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Motel One
Motel One
Motel One
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Motel One is a German hotel chain headquartered in Munich. It operates properties in eleven European countries as well as one hotel in New York City. A few of the company's hotels use their upscale subsidiary brand The Cloud One instead.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

It was founded in 2000 by the former Accor manager Dieter Müller in Munich and is now run by him and his wife, Ursula Schelle-Müller.[2] In the same year, the first Motel One opened in Offenbach am Main. Hotels in Schweinfurt, Lohfelden, Ratingen and Kleinmachnow followed – in places that are mostly close to big cities but outside the inner city. In 2004 the motel-one management changed its strategy, concentrating on opening new motels in central locations in the big cities. In the year 2015, nine small hotels were sold, for the start-up phase, to the real estate investor FDM Management, which operates them as Première-Classe-Hotels.[3]

Corporate affairs

[edit]
Motel One in Cologne
Motel One in Berlin

In the 2012 financial year, an average utilization rate of 73 percent was achieved with more than 2.5 million rented rooms. Sales of the hotel companies rose by 30 percent to 175 million Euro and the EBITDA from 44 to 62 million Euro. Earnings before taxes were up 45 percent to 34 million Euro.[4]

At the beginning of 2016, Motel One had 53 hotels with over 14,000 rooms, most of them in Germany, six in Salzburg and Vienna in Austria, six in the United Kingdom (3 in Scotland and one in London), and one in Belgium, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. The company currently employs over 2000 people.[5] Although in January 2015 it was announced that Motel One would separate from nine hotels from the first generation by January 31, 2015,[6] [3] but further advances in expansion would continue. By 2017, 74 hotels with 18,000 rooms are to be part of the company.[7]

The portfolio is increasingly shifting to other European countries. The company aimed to achieve an international share of 40 percent by 2016.[8] The operator of Motel One is One Hotels & Resorts AG, of whose majority shareholder Müller holds 57 percent.[9] Investors were two sons of Dietmar Hopp and Morgan Stanley.

In summer of 2015, the opening of the new Motel One at the new central station of Vienna with 533 rooms spread over 18 floors. It became the largest Motel One so far.[10][11]

Description

[edit]

The interior of the companies hotels uses the corporate identity colors brown and turquoise. Motel One offers the guest an average of 16 square meters of room, without a closet, telephone, mini-bar and room service, but therefore an individually designed lounge in each hotel.[citation needed]

The lounge, breakfast café and bar area in the One Lounge is typically regionally themed. At the Motel One on the Waidmarkt in Cologne, the theme is "Eau de Cologne".[12] The Motel One Dresden on the Zwinger opened in April 2013 and is based on the theme "Zwinger". The Motel One in Immermannstraße near Düsseldorf's main railway station has been open since June 2013; The theme "Japan" is reflected again in the lobby. Opened on 1 December 2014, the Motel One London Tower Hill is dedicated to the theme of the British Crown Jewels, which are kept in the nearby Tower of London.[13]

Locations

[edit]

Motel One

[edit]

As of 2024, Motel One operates the majority of its hotels in 25 German cities, several of which feature more than one property with 10 Motel Ones in Berlin alone. Additional hotels are located in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Spain and the United Kingdom.[14]

The Cloud One

[edit]

Currently five locations are marketed using the company's upscale brand The Cloud One introduced in 2023. These are located in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Nuremberg, Prague and New York City.[1] Some of these are repurposed and remodelled former Motel One locations.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Motel One

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Motel One is a German chain specializing in budget design accommodations, founded in 2000 in by and Philippe Weyland, who conceived the concept over breakfast in a local café the previous year. Headquartered in , the company pioneered the affordable design segment by combining high-quality, stylish interiors with accessible pricing in prime urban locations, targeting design-conscious travelers seeking value without compromising on aesthetics or comfort. As of November 2025, Motel One operates 101 hotels with 28,544 rooms across 13 countries, primarily in , with a presence extending to through its upscale sister brand, The Cloud One Hotels, launched in 2022. In March 2025, acquired a majority stake in the company, with founder remaining as chairman. The chain's emphasizes urban accessibility, featuring hotels in central city districts with amenities like free , organic breakfast options, and individually themed interiors inspired by local and . Each property is designed to reflect its destination—such as royal motifs in or flea market charm in —while maintaining consistent standards of modern functionality and sustainability, including the use of eco-friendly materials and furniture. Motel One has grown rapidly through strategic expansions and partnerships, securing projects for 134 additional hotels with 37,938 rooms in 15 countries, focusing on major European hubs and select international markets like New York and planned openings in and . Under Dieter Müller's continued leadership as founder and chairman, the company prioritizes guest experience through initiatives like the beOne membership program, which offers discounts and personalized perks, and commitments to via the One Foundation, promoting diversity and equal opportunities. This approach has earned Motel One recognition for innovation in the sector, positioning it as a leader in the budget-to-midscale design hotel market.

