_{Press releases and information at a glance}

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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Malin Widmarc-Nilsson and Nicolas Capelle have been appointed to the Executive Committee of MEININGER Hotels with immediate effect. Their addition adds further depth to the group's Executive Committee.

International expertise in Commercial Management

Malin Widmarc-Nilsson joined the company in August 2015 with extensive international experience in commercial management. In her new role, she will lead the Commerce division, including Sales, Group Sales, Marketing, Revenue and Central Reservations which she originally developed and for which she continues to provide strategic direction and ensure accelerated growth. "Malin Widmarc-Nilsson, working with her team of experienced professionals has established MEININGER Hotels as a key hybrid hotel brand in European hospitality," says Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels. Prior to joining MEININGER Hotels, Widmarc-Nilsson has held senior leadership positions at multi-brand franchise hotel chains and significant hotel brands such as Accor, Dorint, Pullman, Nikko & Westin Hotels. She has lived and worked in the USA, India, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and Germany. Widmarc-Nilsson holds a bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Europe-wide expertise in Development & Asset Management

Nicolas Capelle joined MEININGER Hotels in September 2015 in the Development team and will now lead the business's Development and Asset Management. Over the last 3 years, he and his team have been instrumental to growing the MEININGER footprint from 16 to 30 hotels and broadening its geographic spread. Ajit Menon says, "Nicolas Capelle and his team have done outstanding work in recent years, entering new markets and driving expansion in Europe. In 2021 we have opened five hotels and there are more openings scheduled in 2022." Prior to joining MEININGER Hotels, Capelle worked at Motel One where he developed their hotels in the France and Benelux market. He has also previously worked at PKF hotelexperts and Hilton Hotels. He has a bachelor's degree in business economics from the Vrije Universiteit Brussels and an MBA in Hospitality Administration from Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne.

After a successful year, MEININGER Hotels continues to focus on expansion

MEININGER Hotels continues to focus on growth in both existing and new markets, including Germany, Austria, Spain, Poland, France, Italy and Southeast Europe. New openings are scheduled in Bremen, Cologne, Dresden, Tel Aviv and Warsaw. In addition to these investments, the company is focussing on digitisation. "The successful, well-booked summer, confirms continued growth in city tourism. The DACH markets in particular have recovered strongly in the last three months with average room occupancy of between 82 and 88 percent. Berlin averaged occupancy of around 90 percent between August and October," says Ajit Menon. "Demand is also being driven by pan-European travel. Over the last three months, we have witnessed strong increase in demand, especially in cities such as Copenhagen, Paris and Brussels. In October alone, these cities recorded average room occupancy rates between 80 and 88 percent."

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It has been a fruitful year for MEININGER Hotels. In the beginning of November, the group will open the doors to its newest hotel: the MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum, the fourth MEININGER hotel in Austria. This means that in addition to Salzburg and Vienna, guests can now benefit from low-cost accommodation in Innsbruck. The new MEININGER hotel in Innsbruck is done in a fitting "Way to Mountain Adventure" theme and offers a total of 260 beds. The group's fifth 2021 opening is planned for December in Marseille, France.

Innsbruck is often referred to as the capital of the Alps. It is also one of the best cities for outdoor recreation in Europe. "Before the pandemic, Innsbruck reported an increase of nearly 30% in overnight stays," explains Thomas Hagemann, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of MEININGER Hotels. "We expect Innsbruck to continue to draw more visitors in the future. However, most of the accommodation in the city is quite expensive. Budget and economy lodging only accounts for 30% of the total share, and is mostly found in small, privately run hotels." For Hagemann, Innsbruck is the perfect market for MEININGER's innovative hybrid hotel concept, which appeals to both business and leisure travelers. "With its rich history and urban Alpine location, Innsbruck is a favorite stop for families, tour groups, athletes, and guests from all over the world."

