Safestay Hostels & Hotels appoints General Manager of new Edinburgh Cowgate location

Safestay Hostels & Hotels, the owner and operator of 18 city-centre hostels and hotels in the UK and Europe, have announced the appointment of David McLachlan (pictured above) as General Manager of Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate, opening on the 6th of June, 2024.

David joins Safestay from Novotel Glasgow Centre, where he was Front Office Manager, responsible for managing the front office team and assisting in the running of the entire hotel as a head of department.

Prior to this, he fulfilled General Manager roles at the Colonsay Hotel and the Royal and Lochan Hotel where he oversaw the transition of ownership and the operational running of the business.

David has gained more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, which has included managing all aspects of hotel operations, increasing occupancy and revenue, and improving staff performance and morale, all while enhancing the customer experience.

These skills will be put to great use at Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate which is housed in a beautiful and spacious Grade A listed building, and located on one of the oldest, liveliest thoroughfares in the Scottish capital.

Following a million pound renovation programme, the new site will boast plentiful communal spaces, a café, a bar and outdoor terrace, plus 225 beds in a variety of room combinations – from eight-bed dorms to two-bed private rooms with en-suite facilities.

Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate is within walking distance of some of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions and events including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Guests can also visit a plethora of popular bars, restaurants and cafes, right on their doorstep, making Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate a convenient, value for money accommodation choice for tour groups, friends, and independent travellers all year round.

David said: “Safestay has established itself as a vibrant, innovative and forward-thinking brand that provides exceptional value while delivering memorable experiences to travellers.

The new Edinburgh Cowgate property will be a fantastic addition to the brand’s growing legacy, and I couldn’t be more excited to be joining as General Manager of this new location.”

Peter Zielke, COO of Safestay Hostels & Hotels, said: “David brings a wealth of knowledge to the company, both in hospitality and of the Scottish region, which he has developed through many years of working in the industry. I’m delighted to welcome him to Safestay Edinburgh Cowgate and have no doubt that he will lead the team to success.”

Safestay was founded in 2011 by Safeland plc Chairman, Larry Lipman, with a vision to transform the hostel sector, focusing on safety, comfort, and community for travellers, with room for everyone – from digital nomads seeking a productive workspace and families in search of comfortable private rooms to backpackers looking for vibrant social spaces.

Safestay opened its first flagship hostel, Safestay London Elephant & Castle, in 2012, and in 2014 Safestay listed on the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market (AIM) making it the first hostel brand to do so. By 2021, Safestay was operating 16 hostels across Europe and the UK.

In 2024, Safestay signed its first two management contracts with the announcement of the opening of Safestay Calpe Seafront, a 120-bed property located on Spain’s Costa Blanca and Safestay Córdoba Mezquita Catedral, a 100-bed hostel in the heart of the historic city.