niu Hotels is a brand of family-run Novum Hotel Group. The group currently has 144 hotels with more than 15,300 rooms at over 45 locations throughout Europe, and is one of the largest hotel chains in Germany. The hotel portfolio includes three and four-star hotels, always centrally located, operating under the brand names of Novum Hotels, Novum Select Hotels and niu Hotels. The NOVUM Hotel Group is also a franchisee of the InterContinental Hotel Group, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and Accor hotels.
The EUROPA-CENTER Immobiliengruppe has developed office and commercial space on this pocket of land in several construction sections spread over a total of 50,000 m². The NOVUM Hotel Group has leased the new hotel building from EUROPA-CENTER and the interior architects JOI-Design are currently putting the final touches to the design features on behalf of the Group. "There's still quite a bit to be done to complete what are some very unusual details: this is not individuality from the shelf, but bespoke in series. At every niu, we tell a unique story which is inspired by the location", explains Samira Said, Chief Project Officer at the NOVUM Hotel Group.
"We always make individual and innovative choices when searching for the hotel name. Choosing niu Cobbles was in no way an accident. Cobbles, which are large lumps of coal in mining language, is a symbol for the unique story of Essen; from a former coal mining and steel foundry center to a pulsating metropolis. This not only allows us to create brand stringency from the very outset, we also cater for a unique hotel experience from the first moment you come into contact with the hotel," explains David Etmenan, Chief Executive Officer and owner of the NOVUM Hotel Group.
An interior influenced by the mine pit highlights the history of the area throughout the hotel: miner's lamps in matching design are suspended from the ceiling and provide extra light, and barstools are modelled on the dungarees that the miners used to wear. Every detail, no matter how small, convinces with imperfect charm in industrial design and encourages you to marvel, take selfies and explore. It’s the little things that are inherent to the niu: lamps shaped like canary birds, because these chirpy little feathered friends were used in the mines to warn against carbon dioxide. Raw materials like wire mesh, unhewn wood and slate slabs create a cool ambience. Contrasts have, however, been set to consciously interrupt the industrial style. Coloured squares, cosy armchairs and unusual wall decorations conquer the space convincingly and turn the guest’s stay into an unforgettable experience. This aspiration towards individuality does not stop with the public areas either. The extraordinary urban finish even continues in the rooms. The original bathroom sends guests on a voyage of discovery to local attractions and landmarks in the area. And anyone who takes a shine to the decorations during their stay may well find what they are looking for in the niu shop.
The most advanced technology around is also to be had at the niu: lots of sockets, smart flat screens, USB ports, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, an Instagram wall, background beats throughout the hotel and Bluetooth boxes in all the rooms leave nothing to be desired.
There are loads going on outside the hotel as well. Travelers can find a wide range of cultural and leisure activities in the surrounding area. The Essen City Garden, the Essen Philharmonic concert hall, the Aalto Theatre, the Folkwang Museum and the Glückaufhaus are all just a stone's throw away.
Niu Cobbles is just the start to a series of individual hotels with an adventurous character and affordable prices. Based on current plans, David Etmenan wants to open more than 30 hotels in the niu brand.
