UK: Hostel brand a&o has purchased the former DoubleTree by Hilton, Docklands Riverside, its first location in London.
The 17th-century building is located directly opposite Canary Wharf on the banks of the Thames in Southwark.
From November this year, the property will become a&o London Docklands Riverside and will be operated as a hotel.
A planned investment of £21 million will support a gradual renovation across its 500 rooms and 2,100 beds. The hotel will remain open during the process.
The building also has its own pier, and a&o will provide free access for guests to an electric river cab service to and from Canary Wharf.
a&o Hostels founder and CEO, Oliver Winter said: “London is simply a city you have to experience. It represents a deep history, a fierce energy and an incredible internationalism rarely found elsewhere. The opening of our first location here is a real statement for a&o, as a leading destination for travellers, families, school groups and groups of friends. It was at the top of our list as we look to provide value driven accommodation to youth travellers, groups, families and solo guests in an otherwise expensive city.
“This acquisition is the result of an intensive and purposeful selection process. It signals that a&o is present at the highest level – in the best cities in Europe, with strong partners and a clear focus on sustainable growth,” he added.
a&o London Docklands Riverside joins two other UK properties in Edinburgh and Brighton. It brings the total European portfolio to 44 properties in 30 cities.
Highlights:
• a&o Hostels has acquired its first London site – the former DoubleTree by Hilton Docklands Riverside.
• The property will reopen in November as a&o London Docklands Riverside, operated as a hotel.
• It will feature 500 rooms and 2,100 beds, with £21 million invested in phased renovations.
• Guests will have free access to an electric river cab service from the hotel’s private pier to Canary Wharf.
• The site joins existing UK locations in Edinburgh and Brighton.