in this room gives a different answer.
Industry Experts at the Table
These professionals bring diverse expertise and perspectives to the roundtable, ensuring a rich and meaningful discussion.
Murray Scott
General Manager
Tom Srandberg
General Manager
Klaus spiekermann
General Manager
want to join
the discussion?
matthijs jansen
General Manager
Frank prasmo
General Manager
Panagiotis Kalogeridis
General Manager
Massimo Scarpata
General Manager
