At Expo Real in Munich, NOVUM Hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and HD Hotels signed agreements for the realisation of four hotel projects in Dortmund. This cooperation includes three existing properties and one secured new-build project, representing a significant step in growth for the parties involved.
The three existing hotels were acquired by NOVUM Hospitality and are scheduled to reopen by 2027 under the Garner and Holiday Inn – the niu brands after a rebranding. Concurrently, the opening of the new-build, also under the Holiday Inn – the niu brand, is planned for the same year. This strategic expansion strengthens the portfolio and market presence in Dortmund.
Portfolio and Brand Positioning
Hotel Unique Dortmund at Hohen Wall 38 and Hotel Majestic Dortmund Central at Lange Straße 1 will in future operate as Garner Hotel Dortmund City Center, comprising a total of 191 rooms. Hotel Pearl in Enscheder Straße, with 94 rooms, will operate as Holiday Inn – the niu Bliss after rebranding. The new property on Humboldtstraße, planned as Holiday Inn – the niu Ember, will supplement the offering with 144 rooms.
The three existing properties were already part of the NOVUM portfolio and are now returning to the company's operational management. This measure, together with HD Hotels, creates the basis for converting and repositioning existing sites, and for strategically expanding the portfolio with the new-build. The signing at Expo Real lays a crucial foundation for the future development of the group's Dortmund hotel portfolio.
David Etmenan, Chief Executive Officer & Owner NOVUM Hospitality, commented on the strategic importance of the projects. He emphasised that the four projects reflect the company's strategic approach to selectively develop the portfolio, combine proven locations with new development opportunities, and focus on brands that suit the respective markets and target groups. Dortmund is an important location in the heart of the Ruhr region, and the realisation of this growth step with HD Hotels and IHG is welcomed.
Cooperation and Regional Integration
The future positioning of the four hotels will take place within the framework of the strategic cooperation partnership between NOVUM Hospitality and IHG Hotels & Resorts. While the Garner Hotel Dortmund City Center covers the midscale segment, Hotel Pearl and the new-build will be operated under the upper-midscale brand collaboration Holiday Inn – the niu. IHG's international sales and distribution platform supports the needs-based positioning of the properties in the market.
Mario Maxeiner, Managing Director Northern Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the strengthening of presence in Dortmund and the portfolio in Northern Europe. He stressed that Garner and Holiday Inn – the niu are strong conversion brands that support owners in increasing the value of existing properties and offer high-quality experiences to guests. The inclusion of these properties in the growing portfolio and the creation of attractive development opportunities for owners in the region is viewed positively.
The concepts of the Holiday Inn – the niu projects reflect the history of Dortmund. Holiday Inn – the niu Bliss aims to convey arrival, tranquillity and well-being by translating the history of a former church building as a place of encounter and reflection into a modern hotel concept. The new-build project Holiday Inn – the niu Ember addresses Dortmund's industrial past. The name “Ember” symbolises the city's transformation, where its industrial character continues to resonate and its original energy has taken new forms to offer a contemporary interpretation of urban hospitality.
The owner and contractual partner for the four projects is the German hotel and hotel development company HD Hotels, based in Düsseldorf. Haluk Demirci, Managing Director of HD Hotelimmobilien GmbH, stated that for HD Hotels as owner, it is crucial to develop properties meaningfully in the long term and to enter into reliable partnerships with experienced operators. With NOVUM Hospitality, a partner has been gained who is familiar with the existing properties from their own operational experience and who will further develop the locations with suitable, internationally viable concepts. This provides a good basis for the long-term perspective of the properties in Dortmund.
The commercial law firm Möhrle Happ Luther advised NOVUM Hospitality on the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of the long-term hotel lease agreement. The advice included the acquisition and further development of the existing properties as well as the specific requirements for the lease of the hotel yet to be constructed, including regulations on construction, fitting-out, handover, and commencement of operations.
