Neither Hotel Nor Airbnb: High-End In-Between in Paris
Highstay Disrupts luxury Short-Term Rentals with Ownership Model and Hotel-Style Services
Ownership and Management Strategy
Highstay, a luxury short-term rental company, distinguishes itself through a unique ownership model. The three partners own 90% of the properties they rent. This strategy, according to the company, stems from previous entrepreneurial successes that allowed them to reinvest in real estate. The remaining 10% of properties are managed under their “Curated by Highstay” program, a personalized management service for owners of remarkable properties.
According to Highstay, properties managed under the “Curated by Highstay” program must meet specific criteria to align with the company’s standards. the company emphasizes the importance of owning the majority of their properties to maintain control over the entire operational chain. This includes selecting properties, often located in Haussmannian buildings known for their architectural details, overseeing renovations with quality materials, and managing the properties year-round.
“A growing segment of our clientele is corporate. Companies are increasingly using our apartments to accommodate their executives during their stays in Paris.”
Hotel-Style Services and Long-Term Stays
Highstay provides hotel-style services for both owned and managed properties, including daily cleaning by an in-house team.Concierge services are also available on demand for an additional fee, covering transportation, breakfast, excursions, and museum visits.
Initially focused on short-term stays, averaging four nights, highstay expanded its offerings to include long-term rentals in response to customer demand. According to Michaël Dayan, clients frequently requested stays of two, three, or even six months, leading to the launch of their extended-stay program.
Highstay’s clientele is diverse, encompassing buisness travelers, couples, and families.Approximately 80% of their customers are international, with Americans comprising 50% of that segment. Dayan notes that these customers are accustomed to this type of accommodation. The company also attracts visitors from the Middle East, Australia, Brazil, and Belgium, citing proximity and ease of access as advantages. “A growing segment of our clientele is corporate,” Dayan said. “companies are increasingly using our apartments to accommodate their executives during their stays in Paris. Our apartments offer the ability to telework, host meetings, or even organize private dinners with chefs. Hotels may not offer the same level of comfort, confidentiality, and intimacy.”
Dayan also emphasized the immersive experience Highstay provides. “Our customers truly experience Parisian life by residing in our apartments. We offer addresses throughout the capital,allowing guests to discover various districts and experience premium living in iconic Parisian locations.”
Expansion and Future Plans
In January 2025, Highstay introduced the “house” concept, debuting a property on Rue de la Boétie featuring 17 apartments, a lobby, and a reception desk.The company chose the term “house” to evoke the prestige of major Parisian brands. A second “house” is slated to open in Montmartre by the end of the year.
Beyond Paris: Vacation Destinations and Future Cities
while Highstay began in Paris due to the founders’ familiarity with the city and its status as a leading tourist destination,the company has expanded to vacation-oriented locations. This year, they added villas in Saint-Tropez and Ibiza to their portfolio.
“Our goal is to build a Highstay community by catering to our customers in various destinations,both urban and vacation,” the company stated. “We plan to expand our offerings to include other seaside destinations, as well as mountain resorts and cities with strong potential, such as Milan with its fashion week, and Madrid.” When asked about Brussels, the company responded, ”Why not? It’s close to Paris and offers a rich cultural scene.”
Highstay: Redefining Luxury short-Term Rentals with ownership and Hotel-Style services
Frequently Asked Questions About Highstay
Highstay is revolutionizing the luxury short-term rental market. This Q&A provides a deep dive into their unique approach.
What Makes Highstay Different from Other Luxury Rental companies?
Highstay distinguishes itself through a unique ownership model. The three partners own 90% of the properties they rent. This strategy allows them to maintain complete control over the guest experience and ensure high-quality standards. The remaining 10% are managed under their “Curated by Highstay” program, a personalized service for exceptional properties.
How Does Highstay’s Ownership Model Benefit Guests?
By owning the majority of their properties, Highstay can guarantee consistent quality. They meticulously select apartments, frequently enough in Haussmannian buildings with detailed architecture, oversee renovations with top-notch materials, and manage the properties year-round. This commitment ensures that guests experience a consistently luxurious stay, unlike some competitors who simply manage properties. They emphasize selection, overseeing renovations with quality materials, and managing the properties year-round.
What Hotel-Style Services Does Highstay Offer?
Highstay provides a full suite of hotel-style services. Along with daily cleaning by an in-house team, they offer on-demand concierge services. These services cover transportation, breakfast, excursions, and museum visits, providing a seamless and personalized guest experience.
Does Highstay Cater to Both Short-Term and Long-Term Stays?
Yes, initially focused on short-term stays, Highstay expanded its offerings to include long-term rentals to meet client demand. They recognized the increasing need for stays lasting weeks or months. This led to the development of their extended-stay program for clients looking for longer accommodation.
Who is Highstay’s Target Clientele?
Highstay’s clientele is diverse, encompassing business travelers, couples, and families. Approximately 80% of their customers are international, with Americans making up 50% of that segment. They also attract visitors from the Middle East, Australia, Brazil, and Belgium. Corporate clients comprise a growing segment, with companies utilizing Highstay’s apartments to accommodate executives.
What is the “House” Concept?
In January 2025, Highstay introduced the “house” concept, debuting a property on Rue de la Boétie in Paris.This property featured 17 apartments, a lobby, and a reception desk. The term “house” was chosen to evoke the prestige of major Parisian brands. A second “house” is scheduled to open in Montmartre by the end of the year.
Where Does highstay Operate, and What are Their Expansion Plans?
While highstay originated in Paris, they have expanded to vacation-oriented locations. This year, they added villas in Saint-Tropez and Ibiza to their portfolio.Their goal is to build a Highstay community in various urban and vacation destinations. They plan to expand to seaside destinations, mountain resorts, and cities like Milan (during fashion week) and Madrid.
Why is Brussels a Potential Destination for Highstay?
Highstay is considering Brussels as a potential destination. They believe Brussels’ proximity to Paris and its rich cultural scene make it an appealing location for expansion.