StaySmart Insights: Hotels, New Brands & Industry Leadership
This StaySmart highlights the continued blending of hospitality, multifamily, and corporate housing. From Airbnb expanding deeper into hotels, to new apart-hotel brands entering the U.S., and technology-driven multifamily concepts targeting younger renters, the lines between living, travel, and hospitality continue to blur. Meanwhile, the corporate housing community celebrates new leadership and industry excellence through CHPA’s latest board appointments and Tower of Excellence awards.
by Gabriel Wacker· Mar 6, 2026
This StaySmart highlights the continued blending of hospitality, multifamily, and corporate housing. From Airbnb expanding deeper into hotels, to new apart-hotel brands entering the U.S., and technology-driven multifamily concepts targeting younger renters, the lines between living, travel, and hospitality continue to blur. Meanwhile, the corporate housing community celebrates new leadership and industry excellence through CHPA’s latest board appointments and Tower of Excellence awards.
Airbnb Accelerates Hotel Expansion Strategy
Platform Diversification Signals the Next Phase of Travel
Airbnb is expanding its push into hotels following strong early performance. While hotels currently represent a small share of overall bookings, they are growing nearly twice as fast as the broader platform. Early partnerships with boutique and independent hotels in markets with strict short-term rental regulations—including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Madrid—have helped drive momentum. As the company invests heavily in AI-powered trip planning and operational tools, Airbnb’s strategy aims to evolve the platform into a more comprehensive travel ecosystem.
Belvilla Enters the U.S. Through Sonder Property Acquisition
Prism Launches Lifestyle Apart-Hotel Brand Across Major Cities
Prism has secured 10 former Sonder properties to introduce the Belvilla apart-hotel brand to the U.S. market. The properties—located in cities such as New York, Seattle, New Orleans, Denver, and Austin—will convert into upscale lifestyle accommodations. Select properties will operate under a new sub-brand, Belvilla District 6. The expansion reflects a strategic effort to grow deliberately, focusing on assets with strong unit economics and operational sustainability while maintaining consistent guest experiences.
Travis Kalanick, former CEO of Uber, has launched Sekra, a luxury multifamily company focused on combining technology with hospitality-style amenities. Backed by $12.5 million in seed funding, the venture plans to develop and renovate high-end rental communities aimed primarily at affluent Gen Z renters. The company intends to focus on major U.S. coastal markets as well as international cities like Riyadh and Dubai, reflecting rising demand for tech-enabled residential experiences.
The Corporate Housing Providers Association has appointed Mitch Smith, president of Home Street Serviced Apartments, as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Smith brings more than two decades of corporate housing experience and will help guide CHPA’s strategic initiatives, industry advocacy, and member collaboration efforts. The board includes leaders from across the global corporate housing ecosystem, reinforcing the association’s role in strengthening the industry through education, networking, and innovation.
CHPA Celebrates 2026 Tower of Excellence Award Winners
Recognizing Leadership and Innovation Across the Industry
During CHPA Connect26 in Austin, the association announced the winners of the 2026 Tower of Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions across corporate housing. The awards highlight achievements in sustainability, innovation, leadership, and service across providers and partners throughout the industry. Notably, Bill Jackson received the Industry Impact Award, honoring his longstanding influence and leadership within corporate housing.
The Stay Smart Newsletter focuses on significant legislative changes, strategic partnerships, and market trends shaping the dynamics of the real estate and travel industries. As we navigate these developments, we continue to provide our readers with critical insights and forward-looking analysis. I’d like you to please stay tuned for more updates in our next issue.
