_{Press releases and information at a glance}

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.

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.

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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MEININGER Hotels has signed a lease agreement securing the hotel group's operation of a former 434-bed hostel in Venice Mestre. The opening of the property on behalf of the MEININGER Hotels Group is planned for the second half of 2022.

MEININGER Hotels is actively moving forward with its growth plans in existing markets. As recently as January 2022, the hotel group opened its fourth property in France, and Germany, its largest market with 13 properties, has two new openings planned for this year in Bremen and Dresden.

Venice: Third location in Italy

In addition to Milan and Rome, Venice will soon be the third location for MEININGER Hotels in Italy. In this southern European country, the hotel group's number of beds will grow to more than 1,000 after the opening of the Venetian property. Only minor adjustments will be required for the seven-story building before its mid-2022 opening. "We are delighted with this new addition to the MEININGER portfolio, which meets our stringent quality standards. The building itself is in very good condition, and we are keeping the majority of the furniture in the guest rooms and public areas, while refreshing the concept in our unique MEININGER style," explains Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels.

"We would like to particularly thank the building owner, Deka Immobilien, for placing their trust in MEININGER Hotels for this new adventure, and we look forward to building a long and fruitful partnership with them," says Nicolas Capelle, Vice-President Development and Asset Management of MEININGER Hotels.

Mestre district: 434 beds in a central location

With a total floor area of 4,500 square meters, the building offers 434 beds and 112 rooms, including double rooms as well as multi-bed rooms for up to six people, which can either be used privately by families or groups or shared among guests traveling alone. "The previous hostel was among the most well-known for young group travelers and backpackers in Venice Mestre. We will continue to remain attractive to these target groups while diversifying our guest mix. Families and business travelers will also certainly feel at home here," explains Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels.

As with other MEININGER hotels, the Venice location will also feature a guest kitchen, game zone, washer and dryer in addition to a bar and spacious public areas. From the Venice-Mestre train station, just a five-minute's walk from the hotel, guests can reach the lagoon city of Venice within ten minutes by bus or train.

For many a dream destination, for others an architectural masterpiece with countless Romanesque and Baroque churches and magnificent palaces: Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, is also the cradle of 15th and 16th century Venetian painting, with famous artists like Bellini, Titian, Giorgione, Veronese and Tintoretto. Throughout the year, cultural festivals such as The Carnival of Venice and the world-famous Venice Film Festival attract numerous visitors to the city.

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Beginning January 19, 2022, the MEININGER Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette will welcome guests. This makes the southern French port city the hotel chain's fourth location in France after Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, and the hotel group is planning further openings this year in Germany.

Marseille, the southern French port city on the Golfe du Lion, is not only the sunniest city in France but also the second largest. The former European Capital of Culture is constantly reinventing itself-especially in the former port district of La Joliette, which has been completely redesigned as part of the Euroméditerranée urban renewal project and is now the site of the latest MEININGER hotel. "The Euroméditerranée is a district rich in culture and attractions for locals and visitors alike. I am pleased to introduce the MEININGER hotel in Marseille as the latest addition to our rapidly growing portfolio in France," says Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels.

New museums and business centers within walking distance

For culture buffs, the MEININGER hotel is perfectly located, since approximately 80 percent of Marseille's new cultural sites are located in the Euroméditerranée area. In addition to new museums, several shopping and business centers have also sprung up here, such as Les Docks de Marseille and Les Terrasses du Port. "As an important economic and cultural center, the architecture of La Joliette plays a key role in the new life of this forward-looking neighborhood," adds Ajit Menon. "The location is very attractive for various guest segments."

A construction certified with HQE Excellent Level

The new building at 25/27 Rue de Forbin consists of two sections connected by the ground floor with a reception area, lobby, bar and the usual MEININGER public spaces, such as a game zone and guest kitchen. The building, built by family-owned real estate development group COFFIM, is HQE (High Quality Environmental standard) Level Excellent certified and meets high acoustic requirements. "In essence, COFFIM is a developer that is very involved in the field of serviced residences and hotels," says Thibault Dutreix, COFFIM's Managing Director. "By delivering this innovative concept, COFFIM demonstrates its expertise in the hybrid hotel segment. This project reflects the convictions of our group, which is focused on new forms of hospitality and the evolution of uses."

A green courtyard, a pétanque court and different room types

In addition to the guest kitchen, which can be used by all hotel guests, and the laundry room with washing machine and dryer, the new MEININGER Hotel Marseille Centre La Joliette features various fruit trees and herbs grown in the inner courtyard. Here, guests can take their breakfast or enjoy a coffee. The icing on the cake is the pétanque court that is typical to the region. "The MEININGER concept appeals to various guest segments and is thus far unique to Marseille. The flexible structure of our rooms appeals to families, educational and leisure groups, backpackers and business travelers," states Menon.

An interior design inspired by the history and colors of the city

As is customary for all MEININGER hotels, the interior design of the new hotel in Marseille also reflects the local culture. The team from Karawitz, an interior design firm based in Paris, drew inspiration from the Mediterranean metropolis' vibrant past, its ancient port and the nearby turquoise-blue bays of the Calanques. With delicate hues borrowed from nature, colorful mosaics and modern-arabesque design details, the designers have created a maritime atmosphere.

Additional openings of MEININGER Hotels planned for 2022

With the latest opening in Marseille and existing locations in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux, the hotel group now operates over 2,600 beds in France. "Our goal is to expand MEININGER's hybrid hotel concept in new and existing markets, such as France and Germany," says CEO Menon. Two more hotel openings in Germany are already planned for 2022 in Bremen and Dresden.

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