MEININGER Hotels aims for 50 hotels in Europe by 2030

The hybrid model, a halfway house between a hotel and a hostel, is booming. MEININGER Hotels, one of its pioneers in Europe, has just confirmed this: the group intends to increase its network from 37 to 50 establishments by 2030, building on a strong financial year 2026 with a turnover exceeding 200 million euros.

Following a year marked by the rising cost of living and the absence of major unifying events, the company is embarking on its next phase of growth with openings in new markets, as well as significant investments in digital technology and the renovation of its existing portfolio.

Financial Year 2026: Over 200 Million Euros

In its latest financial year (April 2025 to March 2026), MEININGER once again surpassed the 200 million euro turnover mark. The group reports approximately 4.6 million overnight stays, an increase of nearly 2% year-on-year, with an average occupancy rate close to 80%. Group bookings, which account for 20-25% of revenue, grew by 10% and remain a key driver.

“We have managed to maintain our performance in a challenging environment,” summarises Ajit Menon, CEO of MEININGER Hotels, highlighting the model’s structural robustness. For the financial year 2027, the group anticipates around 5 million overnight stays, boosted by a busier calendar of trade fairs, sporting events, and international concert tours.

Targeting 50 Hotels by 2030, with a Focus on Southern and Eastern Europe

This is the core of the roadmap: expanding from 37 to 50 hotels by 2030, with a particular emphasis on Southern and Eastern Europe. The latest property opened in Barcelona on 25 June 2026. This will be followed by openings in Edinburgh and Tel Aviv in 2026, Strasbourg in 2027, and then Madrid, Dublin, and Porto in 2028. The group currently operates nearly 6,000 rooms and around 21,200 beds across 27 European cities.

The Hybrid Model: Between Hotel and Hostel

MEININGER’s strength lies in its concept: combining the service and comfort of a hotel with the convivial atmosphere of a hostel. Each establishment boasts a prime central location, excellent value for money, and flexible room configurations, ranging from classic double rooms to shared dormitory beds, as well as private multi-bed rooms. A communal kitchen, games area, and design inspired by the host city complete the offering.

This positioning appeals to families and groups as well as solo or business travellers, a valuable asset for smoothing out occupancy rates. It explains the significant contribution of group bookings to turnover and the network’s ability to absorb peak demand related to major urban events.

Digitalisation: The MILA Chatbot, Online Check-in, and Mobile Key

Digital transformation is the other major project. The in-house chatbot, named MILA, already handles a large proportion of recurring customer queries, while online check-in streamlines arrivals and reduces the workload for reception staff. Behind the scenes, a new cloud-based HR tool is gradually unifying recruitment and team management.

The next milestone is the mobile key (Mobile Key), which will allow guests to open their rooms using their smartphones: its deployment, initiated in financial year 2027, is set to cover all hotels by the end of financial year 2028. Improvements are also planned for payments, B2B integration, and self-service options for business clients.

Renovations: From Berlin to Paris and Marseille

Alongside new openings, MEININGER continues to invest in its existing portfolio. Renovations have been carried out in Frankfurt, Salzburg, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen. The most significant project is the complete overhaul of the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus: modernised rooms, a redesigned reception area, and an integrated bar. For 2027, new works are announced in Munich, Vienna, Marseille, and Paris.

Our Analysis: The Hybrid Bet in a Strained Market

In a context of constrained purchasing power, the hybrid hotel sector ticks many boxes: controlled prices, a social dimension, and adaptable room formats for families and groups alike. Maintaining growth without a major event to drive it speaks volumes about the model’s solidity. By targeting Southern and Eastern Europe, which are still underserved in this niche, MEININGER is positioning itself in high-potential markets rather than already saturated capitals.

A significant challenge remains: preserving a consistent experience as the network expands. The group is committed to making its latest openings the benchmark for the entire portfolio. The upcoming French renovations in Paris and Marseille will show whether the renowned “MEININGER standard” lives up to its promise on a large scale. More details on the official MEININGER Hotels website.