Netherlands: The Student Hotel has rebranded as The Social Hub in order to better reflect its hybrid hospitality offer and guest profile.

Valued at €2.1 billion in its most recent funding round, the company, along with partners APG and GIC, is aiming to expand its portfolio with 25 new properties across Europe, with seven set to open in the next three years

As part of the expansion plans, this autumn will see The Social Hub opening its doors at two new properties in Spain – the first in central Madrid and the second in Barcelona’s Poblenou district. They will be the first properties to open under the new brand identity and expect to welcome 1000 new members and more than 50,000 guests at each property in the first six months. A third property will also open this year in Toulouse.

CEO and founder Charlie MacGregor said: “We’re really proud to be announcing the evolution of our company along with the opening of our new properties in Spain. We have changed our name to The Social Hub to put social impact at the heart of everything we do. Now more than ever there’s a need for genuine connection and positive change, we believe, together we create a better society.”

Frank Uffen, managing director, community & partnerships, added: “The Social Hub sees our community through a new lens. Not only as students, travellers, digital nomads or entrepreneurs, but as one community with a shared mindset.”

The Social Hub’s events program aims to improve social connections and features 200 events per month across the portfolio, including learning experiences, awareness days, networking events, sports classes as well as a wellbeing and mental health program and more.

This program of events is supported by a growing group of 200 ambassadors across Europe who represent a variety of communities and mindsets – and helps to connect the hubs to the city and support talent in the community. For example, The Social Hub Amsterdam was selected as the city’s official Pride Hotel for the second time in 2022, hosting Pride TV, Pride University and various diversity and inclusion events.