Hostel chain a&o Hostels has acquired the former DoubleTree by Hilton, Docklands Riverside, for its first London site for an undisclosed price.
The a&o London Docklands Riverside, which has 500 rooms and 2,100 beds, will operate as a hotel when it opens in November
The former 17th-century dockland building is located directly opposite Canary Wharf on the banks of the Thames. The building will undergo a £21m phased refurbishment and will remain open throughout the process.
Oliver Winter, founder and CEO of a&o Hostels, 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.”
