Covivio, a major European real estate player with a portfolio of 283 hotels across Europe and a €6.4 billion hotel property value, focuses on high-quality assets and innovative management strategies. A vision visible within the 8 properties owned by the company at Lille.
Strategic hotel investments in Lille
Lille, a dynamic hub in the north of France less than 2 hours from London and Brussels, is a hotel investment pole for Covivio. The acquisition of the SLIH group in 2016 marked the start of a structuring approach for this market. Among the significant investments, the repositioning and rebranding of the Hilton Lille in 2024 is a perfect illustration of Covivio’s strategy to revitalise its assets. This transformation involved an investment of €7 million, resulting in a 22% increase in the average room rate, which now exceeds €160. The refurbishment included the communal areas, adding new event spaces and energy improvements, underlining Covivio’s commitment to sustainable operations.
In the heart of Lille, the Grand Hôtel Bellevue, a historic establishment dating back to 1913, is undergoing a complete renovation, with the addition of a rooftop offering a breathtaking view of the Grand’Place. Covivio’s €4 million investment is aimed at improving its offering, with a 10% increase in the average room rate. The purchase of the neighbouring business has also made it possible to install a bar area on the ground floor, freeing up space on level 1 for the installation of 6 family rooms with mezzanines.
Covivio also has priority and management of the Hermitage Gantois, Autograph Collection located in a listed building erected in 1462. The building housed a hospice until 1995 and was reopened as a hotel in 2003 after several years of conversion work.
A sustainable vision
Covivio’s commitment to sustainability is clear. With an investment of €100 million planned between 2025 and 2030, the group aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its hotel portfolio. Their ambition is to reduce carbon intensity by 70% by 2030, in line with the CREEM-SBTI framework. This strategy reflects Covivio’s wider objective of balancing financial performance with environmental responsibility, ensuring that its assets not only meet market requirements, but also adhere to sustainability standards appropriate to future challenges.
A strong network of partners
Covivio’s approach to hotel management relies heavily on its partnerships with Accor, Hilton, IHG and Marriott. Present in key European cities, the group has built up a solid portfolio in 12 countries, offering strategic locations that appeal to both business and leisure travellers. In Lille, Covivio’s portfolio includes both branded and independent hotels, catering for a wide range of customer segments.
The Group’s diversified expertise in hotel asset management, combined with its commitment to operational excellence, positions Covivio as a leader in the European hotel market. Its focus on efficient, well-located assets and sustainable practices enables it to remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering long-term value for investors and customers alike. Through the WIZIU platform, headed up by Estelle Seguin, the Group intends to deploy operational excellence that will enable it to optimise the value of its assets.
Covivio’s activities in Lille illustrate a robust and forward-looking strategy, combining historic charm with modern hotel trends. As the company continues to expand its footprint across Europe, its strategic investments in property renovation, sustainability and customer-focused services demonstrate its vision of a dynamic and resilient hotel sector.
