Global nomads and adaptive reuse: Where boutique hotels are finding new value in 2026

In this episode we speak to Anthony Hunt, partner and co-head of Corporate Real Estate at law firm Howard Kennedy. We discuss why 2026 may be seen as a pivotal year for boutique hotels, unpack the rise of global nomadism and how this is shaping demand and trends across hospitality, and how a strong team and clear, consistent messaging and offerings are key to securing investment. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.