Stayokay to open a new hostel in the heart of Groningen in 2027

New purpose for a historic building
The hostel will have around 50 rooms with 220 beds for a variety of target groups, including families, groups of friends, school groups, sport associations and individual travellers. The hostel will also be a meeting place for guests and locals, where everyone is welcome for a coffee, a friendly conversation or a local delicacy. ‘Groningen has everything we're looking for in a hostel: energy, culture and character,’ says Marijke Schreiner, Managing Director of Stayokay Hostels. ‘We’re delighted that from 2027 onwards, we'll also be able to offer our guests a pleasant, sustainable and affordable place to discover the city and the province.’

Stayokay expands
With the addition of the location in Groningen, Stayokay Hostels, the largest hostel chain in the Netherlands, is expanding its network in the north of the country. The expansion is part of the strategy to achieve growth in sustainable, affordable accommodation, both through acquisitions of existing hostel operations and through the redevelopment of characteristic buildings with a new social purpose.

Sustainable and accessible accommodation
The property was purchased by Stichting NJHC beheer. Sustainability will play a central role in the renovation of the former National Archives, which dates from 1922. Joris van Nistelrooij, Director of NJHC: ‘The challenge lies in creating a sustainable hostel while preserving the rich history and structure of the building.’ Stayokay will strive to make the hostel not only comfortable and affordable, but also future-proof and socially engaged.

About Stayokay Hostels
Stayokay Hostels Foundation is the largest hostel chain in the Netherlands with 21 unique locations, from Terschelling to Maastricht. With Groningen, Stayokay is expanding its portfolio to 22 hostels. Since 1929, Stayokay has been offering (inter)national guests a surprising, open and affordable place to stay — in private or shared rooms. Stayokay is also a trusted name for meetings, group stays and events. 

Every year, the organisation provides almost 900,000 overnight stays and aims to be a pioneer in the field of sustainable and social initiatives. Stayokay is affiliated with Hostelling International, a non-profit network of over 2,500 hostels worldwide. 

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Note to editors (not for publication)
For more information, images or interview requests, please contact Marijke Schreiner (Managing Director & Development Stayokay) or Joris van Nistelrooij (Director Stichting NJHC beheer) via groningen@stayokay.com.

When is the official opening of Stayokay Groningen?
The official opening of Stayokay Groningen is planned for April 2027, subject to the progress of construction, which is expected to start in spring 2026. We will share updates as soon as the date is finalised. We will keep everyone informed of progress via our website and social media channels.

Where can interested parties find updates on the progress?
Would you like to stay informed? Send an email to groningen@stayokay.com. As soon as the pre-opening phase starts, we will share news, updates and invitations for preview moments.

What will the prices be?
The prices for Stayokay Groningen are still to be determined, but will be in line with our core values: affordable, accessible and fair. This means that staying at Stayokay remains a conscious choice for quality and sustainability.

What are Stayokay Groningen's target groups?
Stayokay Groningen is for anyone who enjoys a relaxed atmosphere and meeting other travellers. During the week, we mainly welcome business guests, groups and students; at weekends and during school holidays, we welcome families, city trippers and international backpackers.

Can options already be placed for events or groups?
This is possible in consultation. We are already gathering interest and provisional requests so that we can act quickly as soon as bookings can be officially accepted; we estimate this will be in spring 2026. Requests can be emailed to groningen@stayokay.com.

When will recruitment for the new hostel in Groningen start and when will new staff members start?
Recruitment for Stayokay Groningen is expected to start in the course of 2026, as the opening date approaches. New colleagues usually start a few months before the opening, so that everyone can be properly trained and we can work together to create the right atmosphere.

What kind of positions will you be offering?
We will be looking for an enthusiastic team with a real Stayokay spirit: people who are hospitable, know how to get things done and enjoy an informal environment. Think of positions in reception, housekeeping, bar, kitchen, technical services and management. As soon as the vacancies are live, you will find them on www.werkenbijstayokay.com/en.

Can I submit an open application now?
Certainly! Do you think Stayokay is a good fit for you? Feel free to send an open application via humanresources@stayokay.com. Please mention that you are interested in the Groningen location, and we will keep you informed as soon as the vacancies are posted online.

Who are the partners in this project?
Stayokay is working with developers and local design and construction partners. Together, we are creating a future-proof and sustainable hostel that fits in with the atmosphere of Groningen. We will share the names of the parties involved later, once everything has been officially finalised.

Do you already have a purchasing department for collaboration or product sales?
The opening of Stayokay Groningen is planned for 2027. At this moment, we have not yet started with purchasing or collaborations for this hostel. Would you like to let us know what you do or what products you offer? Please send an email to groningen@stayokay.com. As soon as the preparations are further along, we will contact parties that fit in well with our sustainable and local vision.

How sustainable will the hostel be?
Sustainability is the basis of everything we do. Stayokay Groningen will be built with circular materials, energy-efficient techniques and as many local suppliers as possible. As with our other hostels, we comply with the EU Ecolabel conditions, so that guests can enjoy a conscious and green stay.

Which legal entity will the new location fall under?
Stayokay Groningen will fall under the Stayokay Foundation. Everything related to operations, administration and accountability will therefore continue to be handled by our existing organisation. Stayokay Groningen will use the same company details as the Stayokay Foundation. The Chamber of Commerce and VAT numbers will remain unchanged, which makes things nice and clear.