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Manchester, United Kingdom — 22-25 September 2009

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a&o Hostels purchases its first property in Spain

Nov 15, 2018

Berlin-based budget group is planning around 750 beds in Barcelona’s up-and- coming Hospitalet district

For ten years, the building in southern Barcelona was as good as empty. Now, Berlin-based budget group a&o has purchased the 7,900m2 management complex, which used to belong to a TV factory, and after Venice, is thereby continuing to drive its expansion in Southern Europe: Around 170 rooms with 750 beds are set to emerge here by approximately 2021 for price-conscious travelling families and groups. a&o’s Chief Investment Officer Henri Wilmes commented, “With this third transaction in 2018, we have managed to achieve our long-desired entry into the Spanish market – one of Europe’s key markets.”

“In textbook a&o style, too,” continued Wilmes.

“This property may seem less attractive at first glance; on the contrary, we found it in an exciting, promising location and not only are we developing a new building, but we are also providing new momentum for an entire quarter.” The renovation and reconstruction work for the future a&o Barcelona is set to start in 2020, with completion and opening planned for 2020/21. With 34 buildings in 21 cities and six countries, a&o is currently the largest privately-run hostel chain in Europe. With premises in Barcelona, a&o also intends to simultaneously lay the foundations for its expansion on the Iberian Peninsula with other locations in Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Lisbon and Porto.

Centrally located and ideally connected in an up-and-coming quarter

Hospitalet is located in the south of the capital Barcelona, where the trade fair centre, parts of the University of Barcelona, and national and international companies, are based. The future a&o site is central and conveniently connected to both public transport and the regional and international rail network. The centre of Barcelona is only around 15 minutes away.

“Everyone can travel” – leisure and business, groups and solo travellers

Specialising in travel for groups and young people since 2000, a&o is now also recommended as a smart alternative for business and solo travellers – with prices for an overnight stay starting at 12 euros, central locations, comfort and quality, as well as a new  architectural and design concept which is being implemented in all buildings as of the start of the year.

Company press and download area: https://www.aohostels.com/de/presse/

About a&o Hostels

Since 2000, a&o has been operating 34 hostels in 21 cities in six countries (Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Denmark and Italy). It is the largest hostel provider in Europe and the chain is growing at a rate of over 15% per year. With around 24,000 beds and more than four million overnight stays in 2017, a&o has recorded revenue of around 134 million euros.

a&o Hostels is a WYSE Travel Confederation member.

Press release. Berlin, 31 October 2018