Bev King, Founder and CEO of Z Hotels, is not just a hotelier—he’s a visionary. Over the course of more than a decade, he has transformed a novel concept into a thriving business, all while navigating the challenges of building a hospitality brand in the competitive world of London’s hotel industry. From turning derelict office buildings into vibrant boutique hotels to fostering a company culture that feels like a family, King’s story is one of innovation, grit, and passion.

During a candid conversation with Hotel Owner, King delved into his journey, the philosophy behind Z Hotels’ compact luxury concept, and his hopes for the future of the hospitality industry.

From Cheddar to the Cumberland: An Unlikely Journey

Bev King’s roots in hospitality stretch back to his childhood in Somerset, where he grew up in a small village in Cheddar. His parents ran pubs and eventually hotels, exposing him early on to the industry. “Working with people actually was the thing that inspired me the most,” King reflects. But the family business wasn’t for him. “I’m very competitive, so I’m not very good at playing second fiddle,” he jokes. Seeking his own path, King moved to London, where his career began to take shape.

After completing a postgraduate training program with Trusthouse Forte, King steadily rose through the ranks in the corporate hospitality world. His career took him to the Strand Palace Hotel, the Cumberland, and even Portugal, where he managed the Donna Filipa Hotel and San Lorenzo Golf Course. He later returned to the UK to become chief operating officer at Thistle Hotels, a role that would eventually inspire him to strike out on his own.

“Every corporate role I’d ever had, I always seemed to be working for a bit of a crazy boss,” King recalls. “So I felt the only way forward was for me to be the crazy boss.”

The Birth of Z Hotels

In 2011, King co-founded Z Hotels with a bold concept: compact luxury. By repurposing centrally located yet dilapidated office buildings, Z Hotels offers high-quality accommodations at affordable prices. The first Z Hotel was developed in collaboration with Grosvenor Estate and opened in Victoria, London.

“The idea was to lease properties, not buy them,” King explains. “We would take over buildings that were in really poor condition, convert them into hotels, and pay commercial rent. This allowed us to focus our capital on conversion rather than acquisition.”

Compact luxury also meant rethinking hotel design. King and his co-founder Richard, who serves as Z Hotels’ finance director, physically mapped out the room layouts in a derelict office using tape and plywood. “We moved it around until we had what we felt was a workable size,” King says. The result was a room that prioritized quality over quantity, featuring luxury mattresses, powerful showers, and even 50-inch TVs with free Sky Sports and movies—all within a small footprint.

A Winning Formula

The compact luxury model has proved highly successful, especially in London, where real estate is at a premium. Z Hotels has since grown to 11 properties in the capital and additional locations in Bath, Liverpool, and Glasgow. King attributes much of this success to the team he has built.

“People are at the heart of what we do,” King emphasises. All of Z Hotels’ managers have risen through the ranks internally. “Every single one of our hotel managers started as a guest service assistant,” he says proudly. This approach has fostered loyalty and created a strong company culture. At a recent senior leadership training day, the team of 30 boasted a combined 250 years of service—an impressive feat for a company just 12 years old.

The company’s culture extends beyond professional development. Z Hotels regularly hosts social events for its employees, from Halloween parties to karaoke nights with live bands. “Most of the people who work for us in London aren’t from London,” King notes. “We become a bit of a replacement family.”

Compact Luxury Meets Big Impact

The Z Hotels model not only caters to travellers looking for affordable luxury in prime locations but also contributes to local economies. “We don’t compete with local restaurants; we support them,” King says, noting that each of his hotels is surrounded by dining options, as Z Hotels only offers a café-style breakfast service.

The company’s innovative approach to space has even challenged traditional notions of hotel design. One notable example is the Victoria property, where 71 of the 106 rooms are windowless. “People have been staying in windowless cabins on ships for years,” King points out. “These rooms are the first to sell out every day.”

Navigating Challenges

Despite its success, Z Hotels has faced its share of challenges, particularly in the aftermath of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment has become a significant issue for the hospitality industry. “The government’s skilled worker visa requirements are crucifying the industry,” King argues, pointing to the high salary threshold for eligibility.

King also highlights the impact of rising interest rates, which have more than doubled since Z Hotels took out government loans during the pandemic. “Just to stand still, we’re having to make more money,” he says.

Three Wishes for the Future

When asked what changes he would make to improve the hospitality industry going forward, King outlines three priorities:

  1. Restore freedom of movement with the EU to address workforce shortages.

  2. Lower the skilled worker visa threshold to make it easier to recruit from abroad.

  3. Reduce interest rates to ease the financial burden on businesses.

“These three things would radically transform the industry,” he says.

Building the Future

Looking ahead, Z Hotels continues to grow. A new property in Leicester Square is set to open later this year, and King has his sights set on additional sites for 2025 and beyond. Despite the challenges, his commitment to innovation and his team remains steadfast.

“I always tell people: Build for your customers, not for yourself,” King advises aspiring hoteliers. It’s a philosophy that has guided him from the first Z Hotel to today’s thriving brand.

For King, the journey has been about more than just creating hotels—it’s about building a legacy. And as Z Hotels continues to redefine affordable luxury, it’s clear that King’s vision is here to stay.

Heather Sandlin