SES completes its first hotel project: Harry’s Home Lienz officially opens

On June 21, 2024, SES Spar European Shopping Centers marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of Harry’s Home Lienz, their first hotel project. After nearly two years of construction, this modern city hotel now stands proudly in the heart of Lienz, exemplifying SES’s commitment to sustainable real estate development.

The official handover ceremony was attended by key figures including SPAR Real Estate Director Marcus Wild, Mayor of Lienz Elisabeth Blanik, and SES CEO Christoph Andexlinger. The symbolic key to the hotel was presented to Harry’s Home founder and CEO Harald Ultsch, with investment partners Kronberg International and the Styrian Medical Association also in attendance. Notably, two-thirds of the construction services were provided by regional companies in East Tyrol, emphasizing SES’s focus on local involvement and sustainability.

Construction of Harry’s Home Lienz commenced in August 2022. This project, a collaboration between SES Spar European Shopping Centers, Kronberg International, and the Styrian Medical Association, represents a €17 million investment in the Lienz town center. The hotel, catering to both business travelers and holidaymakers, covers an area of approximately 1,900 square meters at the intersection of B100 and Andreas-Hofer-Straße.

Marcus Wild, SPAR Real Estate Director: “With our extensive expertise in real estate development, construction, and shopping mall operation across six European countries, venturing into the hotel industry was a logical step. Partnering with Harry’s Home for our first hotel project in the vibrant town of Lienz has been a rewarding endeavor. Today, we are thrilled to officially hand over this project.”

Christoph Andexlinger, CEO SES Spar European Shopping Centers: “Our guiding principle is to create vibrant spaces that resonate with people, a principle we’ve upheld with this hotel project. In Lienz, guests will find a welcoming environment with all the necessary amenities for an enjoyable stay. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our construction practices and choice of materials, prioritizing resource conservation and local suppliers. We wish the Ultsch family and their team great success in this lively location.”

Harry’s Home Lienz has been operational since early May, following a soft opening in February that showcased sample rooms. The official opening, attended by around 100 guests, further solidified the hotel’s presence in Lienz.

Lienz Mayor Elisabeth Blanik highlighted the project’s significance: “The addition of new accommodations is crucial for Lienz’s economic and tourism sectors, boosting local purchasing power and benefiting the region as a whole.”

Dr. Martin Hellweger, Owner of Kronberg International: “We invest in projects that provide regional value and attract investors. Harry’s Home in Lienz is an investment in the future, supported by strong partnerships.”

Dr. med. Gert Kollegger, Styrian Medical Association: “Our long-term investments focus on diversification and achieving target returns with minimal risk. Although our assets don’t need to adhere to ESG principles, we are pleased to support sustainable projects like Harry’s Home.”

Opened in May 2024, Harry’s Home Lienz offers 85 well-appointed rooms, 170 beds, and 42 parking spaces. Many rooms feature balconies or terraces, with top-floor rooms offering stunning views of the Lienz Dolomites. Catering to a diverse clientele, including business travelers, families, and sports groups, the hotel is set to become a popular destination in Lienz.

Harald Ultsch, CEO of Harry’s Home: “Harry’s Home meets the needs of a broad range of guests. We are excited to welcome visitors to Lienz, the ‘second capital of Tyrol.’”

SES prioritized environmental responsibility throughout the development of Harry’s Home Lienz. Local companies executed around two-thirds of the construction services, and sustainable practices were employed to conserve resources. The hotel utilizes renewable geothermal and photovoltaic energy, with heating provided largely by a groundwater heat pump and cooling entirely by groundwater. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the project.

In total, 7,000 cubic meters of soil were excavated, with 3,900 cubic meters of concrete and 470 tons of structural steel used in the construction of Harry’s Home Lienz.