Generator Hostels continues expansion in Amsterdam
Generator has announced the acquisition of a site in Amsterdam, continuing its European expansion.
Located in the University of Amsterdam’s former health sciences and zoological department, adjacent to the Oosterpark, Generator Amsterdam is planned to be the third property to open in 2015 after Paris and Rome.
The property will accommodate up to 566 guests in 168 twin and quadruple guestrooms with park or garden views and en-suite bathrooms. An exclusive luxury apartment overlooking Oosterpark will also be fitted for six people and include self catering facilities.
The building is an imposing brick structure completed in 1917 and features elegant, grand spaces with high ceilings throughout. Two new floors with all glass facades will be added, marrying modern architecture with the unique heritage of the property.
Local architects IDEA, developer COD and Generator’s Creative Director and DesignAgency Principal, Anwar Mekhayech, are respectfully restoring the heritage building and transforming the interiors to create an original and inspiring hospitality experience. Mekhayech comments: “The Netherlands is such a deeply experiential place, steeped in history and cultural traditions as well as a strong contemporary design culture. The Dutch emphasis on practical whimsy, the beauty in natural flaws, connections to landscape, cycling and folk art provided fantastic inspiration for Generator style’s mix of high and low, old and new, and local notes. Each area will be fun and welcoming with characteristic Generator style, woven with inspirations from tulip fields, monochromatic Delft patterns, abstracted Dutch landscapes and canal houses.”
The social areas are flexible and spacious and cater to individual travellers and groups, with the largest proportion of public areas of any existing Generator. The ground floor will include a lobby with glass-fronted elevators and a raised café, with a terrace and outdoor seating overlooking the park. A chill out lounge and bar will be set in the former lecture hall, while the old library will become a relaxation area doubling as a private meeting room. The basement will be fitted with a dining space and a secret bar in the original boiler room.
Josh Wyatt, Investment Director at Patron Capital responsible for the Generator brand, adds: “The new Generator Amsterdam continues the strategy of buying and repositioning beautiful buildings in world class locations to create the world’s first truly global design led hostel business. The essence, character and soul of the building will complement the existing Generator properties and add a new chapter in our expanding travel story. Generator’s growth ambitions continue unabated with much more to come in 2015 and beyond.”
