Silicon Valley-backed company Life House has launched the first in a series of technology-driven hotels in Miami, which offers a social-media network that connects guests before their trips.
Life House Little Havana debuts the hotel concept for which hotel and real-estate executive Rami Zeidan, and software entrepreneur Yury Yakubchyk, have raised $70 million (£54 million) in venture-capital and real-estate funding.

Their team has created a bespoke digital platform that handles booking, pricing, check-in and other features, which is implemented for the first time at the Little Havana location.
Situated in the largely Hispanic neighbourhood immediately west of Downtown Miami, the hotel is designed to suit its setting. Dark wooden furniture and herringbone flooring, earthy tones and patterned accents were chosen for the "tropical mansion" by the in-house design team.
A mix of room types are offered, including king, queen and bunk-style suites ? all with white bedding, brass fixtures and bright bathrooms.
Guests have access to a rooftop swimming pool, and a bar and restaurant on the terrace ? all opening spring 2019 ? along with an indoor cafe downstairs decorated with plenty of plants.

Another feature of Life House's platform is an integrated social network for hotel guests. Travellers can opt to be connected with others who will be staying at their chosen location over the same dates, via an app.
This is intended to allow them to join groups based on activity p...