Commune Hotels launches 'value conscious' hotel brand Tommie in US, London on horizon
The new brand is expected to appeal to the 'youthfully-minded global traveller' by merging what it called 'the best attributes' of Commune's existing hotel brands.
"Tommie will be a ground-breaking and accessible addition to Commune's collection of brands," said Commune Hotels & Resorts chief executive Niki Leondakis. "Offering value without compromising basic amenities in the lifestyle sector, Tommie will be the perfect complement to Thompson and Joie de Vivre and is positioned to become the blueprint for the next evolution of hotels in gateway cities."
Functional efficiency
Tommie hotels, will be designed simply, but with style, the company said. Technology will be important with self check-in key to the 'help yourself' attitude it is hoping to push to customers, underlined by communal dining areas selling gourmet grab-and-go dishes. Public lounges will be called Reading Rooms which will be designed to promote gathering and meeting spaces Crash Pads which will be created in a way to enhance productivity.
"Tommie is about stripping away the non-essentials to create a functional efficiency. Everything is beautiful, but also has a purpose," said Jason Pomeranc , co-chair of Commune Hotels & Resorts and founder of Thompson Hotels. "We are creating hotels that will appeal to youthful, design savvy, connected, and discerning travelers seeking responsible and immersive experiences. Tommie will be a choice, not of economy but of desire."
The first two Tommie hotels are slated to open early 2015 in New York, on 31st Street in Manhattan (250-bedroom) and in West Soho (329-bedroom), before the brand is rolled out to Europe, Asia and other key domestic markets.
It is understood that London, where Commune Hotels & Resorts opened Belgraves under its Thompson Hotels brand early last year, is one of the cities it will look to bring Tommie following its New York debut.