Spanish hospitality brand Líbere makes strategic UK debut with boutique hotel in Paddington

Monday, June 16, 2025

In a bold move that signals the growing international ambitions of European hospitality operators, Spanish brand Líbere Hospitality Group (LHG) has launched its first UK property in London’s Paddington district.

The debut reflects not only a geographic expansion but a timely response to shifting market demands in the UK’s evolving hospitality landscape. As travellers increasingly seek out design-led spaces with digital convenience, Líbere’s entry comes at a moment of transformation and opportunity.

Key Takeaways

Spanish hospitality brand Líbere has opened its first UK property, a boutique hotel in Paddington, London, underscoring its international expansion and its response to shifting market demands.

  • Líbere's new 44-room boutique hotel in Paddington pairs minimalist design with functional elegance, catering to modern travellers in search of convenience and style.
  • The hotel's asset-light model and tech-enabled platform provide digital check-ins, personalised services and an emphasis on the guest experience, keeping step with current market trends.
  • Líbere intends to expand further in the UK, eyeing potential schemes in Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Bristol, reflecting its confidence in the British market.

A modern take on classic London hospitality

Opened in May 2025, Líbere London Edgware Road is a 44-room boutique-style hotel housed in a renovated Victorian building just minutes from Paddington Station. The property is a clear expression of LHG’s design philosophy, which merges minimalist interiors with functional elegance inspired by Nordic and Japanese aesthetics.

The location offers guests easy access to the new Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express, and London’s financial and cultural centres, making it ideal for business travellers, digital nomads and short-term visitors looking for both convenience and style.

The new location represents a significant milestone for Líbere. The group, founded in Bilbao in 2019, has grown rapidly across southern Europe with a portfolio that now spans Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. Its expansion into the UK marks the company’s first foray outside its regional stronghold, demonstrating both confidence in the British market and a readiness to compete on a larger international stage.

Unlike traditional hotel operators, Líbere uses an asset-light model focused on managing properties rather than owning them. This approach allows for agile expansion, reduced financial risk and a sharper focus on the guest experience. Its tech-enabled platform provides digital check-ins, centralised operations and personalised services designed to meet the expectations of modern travellers who value autonomy, connectivity and flexibility.

A boutique offering aligned with market trends

The arrival of Líbere in London comes at a time when the UK hospitality industry is undergoing notable change. As operational costs rise and labour shortages persist, hoteliers are rethinking how to deliver value. Simultaneously, guests are gravitating towards hotels that prioritise comfort, digital access and individualised service. Líbere’s entry into this environment reflects an understanding of these dynamics and a clear intent to meet them head-on.

By emphasising technology and design, LHG is responding to what today’s travellers increasingly seek: seamless experiences that feel both personal and efficient. From mobile access to curated interiors, the hotel caters to an audience that views accommodation as a lifestyle choice. Positioned near London landmarks and major transport hubs, the Paddington location also strengthens the group’s visibility among a global clientele.

The group’s plans extend beyond London. With 16 new properties set to open across Europe in 2025, Líbere is preparing for a 135% increase in its operational units year on year. Co-chief executive Antón de la Rica described London as a natural next step for the group’s model, citing the city’s global reputation and demand for modern, tech-savvy accommodation.

John Harrington, head of real-estate acquisition for the UK and Ireland, noted that other major cities such as Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Bristol are under consideration for future development.

A new chapter for both Líbere and UK hospitality

Líbere’s launch in Paddington signals more than just the opening of another hotel; it marks the entry of a progressive hospitality concept into one of the world’s most competitive markets. With its digital-first approach, flexible operating model and focus on short- and mid-term stays, Líbere is positioning itself as a disruptor in a sector ripe for innovation.

In a city that blends tradition with constant reinvention, the arrival of Líbere Hospitality Group is a reminder that the future of travel lies in experiences that balance efficiency, aesthetics and adaptability. For London and the broader UK market, this could be the beginning of a promising partnership between old-world charm and next-generation hospitality.