Guestroom with kitchen at The Julius in Prague
Therefore , at the right time and on the right terms I am sure that we will eventually be willing to bring in equity partners .
We see the ability to create value from our properties through their development into The Julius properties , from their ownership as investments and through their eventual operation . However , we also recognize that both owning and operating is quite a capital-intensive approach . Given this , it may well be that once we have reached a certain level , other approaches will make sense and will enable us to accelerate our growth .
H : Why venture into hotels , especially now ? JM : The House of Julius Meinl has been synonymous with finesse , tradition and quality for 160 years . In 2021 , The Julius was born , a natural progression , extending and honoring the founding principles of the House of Julius Meinl , bringing our impeccable standards to a new sphere of hospitality and extending our expertise to new audiences and locations .
Our destinations are not traditional hotels ; they are a fusion of hotels and living spaces – a concept that we created even before the pandemic .
H : How is COVID impact and informing your plans ? JM : Pre-COVID , the residence segment grew quickly ; the benefits of the customer proposition and the economic advantages have made residences a fast-growing accommodation segment , with strong historic growth in both supply and demand .
It is natural that travellers will continue to want to manage their risk of exposure to COVID . Linked to this , aparthotels may provide the accommodation of choice for a much higher proportion of travelers .
As such , we believe that COVID has raised awareness among both travelers and investors for the residence segment , accelerating its growth . At the same time , though , we do not believe that COVID is somehow required to continue to be a serious problem for our properties to succeed . We believe that they will succeed however COVID evolves .
H : What point of difference will Julius bring ? JM : The Julius represents next generation hospitality , drawn from a proud history of service and quality . Our locations are places to sleep , to stay and to live , offering sustainable luxury at an accessible price point , in prime city center locations .
Our aim is to set the highest possible benchmark in the hospitality sector , whether that is for a cup of coffee or a room for the night . We will offer :
• High-spec interiors : Our generously sized private residences are beautifully fitted with world-class amenities and elegant yet homely features such as oak wood floors , soft linen sheets and contemporary bathrooms . The atmosphere of home extends to communal living areas , open for residents and their families to relax in , network from and enjoy .
• Experience : Whether for a city-break or looking for a longer-term stay , The Julius is a vibrant place to relax or socialize . Spacious communal areas , relaxing lounges and professional co-working spaces allow guests to network , meet like-minded people or simply unplug . Our easy-to-use services enable guests to discover the city , providing the understated yet personal touch that we are famed for .
• Flexibility : Whether staying for one night or one month , our guests experience the freedom of apartment living alongside a firstclass experience tailored to their preferences . Moving away from