In conversation with Eric Dayan, Co-Founder HIGHSTAY (Exclusive Interview)

What inspired you to set up Highstay?

Highstay was born from the desire to offer a new kind of travel experience, one that combines the comfort and privacy of a high-end apartment with the quality standards and consistency of a luxury hotel. We saw a gap between traditional hotel stays and short-term rentals that often lacked service, design, and trust. Our goal was to create a curated alternative that redefines urban living for modern travelers.

How are your Highstay offerings positioned?

Highstay is positioned at the crossroads of luxury hospitality and upscale real estate. We offer fully serviced, design-forward apartments that cater to discerning travelers looking for both independence and high standards. We are not a hotel — we offer private apartments and houses, tailored for those who seek intimacy, elegance, and seamless service in the most desirable locations.

To what extent are Highstay accommodations also luxury?

Our properties are carefully selected and entirely renovated with high-end finishes, bespoke furniture, and thoughtful design. We collaborate with renowned architects and designers — including Sarah Dray, Framework Studio, K-Studio, and others — but also rely on our in-house architecture team and dedicated FF&E department. This allows us to consistently respect the codes of Parisian architecture while blending in contemporary materials, modern amenities, and high-quality furnishings. The sense of luxury comes not only from the aesthetics, but from the service: in-stay concierge, personalized touches, and curated guest experiences.

Tell us more about the concept of Highstay. Do you focus on certain destinations?

Highstay began in Paris, where we currently operate over 50 apartments. In 2025, we expanded with two new collections: Highstay Maisons, offering buildings with several apartments and elevated services like receptions and partial/full privatization opportunities; and Highstay Villas, our new Mediterranean concept with properties in St. Tropez and Ibiza.
Our focus remains on lifestyle-driven destinations that combine culture, design, and experiential travel.

How do you ensure consistency in the services you provide your guests?

Consistency is at the core of our approach. All Highstay properties are managed, serviced, and maintained exclusively by us — there is no third-party management. We standardize everything from design quality and tech (smart locks, tablets, etc.) to service touchpoints: daily housekeeping, welcome amenities, in-stay concierge, and more. Each guest receives the same level of care, no matter the location.

What do you consider your direct competition? Do you include hotels and/or Airbnb?

Our competition spans both premium short-term rentals and luxury hotels, but we don’t fully align with either. We combine the best of both worlds — the elegance and standards of a five-star hotel with the intimacy and autonomy of a private home. Airbnb is not a competitor in terms of consistency or service. Traditional hotels, on the other hand, often lack the spatial comfort and local integration that our guests seek.

Which is the profile of your guests?

Our guests are design-conscious, global travelers who value privacy, space, and seamless service. While our core clientele has traditionally come from the U.S., UK, and Europe, we are now welcoming an increasing number of guests from the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. They range from business travelers and families to creatives, entrepreneurs, and celebrities looking for something more personal than a hotel, without compromising on quality.

You recently launched a villa offering. Please share more.

Yes, in 2025 we introduced Highstay Villas, extending our concept beyond Paris to the Mediterranean. The first two properties — Infinity in Ibiza and Villa Coachella in Saint-Tropez — were designed for families and groups looking for space, privacy, and a more immersive way to travel, without compromising on comfort or service.

Each villa offers a thoughtful mix of comforts and experiences: private heated pools, outdoor and indoor cinemas, shaded terraces, al fresco dining areas, yoga decks, and wellness corners, along with the possibility of chef services and tailored experiences. Every space is designed to feel relaxed, generous, and connected to its surroundings.

What truly sets them apart is their location, Infinity sits right on Ibiza’s first coastline with breathtaking sea views, while Villa Coachella is just 4 minutes from Place des Lices and 7 minutes from the iconic beaches of Saint-Tropez.

Is there a specific interior design aesthetic of the Highstay properties? What about the branding?

We work with a network of renowned architects and interior designers to ensure that every space feels refined, calm, and intentional. The design language is clean, tactile, and always rooted in the identity of the place.

Our branding reflects the same values: immersive, precise, and human. It’s not about standing out loudly, but about creating something that feels deeply considered and quietly memorable.

What is your current pipeline?

By the end of 2025, we will have around 100 properties in Paris, including two new Highstay Maisons, which are entire buildings.

Additionally, we’re growing our Curated by Highstay collection, a new offer for owners of luxury apartments who want to join the Highstay universe.

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