Open Ruby Radio

Ruby press ahead with expansion in China

Bar of Ruby Coco Hotel Dusseldorf

The Munich-based Ruby Group headed by founder and CEO Michael Struck is expanding the group’s reach in Asia. Ruby Asia Hotels Ltd, a Joint Venture with the Chinese Betterwood Hotel Group, is developing some new projects in China, including prominent locations in Shanghai Lujiazui, as well as in Cheng Du, Zhuhai, Hangzhou, Haiyan, Wulumuqi, Xining, and Nanjing. 


"We are delighted that our partnership with Betterwood Hotel Group continues to bear fruit", says Fabian Zellinger, responsible for Asia expansion at Ruby. "These new openings underline our goal to rapidly expand Ruby's presence in Asia."  

Most of the hotels are existing properties that are being converted under the guidance of Ruby's design team. All follow Ruby's Lean Luxury philosophy: a location in the heart of the city, top design, and quality amenities with the essentials. Plus, they remain affordable, by consistently doing away with superfluous and non-essentials.   

All hotels are scheduled to open next year. Pre-opening and operations are the responsibility of Ruby Asia Hotels Ltd. Alex Zheng, Chairman of Betterwood Hotel Group and one of the best-known hoteliers in China as founder and former CEO of Plateno Hotels, has recruited an experienced management team for this purpose. Bill Lin, former CEO of Plateno International and now Vice President of Betterwood Hotel Group taking charge of Ruby Asia’s development: "With Ruby, we are pleased to be one of the first brands in Asia to take off in the segment of ‘affordable’ luxury and to address the high-growth Chinese millennials in particular with individual hotels." 

Ruby Hotels expansion Asia (PDF)
  • Exterior of Ruby Luna Hotel Dusseldorf
  • Facade of Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne
  • Round patio of Ruby Marie Hotel Vienna
COSY room of Ruby Lilly Hotel Munich

About Ruby Hotels

The Munich-based Ruby Group under the leadership of founder and CEO Michael Struck is breaking new ground with its Lean Luxury philosophy. With a lean organisational structure and concentration on the essentials, Ruby succeeds in creating a contemporary, affordable form of luxury for modern, cost and style-conscious customers. 


Founded in 2013, the Group already operates 20 Ruby hotels across Europe, with a further six hotels under construction or in the planning phase. In addition, Ruby is expanding into China via a joint venture with Delonix, headed by Alex Zheng, one of China’s most accomplished hotel entrepreneurs. Ruby also offers Ruby Workspaces in Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam, Vienna, Stuttgart, Florence, and Malta – perfectly equipped workplaces and a creative atmosphere with access to an inspiring office community. 


Financially strong partners support Ruby’s expansion. ECE Group; the Austrian Soravia Group; Franger Investment, a German family office; Ocean Link, a private equity fund; the entrepreneur Michael Hehn; and Michael Struck jointly hold the company shares.