British brand Safestay, the owner and operator of hostels and hotels across Europe and the UK, announces the signing of its first management contract with the addition of Safestay Calpe Seafront, on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, to its growing portfolio of properties.
This follows the recent announcement of the opening of Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate in June 2024 and marks Safestay’s 18th location across Europe & the UK, solidifying its position as a key player in the international hostel and hospitality industry.
New Management Agreements
The addition of Safestay Calpe Seafront, slated to open in June 2024 following a refurbishment and rebranding programme, signifies an important milestone as the brand’s first management contract. Additionally, it establishes a template for further management transactions and franchising opportunities.
Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Safestay Calpe boasts a prime location opposite Salt Lake, near the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock, just a short walk from Arenal-Bol beach, and a 45-minute drive from Alicante Airport. With 120 beds, this fourth Spanish property for Safestay offers a perfect base for exploring Calpe’s outdoor sports and activities, including sailing, climbing, hiking, and cycling.
Larry Lipman, Chairman of Safestay, commented, ‘We are thrilled about the addition of Safestay Calpe Seafront on the Costa Blanca in Spain to our portfolio of upmarket hostels across Europe. This marks the first management contract signed by Safestay, and we are already exploring other similar opportunities with the aim of expanding our asset-light portfolio of hostels alongside our growing freehold and leasehold portfolio.’
New Openings
Also set to open in June 2024, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate will be housed in a beautiful and spacious Grade A listed building, situated on one of the oldest thoroughfares in the Scottish capital. Cowgate, historically used as the route for driving cattle to market since the 1490s, is now renowned for its vibrant pub, club, bar, restaurant, and café scene. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions and sites, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
Once renovations are completed, Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate will provide ample communal spaces, a café, bar, and 225 beds in various room configurations – from eight-bed dorms to two-bed private rooms with ensuite facilities – typical of all Safestay hostels.
Peter Zielke, COO of Safestay, expresses, ‘Opening in Edinburgh demonstrates Safestay’s ongoing commitment to expanding our portfolio in the UK and across Europe’s most exciting destinations. Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate will offer travellers the perfect blend of modern comfort and value for money, serving as an exceptional base from which to explore this culturally rich city.’
Innovative Partnerships
To enhance the travel experience for guests, Safestay continues to forge exciting partnerships with local businesses and travel brands. The latest addition is an exclusive collaboration with Busbud, a dynamic new travel booking website specialising in intercity bus tickets worldwide, and Lingopie, the world’s only language learning application that utilises real TV shows and movies to aid in learning a new language. These partnerships offer exclusive discounts for Safestay’s members in a bid to make membership an increasingly enticing element for guests.
Safestay’s expansion into Spain and Scotland, with further announcements expected in 2024, alongside its commitment to exciting partnerships, reaffirms Safestay’s position as Europe’s leading hostel group dedicated to providing unmatched value, comfort, and adventure to travellers seeking unforgettable experiences in vibrant locations.