History

Founding and early development

Motel One was founded in 2000 by and Philippe Weyland, former managers, in , , to address the market gap for affordable accommodations that combined stylish design with modern comfort in urban areas. The concept emerged from Müller's observation of the need for budget-friendly hotels offering high-quality interiors without the frills of traditional mid-range options, targeting cost-conscious travelers seeking a feel-good stay. This innovative approach positioned Motel One as a pioneer in the budget design hotel category, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal at accessible prices. The 's first hotel opened in , a suburb of , in 2000, with 106 rooms priced around €59 per night, reflecting the initial focus on cost-effective suburban sites to minimize development expenses while serving nearby urban demand. Early operations prioritized efficient construction and operations, with standardized room sizes of about 15-18 square meters featuring modern furnishings, free , and basic amenities to maintain low overheads. By 2003, Motel One expanded with its second property in central Berlin-Mitte, signaling a strategic shift toward prime city-center locations to better capture urban leisure and guests. Through 2005 and 2006, the chain solidified its presence in with additional openings in key cities like and further sites, growing to approximately 11 hotels by the mid-2000s. This period refined the brand identity around room rates of €50-€100, blending Scandinavian-inspired , vibrant interiors, and attentive service to differentiate from conventional budget lodging. The emphasis on value-driven urban hospitality laid the groundwork for sustained growth within the European market.

Expansion phases and milestones

Motel One's expansion can be divided into three distinct phases, marked by accelerating growth from a primarily German footprint to a multinational presence across and beyond. Phase 1 (2005–2015) marked the company's rapid domestic buildup in alongside initial international forays. Following the refinement of its budget design hotel concept in 2005, Motel One opened its first properties in and in 2006, introducing signature One Lounges as social hubs. By 2008, the portfolio exceeded 3,000 rooms, growing to over 4,400 by 2009 through focused openings in major German cities. The first cross-border expansion occurred in 2011 with hotels in , specifically and , pushing available rooms beyond 8,000. In 2012, entry into the via brought the total to 42 hotels, serving over 3 million guests that year. Further diversification followed in 2014 with debuts in () and the (), and in 2015 with the (); a , Motel One Italy S.r.l., was established to support potential growth in that market, though no operating hotels opened there during this period. This phase culminated in the 2015 opening of Motel One Vienna-Hauptbahnhof, the chain's largest property at 533 rooms across 18 floors, adjacent to Vienna's . Also in 2015, Motel One divested nine smaller German hotels to FDM Management, which rebranded them as Première Classe properties, allowing refocus on urban core sites. By early 2016, the portfolio reached approximately 53 hotels with over 14,000 rooms, primarily in but spanning seven countries including planned entries into and . Phase 2 (2016–2022) accelerated European penetration, building on early successes like the 73% occupancy rate and €175 million in revenue achieved in 2012. Expansion continued with Switzerland's entry in 2016 via , reaching 55 hotels and serving 5.4 million guests by year's end. In 2018, Motel One debuted in () and (), expanding to 71 hotels with 20,160 rooms across nine countries. Poland followed in 2019 with , hitting 74 hotels and 20,851 rooms in ten countries—a milestone that fulfilled the 's 2017 target of 74 properties and 18,000 rooms ahead of schedule. The 10,000th room opened in 2013 at Vienna-Prater, underscoring steady capacity growth. By 2021, joined via , with the portfolio at 107 hotels and 30,248 rooms (including conversions). A pivotal shift occurred in 2022 with the U.S. market entry through The Cloud One in , alongside eight new European openings and plans for 116 total hotels; this phase grew operations to 11 countries, emphasizing city-center dominance. Phase 3 (2023–2025) has emphasized premium lifestyle extensions and transatlantic scaling, bolstered by ' 2025 involvement to hasten . The Cloud One brand, launched in 2022, expanded with openings in (2023), Gdansk, , and (2024), alongside traditional Motel One debuts like Ireland's in 2023 and Belgium's in 2024. By mid-2025, Motel One operated 100 hotels with 28,197 rooms across 13 countries: , , the , , the , , , , the , , , , and the . The secured pipeline includes 134 additional hotels with 37,938 rooms in 15 countries, targeting further U.S. and European hubs like , , and additional sites, with five openings planned for late 2025 in , , , , and .

