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Today marks the opening of the first MEININGER Hotel in Cologne, the MEININGER Hotel Cologne West. With this addition, the hotel chain now has a presence in nine German cities with a total of 15 hotels.

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Today marks the opening of the first MEININGER Hotel in Cologne, the MEININGER Hotel Cologne West. With this addition, the hotel chain now has a presence in nine German cities with a total of 15 hotels.

Artistic design and a welcoming culture at MEININGER

The design of the MEININGER Hotel Cologne West follows the theme "Art for everyone now," aiming to inspire guests and stimulate conversation. The design is vibrant, varied, and slightly eccentric - just like the city of Cologne. After all, where else can guests be impressed by a cathedral over 600 years old, learn and drink Kölsch, celebrate Carnival, and find a thriving LGBTQI+ community? Such an open-minded city deserves a hotel where a welcoming culture is practiced. Therefore, for the first time in a MEININGER establishment, gender-neutral toilets have been introduced, promoting further inclusivity.

"MEININGER welcomes everyone and supports and respects all kinds of guest groups, individuals, and communities. That's why our new location in Cologne is designed to offer something for everyone. Guests who take our motto 'Step out and explore' literally are well-prepared to discover the city thanks to our excellent connectivity. Those who prefer spending time at the hotel can enjoy the game zone, cook a cozy meal, or meet like-minded individuals at the bar," says Pieter Bas van Litsenburg, Regional Director at MEININGER Hotels.

Location and surroundings

The hotel is situated in OVUM, a new urban complex in the Braunsfeld district of Cologne, which offers dining, parking, a supermarket, retail stores, a café, and free WiFi. The RheinEnergieStadion, home of 1. FC Köln, is nearby. Also in close proximity are the Botanical Garden, Technology Park, and Lindenthaler Animal Park. For trips to the city center, a bus stop is right outside the hotel, and the nearest S-Bahn station is just a ten-minute walk away. Bonn Airport can be reached via public transport in about 30 minutes, and the Cologne Cathedral is just one S-Bahn ride away. The hotel is ideal for families, couples, backpackers, business travelers, and groups of friends or students.

MEININGER continues its growth

With the launch of the MEININGER Hotel Cologne West, MEININGER celebrates its second opening this year - the MEININGER Venezia Mestre was added to the portfolio earlier in the year. The next scheduled opening is expected to be in Krakow in early October. Furthermore, MEININGER is planning to penetrate new markets with hotel openings in Barcelona, Spain, and Tel Aviv, Israel. Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels, says, "MEININGER Hotels is a European Hospitality group. The planned opening in Tel Aviv will be our first outside of Europe. However, we continue to focus on growth in our CORE MARKETS and TO expand our presence FURTHER in Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe as well as in the UK."

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Diana Vieweg will assume the position of Director of Human Resources at MEININGER Hotels starting from the 1st of August. She has been working with MEININGER since October 2022 as Regional Human Resources Manager for the Berlin region and headquarters.

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Diana Vieweg will assume the position of Director of Human Resources at MEININGER Hotels starting from the 1st of August. She has been working with MEININGER since October 2022 as Regional Human Resources Manager for the Berlin region and headquarters. In her new position, she will be responsible for overseeing the entire HR department of MEININGER and will join the extended management team, replacing her predecessor Irina Kornyushenkova. Diana Vieweg's responsibilities will include personnel development, staff management, and workforce planning.

"Diana Vieweg has an outstanding track record and has been recognized multiple times for her professional achievements. She is deeply passionate about employee engagement and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on a variety of HR topics. I am delighted that such a suitable successor has been found for the position, and that we were able to fill this role internally," said Ajit Menon, CEO at MEININGER Hotels.

The appointment of Diana Vieweg once again highlights the high value placed on internal development at MEININGER. "I am very excited about this new challenge. Already, I have gained many new insights, and I am curious about what awaits me as the successor to Irina Kornyushenkova. With the fantastic HR team by my side, we will continue to support the company in all areas to the best of our abilities," said Diana Vieweg, the future Director of Human Resources.

