This year the Independent Hotel Show will be partnering with Wellbrook Hospitality and LEVEN Hotels to bring an exciting new experience to the show. The metaverse is a new phenomenon and one with exciting potential applications for the hospitality sector. 

 

We speak to Wellbrook Hospitality Principal and LEVEN Co-Founder Timothy Griffin about what hoteliers can expect from the feature at this year's event. 

 

Can you tell us a bit about LEVEN Hotels – what makes the brand unique and when did it launch?

 

LEVEN Manchester is a vibrant new hotel, situated in Manchester's Village neighbourhood. The hotel is housed within a landmark early 20th-century warehouse, blending history with modern design.

Developed as a collaboration between Manchester-born entrepreneurs Joshua and Ben Senior and industry pioneers Wellbrook Hospitality, founded by PJ Kenny, Timothy Griffin and Shanthan Balakrishnan, LEVEN Manchester is the inaugural property of the LEVEN brand, which encompasses co-working, co-living, and retail spaces.

 

The hotel's 33,000 sqft area was meticulously redesigned, featuring thoughtfully designed rooms and suites. LEVEN comes from the old English word for ‘live’ and as such LEVEN  is a place where you can be yourself, live your best life, in spaces designed to inspire you to embrace every second.

 

The original red brick walls and Crittall windows showcase the building's industrial past, having served as a cotton warehouse and brewery in previous incarnations. The hotel's design team retained and highlighted the original architectural features, juxtaposing them with contemporary materials and lighting.

 

The lobby impresses with a brass-topped bar, striking emerald green tiles, and statement lighting. The lobby bar evokes a home-like atmosphere, serving LEVEN's unique coffee blend, cocktails, and a variety of snacks. A connecting walkway leads to a versatile day-to-night lounge equipped for co-working and relaxation. The accommodation options, ranging from "Life Size" rooms to two-bedroom duplex Penthouse suites, boast individual character, blending historic elements with sleek touches. Guests can expect oak parquet floors, bespoke furniture, and high-quality amenities.

 

Positioned at the heart of the vibrant Village neighborhood, LEVEN Manchester offers easy access to Manchester's bustling scene. Its central location, along with its proximity to the Piccadilly Station, provides a gateway to explore the city's attractions and diverse communities

 

What sparked your interest in the metaverse and its potential synergy with the hospitality sector?

 

 

As the Metaverse evolves from a sci-fi concept into a reality, every industry disrupted by the digital era will feel its impact. We believe the potential for creative hospitality brands is limitless and in building the LEVENverse we will be one of the first hospitality brands to blaze a digital trail in the early Metaverse.  

 

The LEVENverse will be a place open to all, enabling global networking of likeminded people in an immersive, fun virtual hotel environment, expanding upon LEVEN’s physical social spaces to reach a broad audience. Users will be able to create their own social and game experiences when they visit the LEVENverse.

 

What can visitors expect to see and experience as part of the LEVENverse at the Independent Hotel Show?

 

Visitors will gain an insight in to the LEVENverse and why we brought a hotel brand in to the incorporeal world of the Metaverse. There will be a tour of the concept imagery and the opportunity to experience visiting the Metaverse in a show setting designed to be showstopper. 

 

Why should owners and managers of independents take an interest in the opportunities presented by the metaverse?

We took an interest in the Metaverse as it allowed us to push traditional boundaries, bring the LEVEN brand to new audiences and explore the opportunities the digital future holds. Consumers spend increasingly significant time on line and having a well considered presence in the Metaverse enables independent brands to bridge their real world experience with the bourgeoning virtual world of their customers.

Find out more about the LEVENverse at liveleven.com/leven-verse. Register for you complimentary trade ticket for the Independent Hotel Show here.