Corporate affairs

Ownership and leadership

Motel One was initially established as a sole proprietorship by its founder, Dieter Müller, in 2000, marking the beginning of its ownership under his direct control. As the company expanded, ownership evolved through strategic partnerships, but Müller maintained majority control until recent developments. In March 2025, PAI Partners, a leading European private equity firm, announced the acquisition of an approximately 80% majority stake in Motel One's operating business through its vehicle Moonrise Hospitality Group, with the transaction closing in the second quarter of 2025 following regulatory approvals. Dieter Müller retained a 20% stake and transitioned to the role of Chairman, serving as a strategic advisor to support the company's vision while focusing on the separately managed real estate division. This shift introduced PAI's governance influence, emphasizing accelerated international expansion through enhanced capital and expertise in scaling hospitality operations. Leadership at Motel One was steered by as founder and CEO until 2021, when he transitioned to the and joint Co-CEOs Daniel Müller and Stefan Lenze assumed operational oversight, continuing into 2025 to drive growth initiatives. Under PAI's majority ownership, the board has been restructured to prioritize global market penetration, with key executives including Armin Rödel and CMO Susan Schramm supporting strategic decisions aligned with expansion goals. The company's workforce has expanded significantly from a small founding team in 2000 to an of 3,634 employees in , reflecting the scale of its hotel portfolio growth, with further increases anticipated in 2025 amid ongoing .

Financial performance and key metrics

Motel One achieved significant early financial milestones, reporting revenue of €175 million in 2012, a 30% increase from the previous year, alongside a profit before of €34 million and an rate of 73%. These figures reflected the company's growing presence with 42 hotels and over 9,200 rooms, supported by more than 2.5 million rooms sold that year. The company's financial performance continued to expand through the mid-2010s, bolstered by strategic moves such as the 2015 sale of nine hotels to Foncière des Murs, which generated proceeds to reduce debt and enhance the balance sheet for further development. By 2024, had grown to €979.6 million, up 15% from €851.5 million in 2023, with EBITDA reaching €265.1 million and total occupancy at 71%. This growth was driven by per available room () increasing 8% to €99, amid a portfolio of 99 hotels. The first quarter of 2025 showed continued momentum, with rising 11% to €200 million year-over-year, occupancy improving to 62%, and advancing to €80. In the first half of 2025, revenue reached €486 million, a 7.5% increase year-over-year. Looking ahead, Motel One is projected to exceed €1 billion in revenue for 2025 following the acquisition of an 80% stake in the operating business, which closed in the first half of the year and values the enterprise at €3.5 billion. This expansion is underpinned by a portfolio of 100 hotels totaling 28,197 rooms across 13 countries, with PAI's €27 billion in providing capital for accelerated international growth. Key operational metrics include an average daily rate (ADR) typically ranging from €100 to €150, reflecting the brand's urban positioning, while revenue per available room () has shown consistent growth linked to high-demand city-center locations and post-pandemic recovery.

Business model and operations

Hotel concept and design philosophy

Motel One's hotel concept centers on providing "stylish hotels for urban nomads," offering affordable luxury through high-quality interiors and exclusive elements inspired by local . Each property features unique furnishings and artwork that reflect the city's themes, such as vibrant market colors in or neighborhood motifs in other locations, blending international designer pieces with regional influences to create an individualized aesthetic. This approach pioneered the budget category in since 2006, combining boutique-style sophistication with accessible pricing to differentiate from traditional low-cost accommodations. Standard features across Motel One hotels emphasize modern comfort in central urban locations, with rooms typically measuring 16 square meters net (including a 3.5 square meter ) and equipped with premium amenities like Egyptian cotton sheets, beds, free , and designer brands such as Artemide lighting and televisions. Guests enjoy 24/7 stylish bars offering premium spirits, lounges for relaxation, and buffets included in the rate, all designed to support both and productivity without extravagant costs. This pricing model makes high-design stays viable for value-driven travelers. The target demographic includes business travelers, young professionals, and couples seeking stylish yet economical urban experiences, appealing to design-conscious individuals who prioritize central access and contemporary amenities over opulent facilities. This focus on IKEA-like affordability with aesthetics allows Motel One to cater to mobile urbanites who value cultural immersion and functionality in their accommodations.

