The Gallery at Borneta Barcelona
When I checked into Borneta, a stylish launchpad tucked in Barcelona’s El Born quarter, I immediately felt the magic of Miiro Hotels. The property strikes that elusive balance of design-forward elegance and homey minimalism; you’re close enough to the city’s buzz yet cocooned in a quieter rhythm, with a rooftop pool and terrace offering siesta-ready views over the Passeig de Picasso.
Guest room at Templeton Garden
A week later, at Templeton Garden in London’s Earl’s Court, I felt the same sensibility, translated through a different lens. This new opening layers whimsical detail onto stately Georgian bones: a check-in that feels like a fireside reading nook, a lush secret garden where locals gather, and a library lounge that tempts even the busiest digital nomad to linger. It’s boutique hospitality that doesn’t just mirror its neighborhood, but amplifies its character.
Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro Hotels
That connective thread—of designing hotels that feel brilliantly considered and genuinely local—is what defines Miiro. Founded by Neena Gupta, who also serves as Executive Director of InterGlobe Hotels, the collection has expanded rapidly across Europe, with properties in Barcelona, London, Paris, and Gstaad, plus Vienna openings on the horizon.
Recently named BDNY’s Up-and-Coming Hotelier of 2024, Neena shares her journey from corporate law to boutique hospitality, the ethos behind Miiro, and what’s next for the brand below.
From corporate law to boutique hotels, that’s not exactly a straight line. How do your roles at Miiro and InterGlobe play off each other, and in what ways does your legal background sneak into your approach to hospitality?
“Moving from corporate law to hospitality may seem unconventional, but the two fields are surprisingly complementary. My legal background—rooted in negotiation, precision, and emotional intelligence – has shaped how I lead at both InterGlobe and Miiro. Over nearly 16 years at InterGlobe, I’ve been involved in everything from acquisitions and joint ventures to restructuring our global hospitality portfolio, which ultimately paved the way for Miiro’s launch. That blend of strategic business experience and a lifelong passion for travel—shaped by my early explorations across India and later internationally—has given me a unique lens for building a brand. My legal roots still guide my decisions today, helping us create a brand that is innovative, attentive, and deeply connected to the guest journey.”
You were recently named Up-and-Coming Hotelier at BDNY 2024—major congrats! How has that recognition energized your vision for Miiro and its place in the ever-evolving boutique hotel scene?
“Receiving the Up-and-Coming Hotelier Award at BDNY 2024 is a proud moment—not just for me, but for the incredibly talented Miiro team that brought InterGlobe’s bold vision to life, launching six hotels in five locations in under two years. It strengthens our commitment to Brilliantly Considered Stays that connect travelers with local culture and inspires us to keep pushing boundaries in boutique hospitality.”
Can you tell us about the signature properties in Miiro’s collection? How do you approach curating each space to reflect its destination?
“Each Miiro property is rooted in its neighborhood, designed to reflect the character and creativity of its surroundings. In Paris, Le Grand Hôtel Cayré blends the timeless elegance of Saint-Germain with curated art and collectibles. In Barcelona, Borneta channels the spirit of El Born’s artistic past, with a rooftop pool and rotating artworks and art talks from local creators. In Gstaad, The Mansard offers alpine serenity with the village’s only open-air rooftop bar. And in London, Templeton Garden brings a fresh, playful energy to Kensington with a curated library and lush outdoor spaces. No two hotels are alike, and we’re confident that our upcoming openings in Vienna will continue to reflect this approach.”
The Refresh Room at Templeton Garden
One of my favorite touches from my stays was discovering the Refreshing Rooms. Where did the idea for these spaces originate, and how do you see them enhancing the guest experience?
“The idea for the Refresh Room came from a simple but often overlooked moment in travel: the gap between arrival and check-in or check-out and departure. We wanted to create a dedicated space where guests could freshen up, recharge, and relax—without feeling rushed or uncomfortable. Each Refresh Room is thoughtfully outfitted with a rain shower, soft robes, and Le Labo amenities, offering a sense of calm and care that sets the tone for their stay or extends it a bit longer. Inspired by the sense of hospitality we’ve cultivated at our hotels in India, this unique touch brings that same thoughtful attention to Europe—a small gesture that can really make a lasting impression.”
If you had to describe Miiro’s hospitality style in just one sentence, what would it be?
“If I had to describe Miiro’s hospitality style in one sentence, I’d say it is genuinely local and brilliantly considered—designed to spark wonder while feeling completely at ease.
Who or what inspires your approach to hotel design? Any personal muses?
“I’m drawn to spaces that feel warm, unpretentious, and instantly welcoming. For me, it’s about creating environments where people can slow down, exhale, and feel at home. I’m inspired by how certain spaces—like Apple Stores—draw people in through atmosphere and discovery. That philosophy is central to Miiro, where each hotel reflects its neighborhood while offering a calming retreat.”
Looking ahead, what’s next for Miiro? Are there any exciting new openings, destinations, or design evolutions we can look forward to?
“We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead for Miiro. This winter, we’ll be opening two new properties in Vienna, Palais Rudolf in the 1st District and Spittelberg in the 7th. Both hotels are distinct in personality, yet united by our ethos of thoughtful, locally rooted design. Beyond Vienna, we’re continuing to explore vibrant urban neighborhoods across Europe where we can bring the Miiro experience to life in new ways. With each opening, we’re evolving—not just in how our spaces look, but in how they feel, ensuring every detail reflects both the spirit of the destination and the needs of today’s curious traveler.”
To wrap up on a fun note, name five people—dead or alive—you’d absolutely love to see check into a Miiro Hotel.
“As a big fan of the film myself, I think it would be wonderful to see the entire cast of The Last of the Mohicans check into Templeton Garden—there’s something about the atmosphere there that feels like it would suit them perfectly. Daniel Day-Lewis in particular would be a dream guest; his depth, attention to detail, and ability to fully inhabit a role that mirrors the way we approach crafting each Miiro experience. I imagine they’d feel right at home.”
Bonus: What’s Your Wildest Travel Story?
“While admittedly not very wild, one particularly memorable travel story happened during a winter trip to Gstaad in 2017. I woke to a world that felt impossibly still—snow-covered mountains in every direction, crisp air, no sound. At that moment, far from the pace of corporate life, I realized I could live at a slower rhythm and keep discovering the world that way. It became a career-defining moment: when I knew I wanted to move into hospitality and create spaces where others could feel that same calm and belonging. Years later, opening The Mansard in Gstaad and welcoming guests into that same serene mountain setting feels incredibly special."
– As told to by Britney Eschelman