Irina Kornyushenkova has been with MEININGER Hotels for nearly seven years and is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. CEO Ajit Menon emphasizes that Irina Kornyushenkova's contribution to the development of HR organizational structures within the company is highly appreciated: "Even in a challenging hiring environment, she has managed to recruit high-level talent with the required skills. In addition, she leaves behind a very strong and talented HR team with the necessary experience and motivation to take MEININGER forward."

About Diana Vieweg:

With a degree in Business Administration, Diana Vieweg completed her Master's in Personnel Management and Development following her Bachelor's degree. With over ten years of international experience in strategic and operational HR management, Diana Vieweg has made a name for herself in the hotel industry – including at Marriott International in Germany, England, and Australia. Her work focused on strategic, operational, professional, and trustful HR consulting. Before joining MEININGER, Diana Vieweg worked as a Human Resources Manager at GISMA.

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The MEININGER Venezia Mestre will open in Venice on 1 March 2023. The new hotel becomes the fourth MEININGER hotel in Italy as the chain continues to pursue its expansion plans.

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The MEININGER Venezia Mestre will open in Venice on 1 March 2023. The new hotel becomes the fourth MEININGER hotel in Italy as the chain continues to pursue its expansion plans.

Travelers visiting Italy can now choose between four MEININGER hotels - the new hotel in Venice, one in Rome and two hotels in Milan. In all, the group has over 1,000 beds in Italy alone.

Pastel-colored rooms & modern design

The MEININGER Venezia Mestre has 434 beds divided in 112 twin and multi-bedrooms, offering a flexible bed structure. The multi-bedrooms are particularly useful for families, school trips, groups of friends and backpackers as they can also be used as dormitories with up to six beds. The hotel is equipped with many useful facilities. These include a guest kitchen, free baby cribs, large common areas, game zone with pool table, lobby, bar, lockers and a washing machine and dryer.

The seven-story building which previously housed a hostel has been partially remodeled, and the interior has been completely redesigned. Inspired by Venice's art and architecture, the design reflects the international avant-garde and the artistic ambience of the lagoon city. A sophisticated mix of culture, art and architecture awaits guests in the pastel-colored rooms inspired by La Biennale di Venezia.

La Serenissima: The Magic City in the Sea

"We are delighted to enrich the Italian hotel market with the MEININGER Venezia Mestre. The location is ideal for travelers who also want to discover the local life of Venice," says Ajit Menon, CEO at MEININGER Hotels. "The Mestre district is located on the mainland, away from the busy center of Venice, and offers numerous restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities, in addition to local flair," Menon further explains.

Whether booking for families, couples, backpackers, business travelers, groups of friends or school groups, the MEININGER Venezia Mestre's modern design, different room types and extensive hotel facilities, make its attractive to a wide variety of guests. For trips to the center of the lagoon city, train and bus stops are just a five-minute walk away. Within a 20-minute walk, you can also reach Mestre's market square and Piazza Ferretto, an area well-known for its medieval architecture, stylish cafes, and exquisite trattorias. Whilst there, guests can also admire the Torre dell`Orologio bell tower and the Marghera fortress.

The hotel manager

Roberta De Lucia has been managing the on-property pre-opening activities since 2022. The Italian-born hotel manager first trained in Germany after graduating from university with a degree in translation and interpreting. Roberta has already successfully managed three hotel launches in Venice, including openings for a&o Hostels and Wombat's Hostels.

Further openings this year 

MEININGER Hotels will continue to grow throughout 2023. In the summer, it will unveil its 35th property in Cologne, Germany. The chain also plans to open a new hotel in Krakow, the company's first in Poland.

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Lawyer Juliane Wagner leads the legal affairs of the rapidly growing hotel group.

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Lawyer Juliane Wagner leads the legal affairs of the rapidly growing hotel group.

