Digital accommodation firm Gaiarooms has significantly expanded its "contactless" hotel and coliving operations across Barcelona and its metropolitan area, securing a €60 million investment from 4Founders Capital. The company now manages 11 properties and 2,800 rooms, including a new location in Sant Adrià de Besòs, strategically positioned on the border with Badalona. This expansion reflects a growing trend towards automated, technology-driven accommodation solutions for both tourists and longer-term residents.
The company, led by CEO Enrique Domínguez, operates nine properties within Barcelona city. These include Hostal Express and Apartamento Express in Gràcia, a district known for its vibrant squares and independent boutiques. Fira Centric Apartments serves the Sants-Montjuïc area, popular for its proximity to the Fira de Barcelona exhibition grounds and major transport hubs. The Eixample district, famous for its distinctive grid-pattern streets and Modernista architecture, hosts Montserrat Apartments, Lumine Luxury Suites, Hostal Laia, and Apartamentos Anaïs. Additionally, Liceu Apartments is located in Ciutat Vella, the historic heart of the city near Las Ramblas, and Hostal Putxet operates in the upscale Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district.
Beyond the city centre, Gaiarooms recently opened Urban Suites Sant Adrià in the Besòs area. This location is considered a key investment target due to its strategic position and emerging development. Another property, Hey Rooms, operates in Cerdanyola del Vallès, a municipality in the Barcelona metropolitan area with strong university connections. Enrique Domínguez commented that a growing number of clients prioritise good mobility and value over staying in the immediate city centre. He stated his conviction that the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) "will be the new centre" and offers significant opportunities for market differentiation.
Strategic Metropolitan Expansion
Gaiarooms focuses its investment on the Barcelona metropolitan area for several reasons. The company highlights the excellent transport links connecting these areas to the Catalan capital. Additionally, properties in the metropolitan area often offer more affordable prices compared to central Barcelona. This strategy also benefits from reduced regulatory and market pressure. This approach caters to a diverse client profile, including tourists seeking better value and residents looking for flexible, well-connected accommodation outside the immediate city core. For international residents and digital nomads, these options provide a balance between city access and cost-effectiveness.
Significant Investment and Rapid Growth
The company signed a substantial €60 million investment deal with 4Founders Capital to fuel its rapid expansion. Gaiarooms reported an impressive 40% growth in March alone, indicating strong market demand. The group closed 2023 with a turnover of €18 million. It aims to achieve a target of €43 million in revenue across Spain and Portugal by 2026. This significant financial backing solidifies the company's business foundation and supports its ambitious growth plans across the Iberian Peninsula. The investment underscores investor confidence in the contactless accommodation model.
Expanding into Coliving and Serviced Apartments
Beyond traditional "contactless" hotels, Domínguez also manages GaiaStays, a division focused on flexible living solutions. GaiaStays specifically offers medium-duration stays, including coliving spaces and serviced apartments. These accommodations provide private rooms with shared common areas, fostering a community environment. Monthly rates for these coliving options in Barcelona typically range from €1,300 to €1,400. This model particularly appeals to digital nomads, students, and professionals seeking flexible, community-oriented housing solutions without long-term commitments. It offers a practical alternative in Barcelona's competitive rental market.
Future Plans and Market Focus
Enrique Domínguez has built a business empire around contactless hotel and tourist apartment accommodation. He previously founded and successfully sold companies like ElParking, a parking app, and Réstalo, an online restaurant booking platform. His current focus is firmly on the real estate market and innovative accommodation models. The company is also actively searching for other property types across Catalonia. These include villas, campsites, and masías, aiming to invest in rural escape destinations. This diversification shows a broader strategy to capture different segments of the accommodation and tourism market, extending beyond urban centres.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
