Bob W, the AI and technology-powered hospitality operator, has announced plans to open a 136-unit aparthotel in Stuttgart’s historic Bad Cannstatt district in 2027. The property will occupy a site of more than 3,000 square metres built on the location of a former Second World War bunker, making it one of the more architecturally significant new hospitality openings planned for the city.
The development will feature 136 smart apartments across five floors, along with a communal kitchen and lounge, co-working space, laundry facilities and a 550-square-metre fitness area on the ground floor. The fitness space will be operated by FITSEVENELEVEN, a design-led premium fitness brand known for its high-quality interiors and community-driven BODYCLUB concept, adding a lifestyle and wellbeing offer for both guests and local residents.
The property’s design concept draws directly from Bad Cannstatt’s industrial and cultural heritage. Nearly 150 years after Gottlieb Daimler invented the world’s first portable combustion engine in the district, automotive design references will nod to his original workshop. Tropical wallpapers will pay homage to Stuttgart’s Wilhelma Zoo, and regional travertine stone will reflect the city’s mineral springs and spa heritage.
The site sits a short walk from Bad Cannstatt railway station, giving guests straightforward access to Stuttgart city centre and the wider region. The property is being developed by THRIVE 2039 eG, a Stuttgart-based real estate and investment platform focused on future-oriented urban concepts and technology-enabled assets, with apm projektmanagement GmbH of Hamburg serving as development partner.
Niko Karstikko, Co-founder and CEO of Bob W, said the city’s character aligned closely with the brand’s values. “Stuttgart is a city defined by innovation, craftsmanship and a strong sense of identity, qualities that align perfectly with what we aim to deliver through every Bob W property,” he said. “Bad Cannstatt offers a unique opportunity to bring together local heritage, thoughtful design and modern hospitality in a way that creates a truly memorable guest experience. Germany continues to be a key growth market for Bob W and we are excited to strengthen our presence in the country while continuing to expand across the wider DACH region.”
Sebastian Emberger, Co-founder of Bob W, highlighted the broader strategic significance of the DACH region for the company. “As a German native, the DACH region is especially close to home. We know these markets well and have strong conviction in their long-term fundamentals, as well as their position as Europe’s largest intra-regional travel market,” he said. “We see a clear opportunity to introduce a new category of hospitality to cities where guests increasingly want flexibility, quality and local character.”
The Stuttgart opening forms part of Bob W’s wider push across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where the company has 12 confirmed new openings across nine cities. The pipeline includes properties in Frankfurt, Dortmund, Cologne, Bonn, Vienna, Graz, Salzburg and Locarno, in addition to Stuttgart. The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible, design-led and technology-powered accommodation across both business and leisure travel segments in the region.
Adrian A.W. Guse, Vorstand of THRIVE 2039 eG, described the development as a model for the future of urban real estate. “With this development, we are bringing together exactly the elements that define the future of urban real estate: flexible living, technology-enabled operations, design-led hospitality and high-quality health and fitness amenities,” he said. “Bob W is an ideal operator for this project because the brand combines digital efficiency with a strong sense of place and hospitality. Together with FITSEVENELEVEN on the ground floor, we are creating a compelling product that connects guests, residents and the neighbourhood in a contemporary way.”
The development is pursuing DGNB certification, Germany’s leading sustainability standard for buildings, and is designed to balance operational efficiency with long-term flexibility. Bob W operates across multiple European cities, partnering with landlords, developers and investors to bring its model of tech-powered, design-led hospitality to major urban destinations.