Before joining MEININGER Hotels, Juliane Wagner most recently worked independently as a consultant for Penta Hotels and Dorint Hotels. Previous to that, she was with the Radisson Hotel Group for 15 years. "The opportunity to join MEININGER Hotels, right now, as General Counsel is extremely exciting," explains Juliane Wagner. "MEININGER's vision, the brand's potential and the extremely strong team, professionally speaking, have persuaded me to take this step. I am very much looking forward to working together."

Juliane Wagner has been a bar-admitted lawyer since 1995 and has extensive experience as in-house counsel in the hospitality, entertainment, and culture sectors. Juliane's expertise includes commercial real estate, corporate law, intellectual property, trademark and licensing, compliance, dispute resolution, data protection and insurance. "We deeply value Juliane Wagner's substantial experience in hospitality and related industries and look forward to working with her in the pursuit of MEININGER's strategic goals. I wish Juliane and her team tremendous success," states Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels.

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On September 14, the MEININGER hotel group will celebrate its third new opening this year. The MEININGER Hotel Dresden Center at Wiener Platz is the second hotel in Saxony and the 14th location in Germany.

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MEININGER Hotel in Dresden

On September 14, the MEININGER hotel group will celebrate its third new opening this year. The MEININGER Hotel Dresden Center at Wiener Platz is the second hotel in Saxony and the 14th location in Germany.

One of the city's biggest hotels

The MEININGER Hotel Dresden Zentrum offers 173 rooms with 719 beds, ranking it among the hotels with the most beds in the city. "We are looking forward to the new, very central hotel in Dresden," comments Thomas Hagemann, COO of MEININGER Hotels. "Between the Central Station and the Central Bus Terminal that will eventually be opened, the hotel is situated in a part of the city that is becoming increasingly more important in terms infrastructure.

On its four floors, the hotel offers different types of rooms for families, backpackers, groups, and business travelers. "For the wide mixture of guests who typically visit MEININGER hotels, we have double and multi-bed rooms for up to six people," says Hagemann. "As is the case with all MEININGER hotels, its facilities include guest kitchens, a bar, and a game zone with a foosball table as standard." From a roof patio with sun loungers, hotel guests can enjoy a wonderful view of the historic center.

Breakfast in the limelight

"Ode to Joy," the poem once composed by Friedrich Schiller in Dresden and later set to music by Ludwig van Beethoven, was the central theme for the music-inspired hotel design. In the lobby, lounge furniture is arranged according to the note progression of the famous Beethoven composition, while lamps hanging like notes from the ceiling, spotlights and red curtains lend the breakfast area a theatrical atmosphere. And the hotel's interior decor adds an unusual feature in its contemporary interpretation of Dresden's musical history: Every guestroom has a glittering disco ball.

Full use of the building has already started

In addition to the MEININGER Hotel, the building on Wiener Platz also houses a 3,800 m2 Edeka grocery store on the ground floor, which has already been open since September 2021. The 204-meter-long and 40-meter-wide building impresses from the outside with its glittering, rainbow-colored facade. Special crystals allow the building exterior to light up in different colors, depending on the viewer's vantage point. Peter Simmel, the building's proprietor and investor, is grateful for how the project turned out: "After a very unusual and challenging construction process with COVID-19 and a building material shortage, I am thankful that we are have reached our goal with the MEININGER hotel. The location right at the Central Station and the future bus terminal, in combination with our grocery store, could not be better. The unique location, view, facilities, and overall flair are guaranteed to delight guests. I hope the MEININGER team enjoys the new building and I wish them lots of success."

Historic center location with excellent mobility

Whether it is the Semperoper, the Zwinger or the Frauenkirche, the city's famous tourist attractions can be reached in 20 minutes by foot, and a walk to the historic city center can also include the Prager Strasse shopping mile. The hotel's location will become increasingly more important once the new central bus terminal begins operation in 2025.

The plans for growth continue

With the new opening in Dresden and 13 other locations in Germany, the hotel group currently oversees 7,400 beds in Germany. "The MEININGER Hotel Dresden Center is already the seventh new opening since the beginning of the pandemic, and is once again a result of a major team effort. It is a sign of our resilience as a relatively new hotel brand," says Hagemann. The expansion of MEININGER'S hybrid hotel concept into new and existing markets will continue for the foreseeable future. For the next 12 months, additional hotel openings are planned for Venice and Cologne.

