Award-winning group of urban design hostels, Generator, has acquired two further sites in Paris and Rome as part of its ongoing European expansion. The Paris site will be the brand’s largest to date, with 950 beds.
The acquisitions mark the growth of Generator’s portfolio from two properties to ten in less than three years, making it the world’s fastest-growing hostel brand. The expansion, which will take the company’s total bed stock to in excess of 6400, follows on from the opening of Generator’s new flagship property in Barcelona in March of this year.
The two new acquisitions are part of a continued growth phase for Generator, which is backed by pan-European private equity group, Patron Capital. Generator aims to operate 15 locations by 2015. Patron Capital has invested an additional ¬150m into the business in order to realise its ambitious growth plans, which include further sites in Europe as well as expansion into the US.
Generator Paris and Rome will be brought to life under the guidance of chief designer, Anwar Mekhayech. As one of the award-winning partners at Toronto-based The Design Agency, Anwar’s other clients include Soho House and MOMOFUKU. He will work with the local architects and developers to realise his design vision for these properties.
Carl Michel, executive chairman of Generator, says: “We passionately believe that Generator’s design-inspired vision is raising the bar for the hostel industry and making style more accessible and affordable for the young traveller. We look forward to taking Generator’s unique flavour to Paris and Rome as we continue our rapid international expansion.”
Generator Paris – opening late 2014
The Paris property will be located in the vibrant 10th Arrondissement and the Canal St-Martin neighbourhood – an area rich in art galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants and only 15 minutes’ walk from Gare de l’Est, Gare du Nord and Bastille.
Generator Paris will be the brand’s largest property, accommodating up to 950 guests in a range of dorms, private rooms and luxury penthouse apartments – all of which will be en-suite. The interiors will include a cafe lounge and a vibrant nightclub bar, all of which will be crafted to reflect the surrounding neighbourhood and the distinctive Parisian culture.
Carl says: “Paris ranks with London and Berlin as one of the top three youth travel city destinations in the world. But it has become less affordable, due to the shortage of good-quality, centrally-located and affordable accommodation. With 950 beds, Generator Paris will be both the largest and the best hostel in the city.”
Generator Rome – opening spring 2014
Built in the 1900s as an elegant residential building on Via Principe Amedeo, Generator Rome is located within a short walking distance of the Colosseum amphitheatre, Termini Station and Metro to the main Roman attractions.
Set over seven floors and with 80 rooms, the 3900m² building will accommodate up to 264 guests and will feature a cafe, bar and lounge. There will also be a 405m² rooftop terrace that will be open to all guests, commanding awe-inspiring views across Rome.
Carl says: “This will be our second hostel in Italy, and we believe our design-led concept will prove extremely popular all year round.”
Josh Wyatt, director of hospitality and leisure at Patron Capital, adds: “Italy is a key focus for Generator. The unique history of Rome, coupled with the local character in the immediate neighbourhood of the new Generator, will inspire our design and restaurant ethos to deliver a truly special new concept to Rome. We look forward to more Generator projects in Italy as we roll out the Generator brand.”
