Europe’s largest hostel chain continues to grow: it will be the first hotel in Belgium to open on November 1st a&o Hostel Antwerp Central with 133 rooms at the start. With the acquisition of the nine-story building on Pelikaanstraat, right next to the famous Art Nouveau Antwerpen Centraal train station, the number of a&o locations increases to 41 in 11 European countries. “Antwerp is an extraordinary city jewel and can be perfectly explored on foot, by bike or by public transport from the a&o,” says Oliver Winter, founder and CEO. The house is located directly opposite the main train station and will be renovated gradually in 2025 while operations continue. Planned investment: almost four million euros.
Antwerp – a city highlight with charm
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Antwerp was one of the largest cities in the world; With around 550,000 inhabitants, the university town is now the largest city in Belgium – with the second largest seaport in Europe. The largely preserved historic city center with numerous buildings from the late Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque as well as Art Nouveau and Art Deco makes the Flemish metropolis a city highlight for tourists from all over the world. Oliver Winter: “Antwerp is a fascinating journey into various eras of European art history, especially for young people.”
The city on the Scheldt is also the perfect starting point for visits to the capital Brussels, only around 50 kilometers away, and Ghent, known for its medieval architecture.
a&o expansion course continues
Antwerp is continuing the expansion of a&o hostels and is the second addition this year after Brighton. According to the plan, three to four more houses will follow in 2025. The company is flexible when looking for new locations. “We are open-minded and adaptable in terms of size and floor plan,” emphasizes Winter, “which enables dynamic growth.” The focus is still on conversions. Other potential a&o locations include Brussels, London, Manchester, Paris, Madrid and Lisbon.
In 2025, just in time for the anniversary year of the then 25-year-old company, they will a&o Hostels Europe’s first Net Zero hostel chain be. The CO2 footprint is already just 3.73 kilograms per night, up to 80 percent below comparable competitors.
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