
Why Hospitality Brands Must Think Like Media Companies
There was a time when hotels competed on rooms, views, and service. That was enough. Not anymore. Today, every five-star property has a rooftop, an infinity pool, and a spa menu. What really makes one brand stand out isn’t the marble lobby — it’s the story.
Look at Aman. They don’t sell rooms — they sell silence, privacy, and a way of life. Soho House? They’re not a hotel at all. They’re a global community. Both of them think less like hotels and more like media brands. They create content, publish magazines, release films, build culture.
And that’s the shift: in 2025, content is the product before the guest ever checks in. People meet your brand through Instagram reels, YouTube films, or even a podcast episode. By the time they arrive, they’ve already “lived” part of the experience through your stories.
Marriott figured this out early. Their Content Studio doesn’t just shoot ads — it produces travel shows, guides, even documentaries. Why? Because when you act like a publisher, you don’t just sell a room for the night — you create a relationship that lasts.
The best hospitality brands are doing three things:
- Telling human stories — chefs, locals, guests.
- Showing culture, not just facilities.
- Building communities that exist online as much as in the lobby.
The future? Hotels won’t just be places to stay — they’ll be content ecosystems. Magazines, video channels, collaborations with creators. Maybe even digital memberships that don’t require you to book a room.
Because in the end, hospitality isn’t about square meters or thread counts. It’s about how people feel when they think of your brand. And feelings are built by stories.
At Tenlive, we help hospitality brands move beyond traditional marketing and think like media companies. From cinematic storytelling and AI-powered content to luxury brand strategy, we create narratives that resonate with global audiences and build long-term loyalty.
Ready to turn your brand into a story people want to follow? Let’s create it together in Dubai and beyond.
