In Gimbsheim, in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Roatel group has opened its first micro-hotel within the operational premises of a logistics company. This marks the first time the modular, digital model created by the Düsseldorf-based firm has been integrated so directly into the daily workings of freight transport. The launch took place at one of the main sites operated by Tst, a key player in sorting and distributing goods for a major international retailer. The initial phase includes four accommodation units.
Covering an area of approximately 50,000 square metres, the Gimbsheim facility is only the starting point. Following a six-month trial period, the goal is to replicate the model at other sites run by Tst, including new charging hubs for electric lorries being developed in collaboration with its subsidiary PamSun. Until now, Roatel had installed 29 micro-hotels across eleven German states, but only near motorways and major traffic routes. “Tst is the first company with which we are implementing our project directly within a logistics site,” said Amelie Riemann, Roatel’s Head of Sales.
Roatel, a portmanteau of ‘road’ and ‘hotel’, is designed to offer drivers a more comfortable rest than they would have in their cabins, while staying just a few metres away from their vehicles. Each module is created from a 45-foot high-cube container, fully insulated and divided into four self-contained living units. Each room, measuring 7.5 cubic metres, features a single bed, en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, independent climate control, Wi-Fi, and a multilingual satellite television. Bookings are managed autonomously 24/7 via the digital platforms my.roatel.com and booking.com, removing the need for a physical reception.
The accommodation modules can be installed in less than 24 hours on 50-square-metre plots with service connections just 15 metres away, and they can be easily placed side by side or stacked to increase capacity, making the model highly scalable. This flexibility opens the door to franchising opportunities at service stations and logistics hubs. At present, Roatel units are located along the A1 motorway in Lower Saxony, the A5 in Baden-Württemberg, the A9 in Hesse, and the A7 in Schleswig-Holstein, all positioned near truck parking areas.
