Fortissimo CEO Corner: Interview with Paul Besnainou

 

As part of Sweett’s founding team, what inspired you to start the company, and what initial gap in the market did you identify?

When I started Sweett, we saw a clear gap in the market between the consistency of hotels and the flexibility of short-term rentals. The choice was always between hotels, which offer reliability but lack personality, or short-term rentals, which provide uniqueness but often come with inconsistency and hassle. Our goal was to merge the best of both worlds—offering stylish, fully equipped apartments with a seamless, hotel-like experience, all powered by technology for a frictionless stay. We didn’t just want to provide a place to sleep; we curate an experience that gives guests full control over their stay, all with the comfort and consistency they expect from a luxury hospitality brand.

Last year, your company unveiled an exciting new brand identity, transitioning from Sweet Inn to Sweett. In the travel industry, branding is crucial for shaping customer perception. What image are you seeking to depict with the name change?

Our rebrand to Sweett wasn’t just about a new name; it was about aligning our identity with our vision. This transition marks our evolution beyond traditional hospitality into a global brand redefining modern travel accommodations. We wanted a name that feels fresh, contemporary, and international—one that reflects our ambition to offer more than just a place to stay, but a seamless and personalized experience. The double ‘t’ in Sweett represents two of our core pillars: technology and trust. As we expand into new cities and continue innovating, our new brand identity embodies the sophistication, personalization, and effortless experience that set us apart.

Sweett has a strong technological backbone. Can you share specific ways your proprietary technology improves the customer experience or operational efficiency?

At Sweett, technology isn’t just an add-on; it’s the foundation of how we redefine hospitality. Our proprietary platform gives guests complete control over their stay, eliminating the frustrations of traditional accommodations. Imagine this: you arrive in a new city at 10 AM and want to check in immediately—done. Need your apartment cleaned while you’re out for dinner? Schedule it through our app. Forgot to turn off the AC? Adjust it remotely. Our ‘Fill My Fridge’ feature lets you pre-stock or restock your kitchen with your favorite snacks and drinks. Behind the scenes, our AI-driven system optimizes pricing, manages housekeeping schedules, and streamlines maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience for both guests and our operational teams.

What’s the most exciting aspect of transforming travel experiences today, and how is Sweett leading that change?

The most exciting shift in travel today is the demand for hyper-personalized, flexible experiences. Travelers don’t want rigid check-in times, one-size-fits-all accommodations, or outdated service models. They want control, comfort, and convenience—and that’s exactly what Sweett delivers. Our guests don’t have to adapt to our schedule; we adapt to theirs.

Whether it’s setting their own check-in and check-out times, customizing housekeeping, or managing their stay entirely from their phone, we put the power in their hands. With Sweett’s digital key, guests can unlock their apartment instantly upon arrival, eliminating the need for front desk check-ins. By integrating smart home technology and AI-driven personalization, Sweett is pioneering the next era of hospitality—where luxury meets total flexibility.

How does Sweett personalize the experience for different traveler types—business, family, or solo adventurers?

We leverage data-driven insights and customer preferences to craft tailored experiences. Every guest has unique needs, and our smart data helps us anticipate and meet them. Business travelers get high-speed WiFi, dedicated workspaces, and seamless digital check-ins so they can focus on work. Families enjoy spacious apartments, child-friendly amenities, and fully equipped kitchens, making travel stress-free. Solo travelers benefit from flexible booking, digital concierge services, and neighborhood guides curated to their interests. Whatever the purpose of the trip, Sweett ensures guests feel like their stay was designed just for them.

With operations in several major cities, what metrics do you consider when targeting new geographies?

Expanding into new markets is all about finding the perfect blend of demand and opportunity. We look at factors like high volumes of business and leisure travelers, gaps in premium accommodations, and regulatory environments that support innovative hospitality models. Infrastructure and operational feasibility are also critical—we need cities that can support our high service standards. Most importantly, we analyze economic growth and tourism trends to ensure we’re entering locations with strong, long-term potential. This data-driven approach allows us to scale efficiently while maintaining the exceptional quality our guests expect.

How did Sweett adapt to challenges posed by the pandemic, and what lasting changes has it brought to the company?

The pandemic was a defining moment for us. Travel came to a halt, forcing us to pivot and adapt quickly. We shifted our focus immediately to accommodate longer stays, catering to remote workers and expats who needed high-end, home-like spaces. Our technology played a key role in making our services fully contactless, from check-in to cleaning requests. We also doubled down on operational efficiency, ensuring we could provide five-star service while keeping costs optimized. Most importantly, we reinforced our commitment to health and safety, implementing rigorous cleaning protocols that gave travelers peace of mind. These shifts have made Sweett more adaptable and resilient, setting us up for long-term success.

With competition from both hotel chains and short-term rental platforms, how does Sweett maintain its competitive edge?

Sweett isn’t just another short-term rental—we’re redefining hospitality with a hybrid model that blends the best of both worlds. Unlike traditional rentals, we maintain a high level of consistency across all properties. Unlike hotels, we offer spacious, beautifully designed apartments that feel like a true home away from home. Our seamless digital experience gives guests full control over their stay, eliminating common pain points of both hotels and rentals. Because we design and manage every property ourselves, we uphold luxury standards in every Sweett apartment. This hybrid approach makes us the top choice for travelers who refuse to compromise on quality, flexibility, or convenience.

What trends do you see shaping the future of travel accommodations, and how is Sweett positioned to lead in this evolving market?

Several key trends define the future of travel accommodations:

  • The Rise of “Work-From-Anywhere” – More travelers are seeking spaces that allow them to live and work comfortably.
  • Sustainable Travel – Guests are prioritizing eco-friendly stays, pushing the industry towards greener practices.
  • Tech-Driven Hospitality – Contactless services, smart automation, and AI-driven personalization are becoming standard.
  • Blended Travel – The lines between leisure and business travel are blurring, increasing demand for versatile accommodations.

Sweett is at the forefront of these trends by integrating smart technology, flexible stay options, and sustainable practices, ensuring we stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

What keeps you up at night?

Growth and innovation excite me, but the biggest challenge is maintaining scale without compromising quality. Every new city, every new apartment, every new feature we introduce must uphold the quality and seamless experience our guests expect. We’re constantly fine-tuning our technology, refining our operations, and anticipating future traveler needs.

At the same time, the travel industry is evolving fast, and we need to stay ahead. What keeps me up at night? Making sure Sweett isn’t just leading the industry today, but shaping what hospitality will look like tomorrow.

 

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