HR Group elevates luxury holdings with acquisition of Vagabond Club, a premier Boutique Hotel Group

Friday, January 12, 2024

Berlin-based HR Group (HRG) is expanding its luxury portfolio with the acquisition of the Austrian boutique hotel group, Vagabond Club, which consists of four hotels. The sellers include the Kerbler Private Foundation and Rupert Simoner, the founder of Vagabond Club, who has positioned the hotels as modern boutique-grand hotels with a digital infrastructure.

Ruslan Husry, CEO and owner of HR Group, expresses, “These townhouses seamlessly complement our extensive portfolio, and we are strengthening our presence in the luxury sector. My longstanding, amicable partnership with Rupert has been a crucial factor, and I take pride in the fact that, as one of the largest multi-brand hotel operators in Europe, we can propel these hotels forward with a robust, modern brand positioning leveraging our expertise and passion.”

The hotels in Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, and Wismar showcase sophisticated design, the uniqueness of each location, and a personalized approach as hosts. They preserve the traditional values of grand hotel hospitality while implementing them sustainably in a contemporary manner. The Vagabond Club’s philosophy, coupled with an excellent digital infrastructure that caters to guest preferences in advance, anchors the hotels firmly in both tradition and modernity. Offering high-quality rooms, studios, or residences, independent gastronomy, and top-notch fitness and lounge concepts, the concept aims to provide effortless luxury. Targeting cosmopolitan individuals who value exchange among like-minded peers and advocate for sustainable developments and conscious travel.

Rupert Simoner, founder of Vagabond Club, remarks, “I am delighted that Ruslan, with HR Group, is investing in this sustainable luxury segment, and with his influence, he will further elevate the Vagabond Club brand. I strongly believe that modern values combined with the cherished traditions of grand hotels bring joy and enthusiasm to travel, and HR Group will make this approach tangible for many more guests.”

The acquisition includes the operational businesses at the specified locations in Germany, with all employees being retained, and the purchase price remains undisclosed.

HRG’s strategic objective is to establish itself as a leading hotel owner-operator in Europe with a robust multi-brand platform. With this acquisition, HRG’s portfolio now exceeds 200 hotels in ownership, lease, and management, including stakes in hotels with the Asian partner Absolute Hotel Services.

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