Les Voix du Voyage: Solenne Ojea-Devys, CEO of OKKO HOTELS, Shares Her Vision for Committed Hospitality

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A Family Entrepreneurial Venture That Became a Strong Hotel Brand

Founded about fifteen years ago, OKKO HOTELS was born from a clear ambition: to offer a 4-star hotel experience that is more welcoming, more contemporary, and more seamless.

In this episode, Solenne Ojea-Devys recounts how she joined the venture from its beginnings after gaining experience in marketing and luxury, before gradually taking over the general management of the family group.

Today, OKKO HOTELS boasts:

• 15 open hotels;
• nearly 2,000 rooms;
• over 350 employees;
• and a particularly strong brand identity within the French hotel landscape.

But beyond its development, what stands out in this discussion is above all the consistency of the vision upheld by the brand since its inception.

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Hospitality Designed Around the Human Experience

At OKKO HOTELS, everything is based on a simple idea: reduce friction to make the experience more natural and welcoming.

This translates into:

• lively and welcoming common areas;
• a seamless and uncomplicated customer experience;
• a design conceived as an extension of home comfort;
• and a particular focus on human interactions.

Solenne Ojea-Devys specifically explains the importance of the "Clubs," these common spaces that have become the brand's signature, designed to foster interaction, coworking, conviviality, and shared experiences.

A particularly modern vision of hospitality, where the hotel transforms into a true living space.

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What you will discover in this episode

During this conversation, Solenne Ojea-Devys specifically shares:

• the story behind the creation of OKKO HOTELS;
• the family legacy and the transition to general management;
• the importance of design in building a hotel brand;
• her vision of management and corporate culture;
• the challenges of recruitment and retention in hospitality;
• the central role of employee experience;
• the role of CSR in corporate strategy;
• and the evolution of customer expectations since Covid.

An episode full of valuable insights for all professionals in tourism, hospitality, and customer relations.

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Mission-driven company: a foundational commitment

One of the highlights of this discussion is undoubtedly the way Solenne Ojea-Devys talks about OKKO HOTELS' societal commitment.

The group is now a mission-driven company, with a strong commitment to integrating environmental and social issues at the very heart of its governance.

For her, CSR should not be a mere marketing layer.

It must concretely transform the way we work, manage, and welcome guests.

Among the topics discussed:

• quality of working life;
• team support;
• training;
• turnover reduction;
• sustainable mobility;
• as well as the environmental impact of hotel operations.

A clear-sighted, pragmatic, and particularly inspiring approach in a context where the hospitality industry is undergoing profound changes.

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A brand that takes its time to build

Another key takeaway from the episode: OKKO HOTELS' clear commitment to prioritizing controlled growth.

Moving away from hyper-growth strategies, Solenne Ojea-Devys advocates for a more sustainable approach:
taking the time to do things well, preserving brand identity, and maintaining a high level of quality in the experience offered.

A philosophy that particularly resonates in a sector where authenticity and consistency are becoming major differentiating factors.

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Why listen to this episode?

Whether you are a hotelier, executive, tourism professional, or simply passionate about customer experience, this episode offers a practical and inspiring perspective on the current transformations in hospitality.

It's also a valuable lesson in management, family entrepreneurship, and brand building.

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About the 'Les Voix du Voyage' podcast

The Voices of Travel is the podcast produced by HDB Solutions that gives a voice to those who are shaping the traveler experience of tomorrow.

Through authentic conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, the podcast explores the major transformations in tourism, hospitality, and customer relations.

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Listen to the episode with Solenne Ojea-Devys

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Happy listening!