A&O Hostels, has announced the acquisition of the former DoubleTree by Hilton, Docklands Riverside for an undisclosed fee, marking the opening of its first London property and its third in the UK.
The new A&O London Docklands Riverside will operate as a hotel, demonstrating the hostel group’s expansion in the hospitality industry. The new venue will officially open under the A&O flag in November, with bookings already available through the company’s official channels.
With 500 rooms and 2,100 beds, the new hotel will also receive a gradual refurbishment with an investment of £21m while remaining open for guests throughout the process.
The building also has its own pier, and A&O Hostels will provide free access for guests to an electric river cab service to and from Canary Wharf.
Oliver Winter, A&O Hostels founder and CEO, 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.”
He added: “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.”
Together with owners StepStone Group and Proprium Capital Partners, A&O Hostels announced a budget of €500m (£436m) for expansion, conversion and modernisation of its properties to be carried out from Spring 2024.