Easy to access by plane or train, rooms for all needs and tastes

The hotel's 74 rooms are spread out over seven floors, and depending on the type, come equipped with up to six beds. In addition to classic double rooms, the hotel offers spacious shared rooms for families, backpackers, school classes, and other travel groups. Typical for MEININGER, the Innsbruck hotel boasts a variety of amenities such as a guest kitchen, a game zone, a bar, a washing machine and dryer, and free WiFi. It also has its very own ski and bike room that guests can use for their sports equipment. Room rates start at €42 per person per night for a double room, and €32 per person per night for a shared room.

The new MEININGER Hotel Innsbruck Zentrum was created inside a historical building expanded by an annex. The project was carried out by BW-Microliving GmbH, a development company based in Vienna and Sankt Veit an der Glan in Austria. "The rare Tyrolean stone façade makes this building special, as does its historic staircase, which we were able to preserve with technical expertise," explains Bernhard Wippaunig, Managing Partner of BW-Microliving GmbH. "Despite all the problems and obstacles associated with the pandemic, we were determined to see this project through. Without the precious help we received from the Meininger team, it would have been much more difficult to complete this stunning renovation. I am extremely proud that we were able to provide Meininger with such a beautiful hotel," affirms Bernhard Wippaunig.

The hotel is located across from the library of the University of Innsbruck in the Hötting district, a quick walk from the Old Town with its 800-year history and numerous sights such as the Goldenes Dachl. Several buses and trams stop directly in front of the hotel, allowing guests to reach the city's main train station in five minutes and Innsbruck Airport in just ten minutes. Thanks to the combination of old and new buildings, no two rooms in the hotel are alike; some have balconies, while others have large bay windows that let in lots of light. In addition, a 21 kWp (approx. 23,000 kWh) solar panel system on the roof provides part of the hotel's electricity.

Mountain references galore

"Way to Mountain Adventure" is the theme that was chosen for the interior design of the hotel. After all, the hotel is located right in the middle of the Alps. And as the saying here goes, you can really hear the mountains calling in Innsbruck. Inside the hotel, the decor is highlighted by popular mountain sports such as climbing, paragliding, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and skiing. These sports are reflected in the colors and designs, and were the inspiration for the shape and style of the furnishings. Examples include furniture creatively designed with snowboards, and walls adorned with illustrations of ice axes and ski poles.

Goldenes Dachl, Hungerburg, and Alpenzoo

Innsbruck wows visitors all year long with its Old Town, narrow streets, and Late Gothic style architecture. Its best-known attraction is the Goldenes Dachl, a Late Gothic oriel in the Old Town covered with gilded tiles. Other famous sights include the baroque style Helbinghaus, Innsbruck Cathedral, the Triumphpforte, the Goldener Adler restaurant, the Innsbruck Rathaus, and the 57-meter-high Stadtturm in the middle of the city. But what really makes Innsbruck unique is its proximity to the mountains. The Nordkette, one of the four main chains in the Karwendel range, towers over the city. The Bergisel, with its famous ski jump, lies just outside the city limits. Ski areas such as Axamer Lizum, Kühtai, Patscherkofel, and even Stubaier Gletscher are just a few kilometers away and easy to reach by bus. In the summer, visitors can access numerous hiking trails directly from the city (such as the Sellraintaler Höhenweg) and mountain bike trails like the Arzler Alm. Families love to visit the Alpenzoo with Alpine marmots, birds of prey, and other animals.

Ambitious growth goals achieved, more openings planned for 2022

"Despite the many challenges that the hotel industry faced in 2020 and 2021, we were able to maintain the frequency of our new hotel openings," reveals Hagemann. "We are delighted with the new hotel in Innsbruck, and will continue to implement our ambitious expansion plans for Europe in the future." This year, MEININGER Hotels opened its first two hotels in Switzerland in Zurich and Geneva. It also opened a hotel in Bordeaux, and plans to open another hotel in France in Marseille later this year. In 2022, the group plans to open new hotels in Dresden and Bremen, among other cities.

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