IKEA has recently entered the Spanish hospitality market with the opening of Las Dunas de Santa Catalina Boutique House in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This marks the company’s first hotel in Spain and reflects its ongoing exploration into the hospitality sector. It’s interesting to mention that, unlike its previous ventures, this property does not feature Ikea’s traditional branding or flat-pack furniture.
A different concept
Las Dunas de Santa Catalina Boutique House, a two-star hotel and is opting for a neutral aesthetic that incorporates local cultural influences, moving away from IKEA’s characteristic decor and branding, This represents a shift in the company’s approach to hospitality, where the emphasis is more on simplicity and comfort than on its recognizable brand elements.
IKEA will enter the Spanish hotel sector through Sarton Canarias , its holding company in the archipelago. Concerning the amenities, the property offers an array of comforts, including an outdoor swimming pool, terrace ,garden, and coplimentary Wi-Fi, while rooms have a simple design with extra comfort amenities.
The hotel is located five minutes from Las Alcaravaneras and it offers easy access to both the beach and local cultural attractions. Las Palmas, located in the Canary Islands, draws a steady flow of European tourists, making it an ideal setting for this hotel. Moreover, its proximity to significant landmarks and entertainment options is expected to contribute to its appeal for both leisure and business travelers.
Plans for future expansion
IKEA has already outlined plans for a second hotel in the Canary Islands, Las Vegas de Ciudad Jardín Suites.This expansion strategy reflects the growing interest in boutique hotels located in urban or tourist-heavy areas. The company’s focus appears to be on smaller, well-positioned properties that cater to the demand for more personalized, accessible accommodations.
Exploring new opportunities in hospitality
Ikea’s move into the hospitality sector is part of a broader strategy to diversify its business. By testing this new hotel model, the company is exploring ways to expand its footprint beyond its traditional retail and product offerings. As the company continues to assess market demand, it will be important to see how this approach influences future hotel projects in Spain and beyond.
It’s interesting to mention that IKEA’s opening on the hospitality sector is not something new, as it opened its first hotel in Älmhult, Sweden in 1964. Moreover, in the past it has also declared the willingness to develop a hotel chain, where the establishments would be managed independently and wouldn’t carry the IKEA brand.
The fact that IKEA has already opened one hotel in Spain and is planning a second one on the same country, shows the growing interest that Spain has the last years for investment.
