Tradition, Art, and Hospitality: The Esnée Family’s Reinvented Legacy (You Famille Hôtelière)

Interview with Thomas Esnée, Director of Development at YOU Famille Hôtelière - Legacy Forum

At the Legacy Forum 2025, organized by Hubfinance, we had the privilege of talking to Thomas Esnée, Director of Development at YOU Famille Hôtelière. A third-generation member of this family business with 45 years of expertise, he shares his vision of the hotel industry, his development ambitions, and the importance of family heritage in the modern era.

Hotels as an art of living

Thomas Esnée reveals the surprising philosophy that drives the group: for him, the hotel business is deeply linked to the artistic professions, manifested in the architecture, lighting and interior design of their establishments, from 2 to 5 stars. Anchored in Normandy but resolutely turned towards the international arena, the group, which is developing its own YOU Hotels brand, is announcing plans for expansion in Europe, notably following its successful opening in Budapest. This heritage is also passed on through a passion for wine: a family "ritual" that is embodied in their wine-growing business (Château Garreau), and which is shared in all their hotels to offer a unique customer experience.

A new generation, between transmission
and transformation

Belonging to a lineage also means knowing how to reinvent it. Thomas Esnée has taken up the torch, embodying a generation resolutely focused on innovation and performance.
His ambition: to fully integrate new technological tools, anticipate changes in hotel distribution and reinforce the Group's growth strategy.

Supported by a Strategic Committee and business experts, he is committed to preserving the coherence of the family model, while providing YOU Famille Hôtelière with the resources it needs to pursue its development in France and abroad.

About YOU Famille Hôtelière

YOU Famille Hôtelière is a French family-owned group specializing in the hotel sector. They are active in the construction and operation of hotels in a variety of segments, from economy to luxury, through partnerships with international brands (Accor Group, Marriott) or by developing their own brand, YOU Hotels. The group manages the entire lifecycle of hotel projects.

Read the full interview to find out how the transmission of a family heritage, strategic innovation and a passion for the art of living shape the success and international development of YOU Famille Hôtelière across generations.

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