FRANKFURT, Germany, March 4, 2013 -- pentahotels will open five new hotels in the UK and one in Prague this year, in addition to the previously announced pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon, opening summer 2013.

The total seven new properties mark 2013 as the highest growth period in the history of this neighbourhood lifestyle hotel brand. The portfolio will expand by more than 50 percent from the current 2,925 to 4,409 hotel rooms worldwide. The group currently operates hotels in Germany (11), England (one), Austria (one) and China (two).

"We are not only expanding our presence in existing locations but also opening up new markets. These new properties significantly accelerate pentahotels' strategic growth with the goal of 80 hotels in operation globally by 2020," says Alastair Thomann, managing director Europe for pentahotels.

By the end of 2013, pentahotels will have 22 hotels worldwide, including the seven new hotels with 1,484 rooms in three countries including:

• England: Five hotels with a total 562 rooms will open in Birmingham, Derby, Inverness, Ipswich and Warrington. From March onwards, the hotels will be in conversion and will be integrated as operating hotels in the pentahotels portfolio by end of 2013.
• Czech Republic: The first hotel in the Czech Republic will open by end of July 2013 in Prague with 227 rooms.
• Hong Kong: A 695-room hotel will open in East Kowloon in summer 2013.

Strong brand growth is anticipated for the Asian region as well; in addition to pentahotel Hong Kong, Kowloon, pentahotels have been announced for 2014 openings in Guiyang (204 rooms) and Shenyang (384 rooms) in mainland China.

To support the group's expansion, pentahotels was repositioned in 2012 as a design-forward, neighbourhood lifestyle hotel brand, providing independent travellers with a mix of fun with functionality, comfort with creativity and style with simplicity. The concept is projected to be brought to life in an increasing number of urban centres, conference and exhibition complexes, and transportation hubs.

About pentahotels
pentahotels is a design-driven, neighbourhood lifestyle brand providing independent travellers with comfort and style in a contemporary environment. The brand was launched in Europe and is currently represented by 22 hotels in Europe and Asia, with a target of 80 pentahotels in operation globally by 2020. The hallmark of the hotels is pentalounge - a combined lobby, reception, bar and café - designed as a lively gathering place for hotel guests and local patrons alike. For further information or reservations, please contact your travel professional, visit http://www.pentahotels.com or follow the group's latest news on http://www.facebook.com/pentahotels.