Moldova extends Zarea Hotel privatization tender to October
Moldova's Public Property Agency (PPA) has extended the privatization tender deadline for the state-owned Zarea Hotel from August 19 to October 20.
The decision follows a request from Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, who emphasized that selling a high-value state asset during the peak summer holiday season risks depressing investor interest and limiting bid competitiveness.
PPA officials noted that extending the timeline will foster a more transparent, competitive process and help secure a higher valuation for the state. The extension notice was officially published in the Official Gazette on Friday, August 14.
Starting price set at over five million euros
The public outcry auction for the state enterprise was originally announced on June 19, 2026, with a starting price of €5.41 million (approx. 106 million MDL).
Located in central Chișinău, the property has drawn investor interest due to its strategic position and redevelopment potential. However, the sale includes specific conditions to safeguard adjacent special infrastructure.
The hotel is currently managed by the PPA and provides hospitality and catering services to tourists, academic visitors, and official attendees of public, scientific, and sporting events.
Prime city-center real estate asset
The 12-story facility sits on a 0.3111-hectare plot at 4 Anton Pann Street, near Cathedral Park, the Triumphal Arch, and Great National Assembly Square. Surrounding landmarks include the Academy of Economic Studies, the Pushkin Museum, and the National Bank of Moldova.
The building covers a ground footprint of 1,135 square meters and offers a total usable area of 6,123 square meters.
The property features 137 rooms—including 3 luxury suites, 29 semi-luxury rooms, 42 triple rooms, and 62 double rooms—alongside a 30-person conference hall and a 50-seat cafe.
According to the PPA investment profile, the property can continue operating as a hotel or be redeveloped for commercial, office, or mixed-use purposes. Corporate revenue has grown steadily in recent years, rising from €138,700 in 2021 to €497,400 in 2025.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
