German hotel group Motel One has celebrated the opening of its one hundredth hotel, as it continues to drive for growth.
The launch of the latest hotel, in Munich, is a key milestone in the development of the business, which has in recent years added a second lifestyle brand, The Cloud One to its original Motel One hotel brand.
Spreading into more country markets
“The opening of our 100th hotel represents a significant milestone in the development of our company and our growth strategy,” said co-CEO Stefan Lenze. “We have secured sites in key markets across 15 countries in Europe and the USA, and will continue to strategically expand our brand portfolio.”
In late 2024, the group opened its second hotel in Belgium, the 221 room Motel One Antwerp. Further development in the country is planned, with the aim of adding a Cloud One hotel in Brussels in due course.
Currently, there are a number of Motel One projects under construction. These include the 177 room new build Motel One Koblenz, and a 269 room hotel in Munich’s Schillerstrasse. In the Austrian capital, Vienna, two hotels are in development. The 171 room Motel One Vienna is being created as part of the city’s Weltstadthaus development. And the 198 room Motel One DC Waterline Vienna will feature a stunning rooftop bar, with a planned opening later in 2025.
Looking further ahead, planned additions include Braunschweig, Dusseldorf, Hannover Aegidientorplatz and Munich Garching.
The group launched its second brand, The Cloud One, with its first opening in New York in 2022. Since then, it has grown to six hotels in four countries. The first European opening for the brand was in Hamburg, followed since then by launches in Nuremberg, Prague, Düsseldorf, and Danzig.
During 2025, there will be a further Cloud One opening in Lisbon, Portugal, with the brand’s first property to feature a swimming pool. Further growth is planned in the USA, with a site in development in Miami.
Supported by a new backer
Recent months have seen a restructuring of the business, with previous backers Proprium Capital Partners exiting after supporting Motel One’s earlier growth. Founder Dieter Muller took back control of the company, and has since agreed a new strategic partnership with private equity group PAI Partners.
PAI has become the majority shareholder of the operational business of Motel One, acquiring an 80% stake, while Muller retains a role as chairman. He will also lead the real estate side of the business, which has been separated from operations. As the transaction was concluded, he commented: “I am delighted to welcome PAI as a strategic partner with extensive expertise in the hospitality industry. Together, we will further accelerate the international expansion of Motel One. We look forward to partnering with PAI as we embark on the next chapter in our exciting growth story.”
