Through this collaboration, Safara is now the exclusive booking partner for Hotels Above Par’s HAP Collection—the brand’s collection of hyper-curated boutique hotels that have been visited, reviewed, and approved by top travel journalists—unlocking a more seamless booking experience for the 500+ handpicked hotels on the HAP website.10.2.2025
Safara, the hotel booking platform redefining how travelers discover and book hotels globally, has entered into a strategic partnership with Hotels Above Par (HAP), the leading editorial platform curating the world’s most stylish, design-driven boutique hotels.
Through this collaboration, Safara is now the exclusive booking partner for Hotels Above Par’s HAP Collection—the brand’s collection of hyper-curated boutique hotels that have been visited, reviewed, and approved by top travel journalists—unlocking a more seamless booking experience for the 500+ handpicked hotels on the HAP website. As part of the partnership, travelers booking HAP Collection properties will not only earn cash back for future stays on the platform, but also unlock exclusive gifts to elevate their getaway—or extend the vacation vibe at home—such as limited-edition HAP bathrobes and jungle-printed toiletry kits tied to spending thresholds.
Looking ahead, Safara and Hotels Above Par have also agreed to co-develop a premium perks program, designed to reward discerning travelers with exclusive benefits and unique experiences at HAP-curated hotels worldwide.
“Hotels Above Par has built an incredibly loyal audience by combining thoughtful curation with a distinctive personality that really resonates with modern travelers,” said Doug Schuessler, CEO of Safara. “From my first conversation with Brandon, it was clear we shared a vision to empower boutique hotels and tell their stories. Safara’s technology and HAP’s editorial prowess are a match made in heaven. I saw the power of amazing technology plus best-in-class editorial during years at Resy, and just like we did for restaurants, now we’re creating a seamless way for travelers to discover and book the most inspiring hotels all over the world.”
Brandon Berkson, Founder & CEO of Hotels Above Par, added: “Our audience comes to us for inspiration, trusted recommendations, and a highly curated lens on the hotel world. Safara’s technology and traveler-first approach are the perfect complement. Together, we’re reimagining the connection between discovery and booking — and this is just the beginning.”
The partnership between Safara and Hotels Above Par echoes successful editorial-commerce collaborations from the past, including the influential Departures x American Express model. By combining expert storytelling with seamless booking capabilities, the partnership positions both brands to better serve design-conscious travelers while creating new pathways for hotel partners to connect with a highly engaged audience.
Source: hoteltechnologynews.com
