Independents hotels vs chains in 2026: who wins?

Handed millions and a great location, all three pick independent.Learn where independents still beat the chains and where AI actually belongs.In this episode Balve Bains interviews Klaus, Frank, and Panagiotis Kalogeridis, three hotel leaders running independent and family-owned properties across Europe.- Use speed as the independent edge, since a menu or a fix lands faster than any chain can approve- Recognize that claiming AI is not using AI, as most owners who say they use it have not started- Place AI in the back of house in revenue, kitchen, and engineering, not the front desk- Watch distribution as the battlefield, where hidden costs take owners out of the driver's seatEach leader is handed 10, 15, and 20 million euros and a location, and all three choose independent.Follow The Future of Hospitality for weekly insights into hospitality, hotels, and guest experience.Disclaimer: This podcast shares stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts and guests. They are personal perspectives only and not statements of fact or official advice from The Future of Hospitality