Hybrid hospitality brand The Social Hub will make its first entry into the Portuguese market and double its footprint in Italy amid plans to open three new hubs in early 2025 in Porto, Florence, and Rome. The move will bring the B Corp certified owner and operator’s portfolio of hubs – comprising hotels, student accommodation and coworking spaces all under one roof – to 21 across 19 major European cities. These include places like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Paris.
Image caption: The Social Hub Rome | Image credit: The Social Hub
“Our first new hub in the Italian capital of Rome, our second in Florence, and our debut into Portugal represent landmark developments for The Social Hub brand,” said Marion Koopman, The Social Hub’s Chief Operations & Commercial Officer. “They will be huge assets to their communities, bringing a unique hybrid hospitality model that provides purpose-driven experiences within beautiful spaces and new public facilities. We aim to generate a positive impact and connect our diverse audiences including travellers, students, businesspeople, and locals in all three cities. We can’t wait to open our doors.”
Image caption: The Social Hub Porto | Image credit: The Social Hub
The Social Hub Porto, which will open in the historic centre of Portugal’s second largest city, will be the brand’s first in the country ahead of further expansion into Lisbon planned in the coming years. This will also be the first The Social Hub venue to include long-stay apartments as the brand’s hybrid hospitality proposition evolves.
New four-star hubs in Florence – The Social Hub’s second in the city – and Rome, will accelerate the impact of the brand’s pioneering community-centric, hybrid hospitality model in neighbourhoods across Europe. Both projects are part of company’s commitment to regenerative projects, helping transform disused and empty sites into vibrant spaces for people from all walks of life.
Image caption: The Social Hub Florence Belfiore | Image credit: The Social Hub
The Social Hub Belfiore, Florence is slated to open February 2025. A stunning 7,000square metre rooftop public park, accessed by an outdoor staircase, is the signature feature of the 550-room Belfiore property, opening in Florence’s San Jacopino neighbourhood. With an impressive 80,000sqm of total space, the hub will feature coworking for more than 600 people and facilities which include restaurants, bars, meetings and event spaces, a rooftop Olympic-length pool, and a public commercial avenue to help local businesses thrive. Near the historic city centre and great transport links, the modern structure will become a hub of innovation and creativity for locals, businesspeople, students, and visitors to the area and wider city.
Image caption: The Social Hub Rome | Image credit: The Social Hub
Following hot on its heels, The Social Hub Rome is slated to open its 24,000square metre, 392-room property in the Italian capital’s San Lorenzo area in March. It is designed to be ‘a city within a city’, providing a ‘destination venue’ embodying the spirit of the historic Ex-Dogana (railway customs house) which was located on the grounds. With three main structures, these include a new, contemporary main building alongside refurbished spaces now housing the Accademia Italiana and an outdoor-indoor event venue. Other standout facilities include a rooftop bar and pool with a view over the Eternal City, restaurants, a modern coworking space for 160 people and meeting & event spaces. The contemporary architectural style is designed to bring further life to an area known for its thriving university life and creative arts scene. A 10.000sqm public park connecting the spaces will be the hub’s showstopper.
Image caption: The Social Hub Porto | Image credit: The Social Hub
Opening Spring 2025, the 11,000square metre, 310-room The Social Hub Porto will be located in Bonjardim, in the heart of the northern Portuguese city’s cosmopolitan city centre, within easy walking distance from Avenida dos Aliados and the Bolhão Market. Its position close to the University of Porto and the city’s thriving creative business district will make it a significant addition to the community. Indoor and outdoor features include a rooftop bar & pool, extensive food & drink options, coworking facilities complete with a media studio, and meeting & event spaces. A first for The Social Hub, the location will also offer 39 fully equipped residential apartments of up to two bedrooms for long-stay rent.
The Social Hub’s impact strategy includes organising community-centric events, with venues hosting more than 5,500 engaging over 100,000 people in the past year alone. The organisation also commits one per cent of global revenues to the TSH Talent Foundation, which supports changemakers who face barriers to opportunity. The Foundation is already active with a scholarship programme that sees over 30 talented students from around the globe living in its hubs, supported by a life-skills program tailored to their needs.
Image caption: The Social Hub Porto | Image credit: The Social Hub