a&o Hostels

Founded in 2000 by Oliver Winter, a&o Hostels is Europe’s largest independent hostel chain with over 40 locations across 28 cities in 11 countries. Combining the best of hostels and hotels, we offer a variety of accommodation including single and double rooms, family rooms, dorms and female-only dorms alongside 24/7 service, lively common areas, coworking spaces and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Our diverse guest mix includes backpackers, solo travellers, families, school groups, business travellers and senior guests, making a&o a welcoming space for all. Growth remains strong with recent expansions into Brighton, Brussels and Antwerp plus the newly opened a&o Firenze Campo di Marte in early 2025. As a company, we’re committed to making travel both affordable and sustainable, having reduced CO₂e emissions per guest per night by 78% since 2015, now at just 3.32kg per overnight stay—one of the lowest in the industry. Beyond hospitality, we are passionate about education, arts and sports. Through our a&o educare initiative, we support equal access to education, while a&o Kunsthalle provides a platform for emerging artists. We also actively sponsor youth sports teams, helping to foster talent and community spirit. Backed by investment from Stepstone and Proprium, a&o continues to expand and modernise, ensuring budget-conscious travellers have access to high-quality eco-friendly stays across Europe.