SMALL HOTELIER

Focused on the unique challenges and opportunities for small hotels, hostels, and boutique accommodations, covering operations, guest experience, and competitive growth strategies.

Small Hotelier, Thursday 26 February 2026

Small Hotelier

10:40

Using hyper-local f&b to forge an unforgettable boutique identity

Lotti Bruce, Brand & Marketing Director, The PIG Hotel

Small Hotelier

11:30

The future is boutique: trends and tools that are making guests look beyond the big brands

Guests are increasingly seeking authentic, local experiences over standardised brand stays. This panel discusses how boutique and independent hotels can capitalise on this trend by leveraging their uniqueness.

Find out what boutique hotels offer that big brands can’t
Discover how to authentically incorporate culture without clichés
Explore tech tools helping independents gain visibility

Moderator: Declan Wale, Director, The Hotel Magazine

Tej Walia, Managing Director, Foxhills Collection

Mike Baxter, Co-Founder and CEO, House of Gods

Small Hotelier

15:20

Are independent hotels being squeezed out of the market?

In a market dominated by giants, independents face tough challenges but also unique opportunities. This discussion focuses on survival strategies through collaboration, innovation, and branding.