'Vibe' becomes the new luxury as Gen Z reshapes hotel playbook

Gen Z travellers are pushing hospitality away from five-star opulence toward aesthetics, authenticity and shareability. Chains are responding with lifestyle sub-brands, design-led boutiques, local collaborations, sustainability cues and creator-led marketing—reframing what premium means in retail and hospitality.

— Filed Wed, 13 May, 2026, 08:26 IST · Source ET BrandEquity · Updated

Gen Z travellers are redefining hospitality luxury around 'vibe'—aesthetics, authenticity, shareability—pushing hotel chains toward lifestyle sub-brands, design-led boutique formats, local collaborations, sustainability and creator-led marketing over traditional five-star opulence.