Meininger Hotels has revealed details of a new site in Barcelona, where it will launch the brand in Spain.
The new hotel, close to the city’s exhibition and convention centre, is already under construction and is expected to open in 2027. The company notes that the site has one of its hallmarks of great connectivity, being just 22 minutes from Barcelona airport, and less than half an hour from the city centre by public transport. And, with the convention centre hosting around 150 events in a typical year, there will be plenty of demand on the doorstep.
Hybrid accommodation
The new hotel will be based on Meininger’s hybrid accommodation model, albeit with some tweaks to suit the location. Typically, a Meininger hotel will have a mix of larger shared rooms to suit students, school groups and backpackers seeking a great value place to stay, as well as a blend of double or twin rooms with their own ensuite bathrooms, more in the style of a traditional hotel. The Barcelona site will have 162 rooms, and 552 beds but, taking account of its proximity to the Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre, there will be a higher proportion of double rooms.
“We are continuing to expand our portfolio across Europe,” said Nicolas Capelle, head of development in Europe for Meininger. “In addition to the new opening in Barcelona, we are currently planning a property in Edinburgh, Scotland, which will mark our entry into the United Kingdom market. This will allow us to tap into new markets in the coming years.”
Currently, Meininger counts 36 hotels across Europe, in 26 cities across 10 countries – all adding up to 22,000 beds. The business launched in 2004 in Germany, adding Austria as its second market in 2011. Last year, it added its second Italian site, opening in Venice Mestre, and launched into the Polish market with an opening in Krakow.
Office conversions
In Edinburgh, developers are starting work on the conversion of an obsolete office building into a new Meininger property, which should be ready for the group to open in late 2025. The reimagined block will feature 157 bedrooms, each featuring two to six beds and adding up to a capacity for 549 overnight guests. Developer S Harrison is converting the 1970s building in the city where the company has previously delivered the Malmaison hotel.
The group continues to invest in maintaining and updating its existing portfolio. During 2024, three properties will undergo refurbishment. Refits at its two hotels in Vienna, Downtown Franz and Downtown Sissi, are taking place this year, while the Munich Zentrum site, one of two hotels in the German city, is currently closed for renovations and will relaunch later in the year.