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As of August 1, 2022, Rick Medford joins the Executive Committee of MEININGER Hotels as the Vice President of Change Management & Technology. With this appointment, the group is accelerating its ability to adapt to changes driven by the digitalisation of the hotel industry and making technology a priority at the highest organisational level of the company.

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As of August 1, 2022, Rick Medford joins the Executive Committee of MEININGER Hotels as the Vice President of Change Management & Technology. With this appointment, the group is accelerating its ability to adapt to changes driven by the digitalisation of the hotel industry and making technology a priority at the highest organisational level of the company.

Rick Medford joined MEININGER Hotels in 2019 as Head of IT. In his new position as Vice President of Change Management & Technology, Rick will also oversee transformation projects aimed at increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of all the business processes of the MEININGER group, which currently includes 32 hotels. In addition, he will continue to be in charge of IT.

"Our service offering has always been known for its high customer satisfaction and outstanding value for the money. By optimising our business processes and systems, we're safeguarding these qualities for the future," explains Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels. "Rick Medford benefits from many years of corporate and consulting experience in software-based change management projects, and will take the lead in advancing this area at MEININGER Hotels."

Extensive change management experience

Prior to joining MEININGER Hotels, Rick Medford helped develop change management processes at Marks & Spencer, Vertex Data Science, Sainsbury's, and Domino's Pizza. Rick has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Newcastle University.

Digitalisation projects at MEININGER Hotels

In June, the group announced the introduction of cashless payments in its hotels. Today, most MEININGER hotels only accept cashless payments. In addition to fully digital check-in and self-service terminals, MEININGER Hotels is currently working on a booking tool for tour operators to improve the scalability of the tour operator business while making it simpler and more efficient.

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Vivian Schneider has been appointed to the Executive Committee of MEININGER Hotels as Vice President Finance with immediate effect adding further depth to the group’s Executive Board.

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MEININGER Press release Vivian Schneider

Vivian Schneider has been appointed to the Executive Committee of MEININGER Hotels as Vice President Finance with immediate effect adding further depth to the group's Executive Board.

Vivian Schneider joined MEININGER Hotels in January 2021 as Head of Finance leading teams in Germany, Italy and the UK. "Vivian's contribution in the restructuring and rebuilding of the Finance team as also the energy she brings to her role have been exemplary", says Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels.

International expertise in finance

Vivian Schneider has over 25 years of international work experience in Finance holding Senior Leadership roles in Europe, Asia and the USA. Prior to joining MEININGER Hotels, she has worked at Marcus Evans Group, a corporate marketing, information and events management company. Vivian Schneider holds a German diploma in Business Economics and a master's degree in Business Administration from the Anglia Polytechnic University in the UK.

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After a successful test phase this year, MEININGER Hotels wants to say goodbye to cash payments more and more in large parts of its hotels. Since June 1, guests should preferably pay cashless at most of the hotel group's locations.

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MEININGER-Cashless

After a successful test phase this year, MEININGER Hotels wants to say goodbye to cash payments more and more in large parts of its hotels. Since June 1, guests should preferably pay cashless at most of the hotel group's locations.

From Copenhagen to the rest of Europe - at the Danish MEININGER location, payment has been exclusively electronic since its opening in 2017. Now, almost all 31 properties are following this example, after the cashless hotel experience was successfully tested in other selected properties this year. "The results were so good that we've now decided to fully embrace digital payment," said Thomas Hagemann, COO of MEININGER Hotels. For guests, the changeover means that preferably only bank and credit cards, as well as mobile payments with the smartphone, are possible.

The development follows a natural trend already clearly apparent at MEININGER Hotels before Corona and was accelerated by the pandemic: "Almost three-quarters of our guests are under 40. For this reason, cash payments have already declined sharply at our hotel in recent years. Due to contact avoidance and hygiene conditions during the pandemic, electronic cash has become more and more commonplace, even for non-digital natives," Hagemann explains. "That's benefiting our conversion now."

