BARCELONA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Generator has this week officially opened the doors of its first venture in Spain. The new Barcelona property brings the brand’s range of urban design hostels to eight across Europe, with significant further growth planned.

The latest opening signals a period of expansive growth for the industry’s largest freehold hostel group, which is backed by Patron Capital. As the only design-led hostel company with multiple locations, Generator also plans to extend its portfolio beyond its current European reach.

Josh Wyatt, Investment Director at Patron Capital responsible for the Generator brand, said: “In 2007 we set out to create an original hostel concept: the marriage of superb locations, unique buildings, cutting-edge design and an energy-driven public space fostering local culture and social engagement. We felt the market, specifically budget-conscious travellers from the core youth market as well as the group business and ‘flashpacker’ segments, needed an iconic brand and experience to call their own.

“What started out as a relatively small two-property experiment has now transformed into the fastest growing hostel group in Europe. With eight properties and 5,200 beds currently, we have ambitions to grow Generator to a world class brand and hospitality concept.”

As Generator’s new flagship location, the 154-room Barcelona hostel is Generator’s only hotel and hostel combination. The 40 hotel rooms on the upper floors offer guests the added luxury of their own private terrace with striking views across the city skyline from the Sagrada Familia towards the Mediterranean.

True to Generator’s on-trend roots, the boutique-inspired Barcelona property is located in the fashionable Gràcia district.

Carl Michel, Generator’s Executive Chairman, said: “In the past, hostels would typically be found at the end of the train line in the undesirable parts of a town. Thankfully, our urban design approach, central locations and sociable soul are helping turn the traditional hostel stereotype on its head.

“Until now, visitors to Europe’s most exciting cities had to choose between staying somewhere that was easy on the eye or somewhere easy on the wallet. At Generator’s heart is our belief that style-savvy young explorers should no longer feel obliged to compromise when planning a city escape.”

Generator Barcelona can accommodate up to 726 guests across a range of room types, all of which are en-suite. Guests can choose from private twins as well as dorm rooms, including female-only rooms.

The 70,000 square feet property has been brought to life under the guidance of Chief Designer, Anwar Mekhayech, one of the partners at Toronto-based The Design Agency. Having previously worked with luxury brand clients such as Soho House and Shangri-La, Mekhayech recruited local architects to ensure the building’s interiors took inspiration from the surrounding neighbourhood and reflect the city’s distinctive culture. Given Generator’s ongoing support of the art scene, Generator also commissioned several bespoke pieces of art from emerging artists via a pre-opening competition.

To help guests tap into Barcelona’s vibrant urban pulse, the in-house events team maximises the property’s social spaces by hosting an inspiring line-up of local artists, from creative installations to pop-up fashion boutiques and live music.

Other features include a retro photo-booth plus games such as table football. The hostel offers the Generator stalwarts of a bar and café, free Wi-Fi, internet stations, 24hr reception, free walking tour, laundry facilities and a travel shop.

Prices in the Generator Barcelona hostel start from just £11 / €13 / $17pp per night in an en-suite dorm. Private en-suite twin hostel rooms are available from £24 / €28 / $37pp per night while hotel rooms start from £35 / €41 / $54pp per night, both based on two people sharing.

For more information visit generatorhostels.com.

ENDS

About Generator:

Generator (generatorhostels.com) offers travellers stylish, central, safe and affordable accommodation.

As Europe’s fastest growing hostel brand, Generator currently has eight design-led properties and nearly 5,200 beds located across six countries. The properties attract guests from over 75 nationalities.

The award-winning group’s portfolio of urban design hostels expanded to eight in spring 2013 with the addition of its first venture in Spain (Barcelona) and its second in Berlin. These join Generator’s existing portfolio of boutique-inspired hostels in Berlin East, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, London and Venice.

Characterised by their cutting-edge design, central locations, creative events, locally-inspired menus and wide range of room options, from private en-suite twins to female-only dorms, each Generator hostel offers free Wi-Fi, stylish bar and chill-out areas, 24-hour security plus a free walking tour of the city. Welcoming, knowledgeable staff are on hand around the clock to provide advice on exploring the local area and other tips for a memorable city stay.

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Generator Barcelona - Urban-inspired design (Credit Anwar Mekhayech)

Generator Barcelona - Hostel's 'bird cage' lobby (Photo: Generator)