Sustainability and corporate responsibility

Motel One has integrated sustainability into its core operations since the early through its "One Planet. One Future" initiative, which aligns with the and emphasizes environmental protection, social inclusion, and ethical governance across its global portfolio. The company commits to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2030, having already reduced CO2 emissions per overnight stay by 51% from 2019 to 2024 through measures like usage (sourced from , solar, and wind) since 2020. Environmental efforts include energy-efficient building designs with certifications such as Gold, Excellent, and DGNB Gold for select properties, alongside water-saving fixtures like low-flow taps (16 liters per minute) and dual-flush toilets (3-9 liters per flush), resulting in 156 liters of water usage per overnight stay in 2024. Waste reduction initiatives feature zero-plastic breakfast buffets with organic, fair-trade products in bulk packaging, eliminating 3.38 million single-use plastic cups annually, and partnerships with renewable energy providers to power all hotels. Additionally, Motel One installs charging stations at its properties to promote low-emission travel and supports zero-waste practices through recyclable materials like Cradle to Cradle-certified carpets. On the social front, Motel One fosters diversity with a workforce representing 98 nationalities in alone, where 57% of employees are women and 47% hold managerial roles, reflecting a commitment to inclusive hiring and equal opportunities. The company engages communities through the One Foundation, which provides scholarships, training, and support for disadvantaged youth and refugees, alongside procurement of local art to connect hotels with regional cultures. Fair labor practices are upheld via a , Human Rights Statement aligned with UN Guiding Principles and ILO conventions, prohibiting child or forced labor and ensuring fair wages and . Employee well-being is enhanced by programs like One University for training and sustainable mobility options, with 62% of staff using bikes, e-bikes, or in 2024. Governance practices include annual ESG reporting compliant with EU standards such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), featuring third-party audits for all hotels and a transparent whistleblower system for anonymous complaints. Supplier audits enforce ethical sourcing through a Business Partner Code, prioritizing and environmental protection in the . Motel One's efforts have earned the "Sustainability Champions" for four consecutive years (2022-2025), securing first place in the budget hotels category with a score of 2.53, recognizing its leadership in ESG performance. All hotels are certified under the Green Key program, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, underscoring ongoing commitments to measurable impacts.

Brands and properties

Motel One brand overview and locations

Motel One is the core budget of the Motel One Group, offering affordable accommodations with a focus on stylish, urban-centric properties that integrate local cultural elements into their interiors and amenities. The emphasizes accessibility in prime city locations, providing modern rooms, complimentary , and a welcoming bar atmosphere at competitive prices, typically targeting and travelers seeking value without compromising on . As of November 2025, Motel One operates 95 hotels across , forming the majority of the group's portfolio. The brand's global footprint spans 13 countries, primarily in , with a total of approximately 28,544 rooms in operation across the group, the bulk under the Motel One banner. Germany hosts the densest presence, with hotels in 25 cities, including a significant concentration of 10 properties in alone. Other key markets include , , , , , , , , , , the , and , with strategic placements in major urban centers for easy access to transportation and attractions. Recent additions include the Motel One Paris-Porte de Versailles, opened in 2025. The pipeline includes expansions to reach 15 countries, with new openings planned in cities such as and additional sites in existing markets. Notable examples highlight the brand's scale and approach: In , the Motel One Munich-Campus serves as a flagship near the company's Munich headquarters, blending corporate proximity with guest-friendly design. In , the 533-room Motel One Vienna Central Station stands as the largest property, exemplifying the brand's capacity for high-volume urban operations. The main Motel One brand maintains a strictly European focus, with no properties in the United States beyond the upscale Cloud One extension in . Overall, the group reaches 101 operating hotels, underscoring Motel One's dominant role in driving expansion.

The Cloud One brand overview and locations

The Cloud One was launched in 2022 as an upscale by the Motel One Group, serving as an extension that emphasizes individuality, , and immersive experiential stays for urban travelers. This sub-brand positions itself above the core Motel One model with premium pricing typically ranging from €150 to €300 per night, incorporating unique programming such as exclusive local events and enhanced room designs that promote a sense of personal discovery. Key features of The Cloud One include a strong focus on wellness through thoughtfully curated spaces, collaborations with local artists and creators to infuse regional , and the integration of eco-materials throughout properties, from sustainable bathroom amenities to furnishings. As of November 2025, the brand operates six hotels, each designed to blend high-quality interiors with authentic, location-specific experiences that encourage guests to connect deeply with their surroundings. The flagship property opened in in December 2022, marking the brand's North American debut in the Downtown Manhattan area near the World Trade Center. Subsequent openings include and in 2023, Düsseldorf in 2024, and and in 2024, all situated in central urban districts to maximize accessibility and vibrancy. Planned expansions feature a debut in Lisbon, Portugal, as the group's first property there, planned for autumn 2025, and a second U.S. site in Chicago's River North district, slated for completion by 2026. The Cloud One targets premium urban explorers seeking more than standard accommodations, differentiating through elevated amenities like rooftop bars with panoramic views, art installations reflecting local heritage, and communal spaces that foster social and cultural engagement.

