Spring 2022 could not have gotten off to a better start for MEININGER Hotels-on 25 May, the hotel chain will open a new property between Bremen's main train station and the new long-distance bus terminal. It is the 13th location in Germany and already the second new opening this year.
Prime location by the new long-distance bus terminal
The MEININGER Hotel Bremen Hauptbahnhof has 126 rooms with 378 beds, and forms part of the development around the new long-distance bus terminal being built in the Hanseatic city. Just a few minutes' walk from Bremen's central train station, the location offers excellent connections to local and long-distance public transport. Almost all tram and bus lines stop within walking distance. Bremen's Old Town, featuring landmarks such as the historic town hall, Böttcherstrasse and the Schnoorviertel district, is just 15 minutes away. Numerous shopping and entertainment options await within walking distance in the surrounding area, such as the City Gate shopping center, the Übersee Museum, and a cinema. "We are looking forward to the opening of the new location on the Weser River," says Thomas Hagemann, COO of MEININGER Hotels. "Bremen is an economic and cultural hub in northwest Germany. The connection to the overseas port in Bremerhaven and the numerous sporting events alone attract thousands of visitors every year," Hagemann adds.
The city of Bremen is pleased to be strengthening Bremen's tourism industry
Maike Schaefer, Senator for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban Development and Housing, also welcomes the new opening of the hotel and emphasizes: "I am very pleased that the hotel, parking garage, office and retail space, as well as the premises for bus passengers, will soon be completed. As part of the contractually agreed construction schedule, the focus has now turned to the actual central bus terminal, with a view to offering a modern platform for bus passengers. As such, we are setting an important course in the context of the the transition to more environmentally friendly transport and climate protection. At the same time, with the parking garage in conjunction with the central bus station, we are creating a park-and-ride option right at the heart of the city. And what's more, the hotel provides further attractive overnight accommodation, thus strengthening tourism in our city."
Open architecture & plenty of natural light
The hotel, with its double and multi-bed rooms for up to four people, extends over a total of seven floors within the 42-meter HIGH11 high-rise building - with a unique view over the Hanseatic city from the upper floors. The first floor of the elegantly structured building featuring a concrete facade is framed by continuous arcades and floor-to-ceiling windows. The light-filled entrance hall with mezzanine floor, breakfast area, the typical MEININGER guest kitchen, and the game zone is an open space for encounters-and not just for hotel guests. In the future, passengers of the new remote bus terminal will also be able to enjoy culinary delights in the lobby and hotel bar. "The MEINNGER Hotel Bremen Hauptbahnhof is a place to stay and feel good, for hotel guests, travelers and the people of Bremen themselves. The building's architecture underlines this concept of openness and exchange quite wonderfully," Hagemann elaborates. Regarding the expected mix of guests, Hagemann adds, "In addition to business and leisure travelers, we also expect tour groups, including school classes and clubs."
Hanseatic modernity on the inside
The hotel's interior design picks up on Bremen's cultural facets, guiding guests through themed worlds that include the Bremen Town Musicians, tradition, and urban graffiti street art. In the public areas, futuristic design and a unique lighting concept likewise echo the Hanseatic city's nickname, the "City of Space". The design of the guest rooms is inspired by the four heroes of the Grimm fairy tale: donkey, dog, cat and rooster, which represent four different color worlds. The Kai Ratschko design office is responsible for the interior design.
Urban revitalization of the location
In terms of consulting, concept development and marketing, this property development project is supported by the Robert C. Spies Group, a real estate group with a nationwide presence. "This architecturally sophisticated project sets a significant example and provides new impetus for the positive urban development of Bremen's city center. The diverse uses of the hybrid building complex will ensure urban revitalization, while providing high-quality accommodation at the location in the future," emphasizes Jens Lütjen, executive shareholder at Robert C. Spies, adding, "We are convinced that the HIGHeleven will develop into an innovative landmark-including beyond Bremen's borders". The construction of the new, and now complete HIGHeleven was carried out by Buhlmann Immobilien GmbH.
Further new openings planned for 2022
With the new opening in Bremen and 12 other locations in Germany, the hotel group currently provides more than 6,500 beds in Germany. "Our goal is to expand MEININGER's hybrid hotel concept into new and existing markets," comments Hagemann. Two more hotel openings within the existing markets of Germany and Italy are planned for later this year-in Dresden and Venice.
