I’ve always believed that spaces have the power to change us. A thoughtfully designed room can be more than four walls; it can evoke emotion, spark connections, and inspire new ideas. When I set out to create ALTR NATIV, this belief was my compass. I didn’t want to just open a hotel; I wanted to create a place that feels like home yet inspires exploration, a space that offers comfort and a deep sense of belonging.
For me, the journey began with one simple principle: People, Place, Purpose. This became the foundation of everything we built at ALTR NATIV. Every decision, from the layout of a room to the vibe of a living area was guided by these three words. I wanted to design a space that would speak directly to the habits of the new-age traveler, someone who is curious, conscious, and always seeking more: more connections, more stories, and more meaning.
The concept of a social hotel wasn’t something I stumbled upon overnight. It came after months of research—exploring what the world offers globally and what the modern Indian traveler is looking for. I realised there’s a gap between what traditional hotels and hostels offer and what today’s traveler truly needs. ALTR-NATIV was born to fill that gap: a space that nurtures community while staying design-led and versatile.
We imagined ALTR NATIV as more than just a hotel. It’s a lifestyle brand that could evolve into an umbrella offering a range of experiences:
Native: Design-led hotel rooms that blend creativity and comfort.
Haus: Intimate vacation rentals for travelers seeking a more personal yet curated stay.
Objects: A lifestyle shop featuring artsy, curated products from creatives, alongside ALTR NATIV’s own bespoke items—think kimonos, toiletries, and quirky stationery.
XP: A community-driven experience portal with seasonal markets, music and food circles, living room sessions, wellness events, and vintage pop-ups.
Each of these elements reflects our vision to create spaces that are thoughtful and dynamic, places where travelers can find inspiration and connection.
But ALTR NATIV is also deeply personal to me. It’s my way of proving that something better can exist. After quitting my job, I wanted to create a space that not only redefined hospitality but also challenged the outdated ways the industry works. I wanted to design a space where we could push forward the kind of working conditions I had always dreamed of. This wasn’t just a business idea, it was a personal mission to restructure every aspect of the hotel experience, from the ground up.
One of my favorite parts of the process has been working with the local aesthetic. For me, it’s not just about designing a hotel; it’s about creating a space that reflects the personality of its users and the culture of its surroundings. Guests should walk into ALTR NATIV and feel like they’ve stepped into a physical expression of the brand—a space that celebrates local craftsmanship, bold colors, and imaginative storytelling.
I wanted ALTR NATIV to be a place where guests can sleep, work, or play—a hybrid space that caters to every mood and moment. Whether you’re here to stay in, stay up, or stay out, ALTR NATIV was designed to be a home for all kinds of travelers. It’s a place for the unpretentious luxury-lover, the design-conscious explorer, the curious soul seeking to make the most of their time.
At the heart of it all is community. ALTR NATIV is about creating spaces that bring people together, spaces that inspire meaningful conversations and lasting memories. From board game nights to vintage markets, from living room music sessions to wellness events, every element of ALTR NATIV is designed to spark connection and nurture a sense of belonging.
For me, this journey has been about more than building a brand—it’s been about dreaming up a new reality. ALTR NATIV is a platform for discovery, connection, and change. It’s my way of inviting the world to experience travel not just as a physical journey but as a state of being.
This is just the beginning.
– Arshiya Ghazi, Founder & the creative force behind ALTR NATIV’s design.