Aš is a town in the Cheb area that buys up buildings used as hostels and converts them into flats.
Aš is a town in the Cheb area of the Karlovy Vary Region. It has long dealt with problems linked to hostels, where people in difficult social circumstances often live and pay high rents from social benefits.[1][2] According to deputy mayor Pavel Matala, the town hall tries to prevent socially disadvantaged residents from concentrating in certain parts of the town.[1] In past years the town therefore bought several buildings used as hostels and is gradually converting them into flats, which the town lacks.[1][2]
Purchase of the Goethe hotel (2026)
At an extraordinary meeting on 30 September 2026, the town councillors approved the purchase of the former Goethe hotel at the corner of Čapkova and Nádražní streets for roughly 17 million crowns. A majority of councillors voted in favour, two abstained, one was against and five did not attend the meeting.[1][2] The building is approved for use as a hostel, has about 50 rooms and roughly 120 beds, and a restaurant on the ground floor.[1] According to town spokesman Milan Vrbata, the seller said another investor was interested in the building and would use it as a hostel.[1][2]
By buying it, the town wants to keep control over how the building is used. Flats are to be created there in future, and the operation of the hotel and restaurant could also continue.[1] The building's future was originally to be decided in a referendum held alongside the October municipal elections; at the September meeting, however, a majority of councillors leaned towards the purchase and the referendum proposal did not gain support.[1] Mayor Vítězslav Kokoř (ANO) said the town leadership did not want to end its term with such a large investment and commit future leadership to it.[1]
Sources
- Karlovarská Drbna — 2 October 2026
- iDNES.cz: Karlovy Vary — 2 October 2026