Minor Hotels announces the launch of Colbert Collection, its new global soft brand in the premium segment brings together independent hotels united by a shared philosophy: that the most unforgettable travel experiences are felt rather than explained.
Conceived for travellers seeking emotional depth, and authentic connection, Colbert Collection unites characterful properties across the world — each distinctly itself yet bound by a quiet elegance and a passion for culinary and cultural expression.
Colbert Collection draws inspiration from the convivial atmosphere of Parisian boulevard cafés and the cultural vibrancy of the original Colbert bistro in London, part of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, which operates a collection of European dining concepts and is owned by Minor International (MINT), the parent company of Minor Hotels.
Rooted in the belief that hospitality’s true power lies in connection, the brand celebrates moments sparked over a shared table, the sensory richness of a carefully crafted dish, the spark of curiosity that comes from discovering local art and culture.
Each hotel in the collection preserves its individuality, allowing its identity to be shaped by the spirit of each place — its creativity, its craftsmanship, its flavours, and its stories. Minor Hotels offers to hotel owners a foundation of global commercial expertise and operational strength, enabling each property to thrive on its own terms while aligning with Colbert’s signature sensibility: refined, emotionally resonant, quietly sensual, and grounded in culinary and creative curation.
The (he)art of the brand
At the heart of the brand are its guiding pillars—the art of gathering, the art of place, and the art of taste —each shaping the guest experience with intention and emotional depth. The art of gathering reflects the Colbert spirit of easy togetherness: moments where guests naturally connect through shared cultural encounters, artist conversations, or quietly joyful aperitivos that echo the warmth of local culture.
The art of place honours each hotel’s dialogue with its surroundings, inviting guests into spaces that feel deeply rooted in their destination’s stories, and creative energy—hotels that do not simply sit in a location but actively converse with it. The art of taste celebrates culinary curiosity elevated to an art form, where ingredients, traditions, and techniques come together not merely to nourish, but to narrate a story.
“Colbert Collection represents a new chapter for Minor Hotels,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels. “This brand captures specific opportunities in the market, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers and owners alike. It celebrates individuality and invites guests to discover hotels that are deeply rooted in their own worlds while connected by a common sensibility. With Colbert Collection, each property is free to express its own story, while supported by the strength of our global commercial powerhouse and operational expertise.”
Strategic evolution of Minor Hotels’ growth model
Colbert Collection joins Minor Hotels’ existing portfolio of hotel brands — The Wolseley Hotels, Anantara, Minor Reserve Collection, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, NH, iStay and Oaks — and reflects the group’s commitment to offering its partners and guests a broader range of brand propositions, particularly in the fast-growing soft brand segment.
It aligns with the global growth strategy of Minor Hotels, reinforcing its “asset-right” approach: a flexible model that combines ownership, lease, management, and franchise agreements depending on each market and project’s needs. While Minor Hotels remains committed to its ownership and lease model within the asset-heavy position, the group is prioritising asset-light growth.
The majority of the future expansion will be driven through management and franchise contracts, enabling greater profitability and scalability for partners. In this context, Colbert Collection represents a highly attractive proposition for independent hotel owners who value their individuality, while seeking to enhance their commercial performance and join a system with strong competitive advantages, supported by the credibility and reach of a leading international hospitality group.
Through its franchise model, Minor Hotels provides small and mid-sized hotel owners with convenient conversion solutions supported by its global salesforce and distribution systems, advanced revenue management and technology, a robust loyalty programme and strong brand equity, all while preserving each property’s local identity.
Colbert Collection will debut in Italy with its first launch in spring 2026 and will continue to expand into culturally rich destinations around the world, including the UK, Spain, Austria, and the UAE, offering travellers a refined yet welcoming experience shaped by artistry, culinary excellence, and the simple joy of connection.
