A&O Hostel Expands in Belgium: New House Opens in Brussels
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Loading... - Eirene Hondros
- 08 Jan 2025
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A&O Hostel is continuing its ambitious expansion strategy with the recent opening of a new location in Brussels, Belgium. The latest A&O Hostel, which opened its doors in December 2024, is situated in the former "The President Brussels Hotel" on Boulevard du Roi Albert. This new property follows the successful launch of the first A&O location in Antwerp just a few weeks earlier, marking a significant milestone in the chain's growth in Belgium.
The A&O Hostel Brussels Centrum currently features 296 rooms and boasts a large parking area with 45 spaces, covering approximately 20,000 square meters. Plans are already in place for an extension this year, which will increase the number of rooms to 377, with an investment of around seven million euros. The renovation will be conducted gradually to ensure that operations continue smoothly, allowing guests to enjoy the usual services without interruption.
Oliver Winter, founder and CEO of A&O, expressed his excitement about the rapid expansion in Belgium. "It is really unusual to realize two ideal candidates within such a short period of time. First Antwerp, now Brussels - this means that our growth targets in Belgium have been met," he stated during the opening ceremony. With this new addition, A&O's total bed capacity across Europe exceeds 30,000, solidifying its position as one of the leading hostel chains on the continent.
A&O's strategy focuses on acquiring and converting existing properties, which Winter describes as essential for dynamic and healthy growth. He noted that "acquisitions are our favorites" because they allow for quick adaptations to meet the brand's requirements while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations. This approach ensures that guests can enjoy modern, well-equipped accommodations from the outset.
Looking ahead to 2025, A&O plans to continue its expansion with the opening of the A&O Firenze Campo di Marte in Italy, scheduled for February 2025. This new hotel will be located in a former municipal administration building and will feature 121 rooms. A&O has ambitious plans for further growth, with potential new locations in major European cities such as London, Manchester, Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon already on the radar.
With the motto "Everyone can travel," A&O is dedicated to providing affordable accommodation options for a diverse range of travelers, including young adventurers, families, school groups, and business travelers. The company emphasizes value for money and modern amenities, ensuring that each hostel is equipped with practical facilities tailored to guest needs. These include functional guest rooms, shared kitchens, work areas, and complimentary WiFi. The central locations of A&O hostels facilitate easy access to public transport and local attractions, enhancing the overall travel experience.
The popularity of A&O Hostels is evident in its impressive performance metrics. In 2024, the chain welcomed approximately 2.7 million guests and recorded 6.2 million overnight stays. The diverse clientele includes not only young travelers and students but also business professionals, solo vacationers, and families. A&O's successful model of combining centrally located, affordable accommodations with a wide array of services has proven to resonate well with modern travelers.
A&O Hostels are designed with the needs of contemporary travelers in mind, featuring amenities such as bars, guest kitchens, workspaces, and high-speed internet access. The company actively promotes digitalization, allowing guests to book their stays online easily. This digital infrastructure makes A&O hostels suitable for both leisure and business travelers, ensuring a seamless experience from booking to check-out.