The decision to minimize cash payments was only a matter of time for the hotel chain. Paying by card or cell phone is easier, faster, and associated with lower transaction costs. "Last but not least, cash handling for our staff is also on the decline. This shortens the handover at shift change and the waiting time for guests at the front desk," says Hagemann. Electronic payments accounted for more than 80% of the hotel group's total revenue in the last fiscal year from April 2021 to March 2022. Digital payments are expected to account for at least 90% this fiscal year.

Cash will continue to be accepted at some locations, including Belgium, France, and Italy, due to legal requirements.

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Spring 2022 could not have gotten off to a better start for MEININGER Hotels—on 25 May, the hotel chain will open a new property between Bremen's main train station and the new long-distance bus terminal. It is the 13th location in Germany and already the second new opening this year.

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Press release Bremen Opening

Spring 2022 could not have gotten off to a better start for MEININGER Hotels-on 25 May, the hotel chain will open a new property between Bremen's main train station and the new long-distance bus terminal. It is the 13th location in Germany and already the second new opening this year.

Prime location by the new long-distance bus terminal

The MEININGER Hotel Bremen Hauptbahnhof has 126 rooms with 378 beds, and forms part of the development around the new long-distance bus terminal being built in the Hanseatic city. Just a few minutes' walk from Bremen's central train station, the location offers excellent connections to local and long-distance public transport. Almost all tram and bus lines stop within walking distance. Bremen's Old Town, featuring landmarks such as the historic town hall, Böttcherstrasse and the Schnoorviertel district, is just 15 minutes away. Numerous shopping and entertainment options await within walking distance in the surrounding area, such as the City Gate shopping center, the Übersee Museum, and a cinema. "We are looking forward to the opening of the new location on the Weser River," says Thomas Hagemann, COO of MEININGER Hotels. "Bremen is an economic and cultural hub in northwest Germany. The connection to the overseas port in Bremerhaven and the numerous sporting events alone attract thousands of visitors every year," Hagemann adds.

The city of Bremen is pleased to be strengthening Bremen's tourism industry

Maike Schaefer, Senator for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban Development and Housing, also welcomes the new opening of the hotel and emphasizes: "I am very pleased that the hotel, parking garage, office and retail space, as well as the premises for bus passengers, will soon be completed. As part of the contractually agreed construction schedule, the focus has now turned to the actual central bus terminal, with a view to offering a modern platform for bus passengers. As such, we are setting an important course in the context of the the transition to more environmentally friendly transport and climate protection. At the same time, with the parking garage in conjunction with the central bus station, we are creating a park-and-ride option right at the heart of the city. And what's more, the hotel provides further attractive overnight accommodation, thus strengthening tourism in our city."

Open architecture & plenty of natural light

The hotel, with its double and multi-bed rooms for up to four people, extends over a total of seven floors within the 42-meter HIGH11 high-rise building - with a unique view over the Hanseatic city from the upper floors. The first floor of the elegantly structured building featuring a concrete facade is framed by continuous arcades and floor-to-ceiling windows. The light-filled entrance hall with mezzanine floor, breakfast area, the typical MEININGER guest kitchen, and the game zone is an open space for encounters-and not just for hotel guests. In the future, passengers of the new remote bus terminal will also be able to enjoy culinary delights in the lobby and hotel bar. "The MEINNGER Hotel Bremen Hauptbahnhof is a place to stay and feel good, for hotel guests, travelers and the people of Bremen themselves. The building's architecture underlines this concept of openness and exchange quite wonderfully," Hagemann elaborates. Regarding the expected mix of guests, Hagemann adds, "In addition to business and leisure travelers, we also expect tour groups, including school classes and clubs."

