:
US: Airbnb has signed a distribution agreement with boutique hotel operator Lark Hotels, adding more than 75 Lark properties to its platform.
The partnership includes the entirety of Lark’s portfolio which spans brands such as AWOL, Blind Tiger, and Bluebird across the United States.
In late 2024, Lark entered into a joint venture with Life House to form Lark Hospitality. The groups’ combined portfolio reached nearly 100 hotels.
Rob Blood, founder and chairman of Lark Hotels, said: “Thrilled to partner with Airbnb. This partnership gives our owners something rare: a diverse channel mix and direct access to guests who already love what we do. Airbnb travellers seek out unique, characterful stays, exactly the guests our hotels are built for. That’s what Lark does best: helping distinctive independent spirited hotels stand out and reach the guests who value them most.”
Lou Zameryka, global head of enterprise and connectivity partnerships at Airbnb, said: “The team at Lark has built a reputation for thoughtfully designed properties that break the mould and reflect the character of their locations. That’s exactly the kind of unique, hospitality-driven experience we’re focused on as we grow our hotels business. This partnership is a strong step forward in our mission to help guests discover properties with soul, personality, and a real sense of place.”
Last summer, Airbnb’s CEO Brian Chesky said the company will “aggressively” target further expansion into hotels. Since then, the company appointed Zameryka with Jesse Stein promoted to the dual role of global head of real estate and head of hotels.
Discover more about Airbnb’s hotel strategy in the latest BHN podcast with Stein. Listen here.
Highlights:
- Airbnb has signed a distribution agreement with Lark Hotels, adding more than 75 boutique hotels across the United States to its accommodation platform.
- The partnership includes Lark Hotels’ full portfolio, featuring boutique hospitality brands including AWOL, Blind Tiger and Bluebird.
- Lark Hotels expanded its footprint in late 2024 through a joint venture with Life House, creating Lark Hospitality with a combined portfolio of nearly 100 hotels.
- The agreement supports Airbnb’s strategy to expand its hotel offering by increasing access to independently operated boutique hotel properties.
- Airbnb has accelerated its hotel growth strategy following leadership changes and a stated commitment to expand further into the global hotel sector.