References

  1. https://www.motel-one.com/en/corporate/company/
  2. https://www.motel-one.com/en/corporate/development/
  3. https://www.motel-one.com/de/corporate/finance/motel-one-operating-group/file-download/2025-11-14_Q3_2025_Investor_Presentation_vFF.pdf/download-file.html
  4. https://www.paipartners.com/mediaitem/pai-partners-enters-partnership-with-motel-one-to-accelerate-international-growth/
  5. https://www.motel-one.com/en/
  6. https://www.motel-one.com/en/corporate/sustainability/overview/
  7. https://www.motel-one.com/en/corporate/awards/
  8. https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/industry/motel-one-looks-to-move-in-to-irish-market/
  9. https://www.sueddeutsche.de/projekte/artikel/wirtschaft/motel-one-dieter-mueller-interview-e587740/
  10. https://www.faz.net/aktuell/rhein-main/motel-one-gruender-dieter-mueller-im-interview-zur-neueroeffnung-15931449.html
  11. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/organization/17016062.html
  12. https://www.stern.de/capital/motel-one--wie-die-gruender-jetzt-luxusresorts-betreiben-36299962.html
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  14. https://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/dienstleister/motel-one-chef-mueller-der-koenig-der-billigbetten/7615590.html
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  16. https://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/vienna/hotel-vienna-hauptbahnhof/
  17. https://www.hvshwe.com/news/motel-one-sells-nine-hotels-in-germany-to-fonciere-des-murs
  18. https://www.griinstitute.org/realestate/member-profile/europe/philipp-westermann_6488
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  20. https://skift.com/2025/09/05/motel-one-to-pass-1-billion-in-revenue-after-pe-firm-backing/
  21. https://www.hotelinvestmenttoday.com/Regions/EMEA/Why-foreign-investment-is-rushing-to-Germany
  22. https://www.aoshearman.com/en/news/pai-partners-acquires-majority-stake-in-motel-one
  23. https://pe-insights.com/pai-partners-checks-in-as-majority-owner-of-motel-one-to-turbocharge-global-expansion/
  24. https://rocketreach.co/motel-one-group-management_b5d10386f42e42a7
  25. https://www.motel-one.com/forward/t3/en/corporate/finance/motel-one-operating-group/file-download/Motel_One_Group_GmbH_Consolidated_Financial_Statements_2024.pdf/download-file.html
  26. https://www.firmenpresse.de/pressinfo819030-motel-one-steigert-umsatz-in-2012-um-30-prozent-auf-175-millionen-euro.html
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  29. https://static.hospitalityinside.com/image/convert/hos/2025/05/29/motel-one-q1-2025-report-operating-group-6838398cae53a815387062.pdf?s=564300cc2ca2e1d6fe28da5aa8758db8
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  31. https://www.motel-one.com/fileadmin/dam/2024/Corporate/Development_Seite/Motel_One_Development_Brochure_09_2024.pdf
  32. https://www.motel-one.com/fileadmin/dam/Motel_One_Website/Corporate/Nachhaltigkeit/ESG-Broschure_Motel_One_EN.pdf
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  34. https://www.motel-one.com/fileadmin/dam/2024/LkSG/20240102_Grundsatzerklaerung_Menschenrechtsstrategie-Motel-One-Group-EN_signed.pdf
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  36. https://pressat.co.uk/releases/half-year-report-q2-2025-motel-one-accelerates-expansion-more-international-hotels-revenue-grows-8d4a11f4ce826ed028e9075ae067bc34/
  37. https://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/paris/hotel-paris-porte-de-versailles/
  38. https://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/munich/hotel-munich-campus/
  39. https://www.leading-employers.org/certified-companies/motelone
  40. https://www.motel-one.com/fileadmin/dam/2022/Corporate/Presse/Motel_One_Cloud_One_release_Final.pdf
  41. https://www.the-cloud-one.com/en/our-story/
  42. https://www.the-cloud-one.com/en/
  43. https://tophotel.news/motel-one-opens-hundredth-hotel/
  44. https://www.motel-one.com/en/hotels/coming-soon/
  45. https://www.businesstravelnews.com/Lodging/Motel-One-Details-Two-Year-13-Hotel-Expansion
  46. https://chicagoyimby.com/2025/06/new-details-revealed-for-river-north-hotel-at-150-w-hubbard-street.html
  47. https://www.the-cloud-one.com/en/hotels/nuremberg/hotel-nuremberg/
  48. https://www.the-cloud-one.com/en/hotels/prague/hotel-prague/
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