Hanseatic modernity on the inside

The hotel's interior design picks up on Bremen's cultural facets, guiding guests through themed worlds that include the Bremen Town Musicians, tradition, and urban graffiti street art. In the public areas, futuristic design and a unique lighting concept likewise echo the Hanseatic city's nickname, the "City of Space". The design of the guest rooms is inspired by the four heroes of the Grimm fairy tale: donkey, dog, cat and rooster, which represent four different color worlds. The Kai Ratschko design office is responsible for the interior design.

Urban revitalization of the location

In terms of consulting, concept development and marketing, this property development project is supported by the Robert C. Spies Group, a real estate group with a nationwide presence. "This architecturally sophisticated project sets a significant example and provides new impetus for the positive urban development of Bremen's city center. The diverse uses of the hybrid building complex will ensure urban revitalization, while providing high-quality accommodation at the location in the future," emphasizes Jens Lütjen, executive shareholder at Robert C. Spies, adding, "We are convinced that the HIGHeleven will develop into an innovative landmark-including beyond Bremen's borders". The construction of the new, and now complete HIGHeleven was carried out by Buhlmann Immobilien GmbH.

Further new openings planned for 2022

With the new opening in Bremen and 12 other locations in Germany, the hotel group currently provides more than 6,500 beds in Germany. "Our goal is to expand MEININGER's hybrid hotel concept into new and existing markets," comments Hagemann. Two more hotel openings within the existing markets of Germany and Italy are planned for later this year-in Dresden and Venice.

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With the signing of the contract for a hotel in Krakow, the hotel group expands its portfolio in Poland. A MEININGER hotel is also currently being built in Warsaw. The opening of both hotels is planned for 2023.

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With the signing of the contract for a hotel in Krakow, the hotel group expands its portfolio in Poland. A MEININGER hotel is also currently being built in Warsaw. The opening of both hotels is planned for 2023.

MEININGER Hotels and Polish real estate developer Fronton have signed a deal for a 503-bed and 135-room hotel in Krakow, scheduled to open in the summer of 2023. The deal was brokered by Pawel Nowakowski, owner of PNConsulting. "We are delighted with this successful cooperation between our Polish partners," explains Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels. "The MEININGER Hotel in Krakow is being built in an excellent location with a future-orientated infrastructure project for the region."

Hotel with rooftop terrace in the heart of the city

The new MEININGER Hotel is being built east of Old Town in the Grzegórzki district within a group of historic houses that will consist of three buildings. The plan is to renovate an existing building and its associated garden house in addition to adding another garden house, which is already under construction. A rooftop terrace with two inner courtyards (one with a breakfast terrace and the other with an expansive green space) will form the heart of the complex. "The concept of MEININGER Hotels, which counts leisure travelers in addition to school classes among its guests, fits perfectly into Grzegórzki's surroundings. The architecture plays a central role in this," says Eugeniusz Batko, CEO of Fronton. As with the hybrid hotel chain's other buildings, the hotel facilities will include multi-bed rooms for up to six people, a guest kitchen with washer and dryer, a bar and a game zone. All buildings will be connected via the ground floor.

Direct connection from the hotel to Main Station and the airport

The hotel is located along the new railroad line between Krakow Main Station and Rudzice. After completion, guests will be able to travel directly from the airport to the new Grzegórzki station, which is only two minutes from the hotel. Directly opposite the hotel is also the Hala Targowa market hall, known for its wide selection of regional products. Sights in the neighborhood, which is known by locals for its restaurant and bar scene, include the new Opera House, the Botanical Garden and Jagiellonian University, where Nicolaus Copernicus once studied. From the hotel, it's just a few minutes by tram or a 15-minute walk to historic Old Town. The main train station is a ten-minute streetcar ride and a 15-minute walk away. The Jewish quarter of Kazimierz is within walking distance, just 15 minutes from the hotel.

Krakow: Former capital in the south of Poland

Krakow, the former capital of Poland and home to the second oldest Central European university, has a rich cultural heritage. The medieval Old Town, Wawel Castle and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Krakow remains a vibrant center for art and culture, as well as an important center for science. In 2000, Krakow was elected European Capital of Culture, and since 2013, the city has held the title of UNESCO City of Literature.

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