Despite tourism taking a huge hit over the past year, hotels were still able to bring some customers in by offering rooms as temporary offices.
For instance, flexible workspace firm Industrious expanded its coworking memberships by partnering with Wythe Hotel.
The program, called Oasis by Industrious at Wythe Hotel, provides members access to transformed hotel rooms four times a month, as well as Industrious’ other locations in the U.S.
Industrious and Wythe will share revenue made from the agreement, but future demand for this arrangement is uncertain.
“We’ve created spaces that are comfortable, safe and functional for workers while our hotel partners help bring that extra element of warmth and service,” said Anna Squires Levine, chief commercial officer at Industrious. “This ‘special sauce’ combination resulted in a really unique offering that has guests wanting to return to the spaces on a regular basis and is ultimately the best testament to the success of these partnerships.”
While this is an ideal partnership for the hurting hotel and office industries, some experts wonder about the longevity of this business model.
“I see flexible office being a long-term viable option in the market, with work-from-hotel a likely niche industry,” said Aaron Jodka, a managing director of research and client services at Colliers International. “If hotels can partner with established, well-recognized flexible office space providers, there are opportunities for this to carve out a post-pandemic niche in the market.”