The Pullman Hotel (once the InterContinental) looks ready for a change.

Pandox, the Swedish hospitality powerhouse, has just made a significant move in the heart of Cologne, Germany, acquiring the Pullman Cologne Hotel for €66 million. Known for its robust presence in the European hotel market, Pandox is not just a major hotel property owner but also a leader in hotel management. With an impressive portfolio spanning multiple countries, the company often leases its properties to established hotel operators, and its business model thrives on both rental income and strategic management agreements.

The Pullman Cologne acquisition adds another gem to Pandox’s growing portfolio. The Pullman opened as an InterContinental in 1972 and switched to Pullman in 2014. Situated in a prime location near the central station and city center, the upscale hotel offers 275 stylish rooms (standard rooms at 25m2), a well-equipped gym, a sleek bar, expansive meeting spaces, and a restaurant. The transaction, set to close in Q2 2025, strengthens Pandox’s foothold in Cologne, now with four hotels in the city, joining Radisson Blu Cologne, Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport, and Leonardo Royal Hotel Köln – Am Stadtwald.

Liia Nõu, CEO of Pandox, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We are very pleased to acquire the Pullman Cologne Hotel and further strengthen and complement our presence in Cologne. The hotel has a strong location and offers excellent opportunities for growth in net operating income and property value through renovation and repositioning.”

Now, what really stands out here is the mention of “renovation and repositioning”—this signals that exciting changes may be ahead. And it should, as renovations are over 10 years old. With AccorInvest remaining the tenant, it’s highly probable that the hotel could be rebranded within the Accor ecosystem. While Pullman Cologne is currently a business-focused hotel, there’s potential for it to transition into one of Accor’s more lifestyle-driven brands, perhaps something from its Ennismore portfolio. This line of thought brings us to The VEN, an innovative concept by Entreprelier that redefines large business hotels.

Imagine a transformation where the Pullman Cologne is reinvented into a dynamic hub, blending work, meetings, and leisure seamlessly within one space. The VEN would turn the hotel into a vibrant environment with open spaces for co-working, socializing, and relaxation. Instead of the tired, dreary business hotel aesthetic, The VEN introduces light-filled, flexible spaces where guests can connect, unwind, or get down to business. Think stylish lounges, cafés, and co-working areas—everything a modern traveler needs, all under one roof. The Pullman’s rooftop LAB12 bar? It’s a keeper!

A top-tier gym would further enhance The VEN’s commitment to wellness, ensuring guests can stay balanced and energized during their stay. And when it comes to events, forget the uninspiring conference rooms—The VEN would introduce creative, thoughtfully designed spaces for anything from intimate meetings to large conferences, encouraging productivity without sacrificing style.

Pandox’s acquisition of the Pullman Cologne is a game-changer, and with its potential for renovation and repositioning, this hotel could soon offer a whole new experience that challenges the status quo of business hotels. The possibilities are endless.