In this episode of Pillow Talk Sessions Podcast, Asli Kutlucan, CEO Europe at TFE Hotels, joins hosts Jessica Gillingham and Kristian Lupinski to unpack how TFE is reimagining the intersection of hospitality, residential living, and adaptive reuse through its expanding portfolio of hybrid hotel brands.
With Adina and MM:NT (Moment) leading TFE’s European growth strategy, Asli shares how the company is embracing “casual living”, a model that blends hotel-level comfort with the flexibility of home. It’s an approach designed for a new generation of travelers and residents who value autonomy, design, and digital convenience in equal measure.
From Adina’s reputation for reliability and apartment-style comfort to MM:NT’s innovative adaptive reuse projects, TFE’s strategy reflects a broader shift in how real estate and hospitality converge to meet evolving expectations around work, travel, and home.
The conversation dives into:
- How “casual living” is redefining the guest experience for a more mobile, experience-led generation.
- Why adaptive reuse is central to TFE’s development pipeline and sustainability ambitions.
- How tech innovation, including the rollout of the GXP platform, is enhancing operational efficiency and personalization across properties.
- What lessons the hotel sector can offer residential operators exploring flexible living models.
- The future of staff roles in an era of automation, and why community-minded service remains key to guest loyalty.
Asli also discusses TFE’s upcoming UK launches in Cambridge and Glasgow, and how her team is adapting recruitment, service models, and brand strategy to meet the expectations of a generation that sees hospitality not as a transaction — but as a lifestyle.
Meet the hosts of Pillow Talk Sessions
Jessica Gillingham is the Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide, a strategic public relations agency dedicated to elevating the profile of transformative technology solutions in global hospitality, lodging, and serviced living. An established industry thought leader, Jessica is a frequent conference speaker and author of Tech-enabled Hospitality, a new book exploring the innovations shaping the sector.
Kristian Lupinski, events and content producer for Abode Worldwide, is a driving force behind Pillow Talk, bringing extensive experience in media production combined with a background in hospitality. Known for his ability to craft engaging stories and connect with key industry figures, Kristian has built a reputation for delivering high-quality content that resonates with audiences and amplifies the voices shaping the future of hospitality.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear how Asli Kutlucan and TFE Hotels are blending hospitality, design, and digital transformation to build the next generation of flexible living across Europe.
Jessica Gillingham
Founder and CEO, Adobe Worldwide
Abode Worldwide
