MEININGER Hotels concluded the financial year 2026 with a turnover exceeding EUR 200 million, laying the groundwork for the company's continued expansion. During the reporting period, the hotel group recorded approximately 4.6 million overnight stays, an increase of about two per cent compared to the previous year, with an average room occupancy of almost 80 per cent. Despite an environment characterised by increased living costs and reduced demand in the large-scale events sector, the company managed to generate growth in both turnover and profit. This development underscores the robustness of its business model.
The group business significantly contributes to the company's success and accounted for approximately 20 to 25 per cent of the total turnover in the past financial year. This segment saw a ten per cent growth, and a comparable increase is also expected for the financial year 2026/27. For the financial year 2027, MEININGER Hotels forecasts around 5.0 million overnight stays, bolstered by a higher frequency of international trade fairs, sporting events and concert tours.
Strategic Expansion and Digital Transformation
MEININGER Hotels currently operates 37 hybrid hotels with approximately 6,000 rooms and around 21,200 beds in 27 European cities. The strategic goal is to grow to 50 locations by 2030, with a focus on Southern and Eastern Europe. The newest property in Barcelona recently opened. Further projects are slated for Edinburgh and Tel Aviv in 2026, Strasbourg in 2027, and Madrid, Dublin and Porto in 2028, among others.
Parallel to its physical expansion, the company is investing in digital infrastructure and internal processes. An example of this is the website chatbot MILA, which handles a large proportion of recurring guest enquiries. Online check-in optimises the arrival process. A cloud-based HR tool is being implemented to consolidate existing systems and standardise processes. The introduction of Mobile Key, allowing access to rooms via smartphone, is expected to be completed in all hotels by the end of the financial year 2028. Furthermore, improvements are planned for B2B integration, payment processes, and web and self-service functions for group and corporate clients.
Investments in Existing Properties and Staff Development
In addition to new developments, ongoing investments are being made in the existing portfolio. Renovation work has been carried out in Frankfurt, Salzburg, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. A comprehensive redesign of the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus included upgrading the rooms, modernising the entrance area and adding a bar. Further renovations are planned for 2027 in Munich, Vienna, Marseille and Paris. The company applies insights from new properties to existing locations to ensure a consistent guest experience and atmosphere.
MEININGER Hotels' staff strategy focuses on long-term employee retention. The re-employment rate increased by over ten per cent in 2026 compared to the previous year, and applicant numbers rose by 20 per cent. The company maintains an international workforce with employees from approximately 90 nations. As part of sustainability management, greenhouse gas inventories are compiled to make progress in CO2 reduction transparent and to identify emission sources.
