Since the pandemic, we’ve noticed a certain evolution in the way we travel, but also in the way we live, hence the success of coliving as well as certain new hotel formulas. Coliving is often defined as a combination of shared accommodation and hotel services, since the idea is to make life easier for the occupants by eliminating the inconveniences of sharing and facilitating their daily lives with hotel services. On the other hand, the hotel sector is also shifting towards a more lifestyle-oriented approach, where guests feel right at home by shaking up standards.
At first glance, these may appear to be two different worlds, since coliving seems to be more akin to living in a rental apartment for an indefinite period, whereas a hotel is intended more for short business or leisure stays, even though both concepts are aimed at travelers who need a space in which to live and possibly work. In both cases, we’re talking about accommodation with services and facilities, in which we also find private spaces such as furnished bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as common areas. This is where we can see a difference, since in coliving, you need a fully-equipped kitchen for the duration of your stay. In a hotel, on the other hand, you don’t need a kitchen, but rather a restaurant or bar.
What’s more, the way people travel has changed since the pandemic, with many workers now doing their work remotely. They are therefore looking for accommodation where the length of stay can vary. The offer must therefore be flexible, and they must have services that are essential to their daily lives, such as: cleaning, a laundry area, a kitchen, a workspace such as coworking, entertainment areas such as sports or games, and quality wifi. Many hotels have therefore rolled out offers that depart from the sector’s classic codes and move closer to more accessible community living.
Finally, the real difference between these two offers is in terms of community. This is a major advantage of coliving. When we stay in hotels, it can be difficult to form bonds with the other occupants. As hotels prioritize short-term stays over long-term ones, there’s often little incentive to forge new relationships during the trip. However, in co-living spaces like coliving, socialization, collaboration and mutual inspiration are actively encouraged. The desire to create dynamic communities that foster productivity is rooted in the ethos of these organizations. Bringing like-minded people together to live and work helps catalyze new ideas and improve business.