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European hostel group A&O has announced the appointment of Carolin Paarmann to the general manager role of its first London site, the A&O London Docklands Riverside.
The news comes after the property opened in late November in a 17th century dockside building in Southwark. The hostel offers 500 rooms and 2,100 beds.
A phased modernisation programme is scheduled to begin later in 2026. The Berlin-based chain plans to invest approximately £17.3m (€20m) in the project while the site remains operational.
Paarmann has been based in London since 2015. She previously completed a management trainee programme with the company following roles in Scotland, Wales and Australia.
The general manager trained as a chef in Hanover and qualified as a state-certified business manager for hotels and catering in Berlin in 2011.
The Southwark property includes a riverside bar and an underground car park. It also operates an electric ferry service between the hotel pier and Canary Wharf.
Paarmann expects the hostel to achieve an average occupancy rate of 65% in the first half of 2026, totaling approximately 180,000 overnight stays for the year.
Paarmann said: “Entering the London hotel market is a significant challenge, but we have an outstanding team that has created an open, lively and welcoming atmosphere from day one.”
“London is a magnet for visitors, from independent travellers to groups such as school and language students. We expect around 180,000 overnight stays in 2026.”
Oliver Winter, chief executive of A&O Hostels, added: “London is another major milestone in the history of a&o. The city is a unique location, economically, culturally and geopolitically.
“With Carolin Paarmann and the entire team on site, we are well positioned to seize this opportunity and successfully establish a&o in the London market.”
