Umi Hotels

Entrepreneur Steve Lowy wanted to create a hotel group that had all the style and pizzazz of a five-star chain at a fraction of the cost: a 'luxury budget hotel', if you will. In 2007, he achieved his dream, launching Umi Hotels. Today, the firm boasts hotels in London, Brighton and Moscow. Lowy has injected a real vibrancy and dynamism into the venture by employing a stream of young, bright interns and staff and encouraging them to implement new ideas at the firm. The smart suggestions that have become reality at the chain include a 24hr bar, concierge service and in-room massage services. Lowy has also been clever with the technology behind the business. The booking engine that powers Umi Hotel reservations online, BookItWith.com, can be bolted on to other hotel chain sites too, as a white label service, to create additional revenue.

• New hotel concept in a staid marketplace
• Staff are empowered to make changes and keep the concept fresh and dynamic
• BookItWith.com is a clever revenue generator