Safestay, the owner and operator of 18 hostels in 15 cities across 11 European countries, has announced a string of hostel reopenings as restrictions lift across Europe and the UK. With under 40s – Generation Z and Millennials – set to be the first to travel this summer, Safestay’s network of stylish, friendly, hyper-local and, above all, safe hostels prove to be a hit with this price-sensitive, experience-driven, savvy demographic. A spike in 2020/2021 bookings since Safestay started reopening show a renewed confidence in travel amongst young people.
Generation Z will lead the charge when it comes to travel this summer. As the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, their gap year, university, internship and employment plans inevitably evaporated and they are now itching to make up for lost time, pack their bags and explore. Safestay is perfectly placed to cater for this market: a demographic looking for local and genuinely-authentic experiences closer to home.
“According to trend forecasting agency Globetrender** our demographic is more risk tolerant, highly adventurous and value driven” says Safestay’s COO, Nuno Sacramento. “We want to show our young travellers that we are doing everything possible to protect their safety, but that they can also have fantastic travel experiences too. We have curated hyper-local itineraries for each of our hostels as they open to highlight the best activities on the doorstep. So it might not be a museum but it will be the best place to get a takeaway pizza and eat in the nearby square or park!”
As its name suggests, safety lies at the very heart of this brand, making it a hit with parents who appreciate the desire to fly the nest, but want to know that their children are safe and secure. Safestay has introduced new enhanced Covid-19 protocols across all hostels, which are already well-established in the now-opened properties in Berlin and Vienna. Measures include:
- Beds in each dorm are sold only to the same group of travellers, so all dorms become private rooms regardless if your party fills the room or not
- Check-in is contact free and via WhatsApp communication prior to arrival at each hostel
- Screens have been installed in reception areas to protect staff and guests
- Free packs including a mask, hand sanitiser and gloves are given to guests on arrival
- Keys are now UV disinfected and hospital grade sanitisers are in use in all high-touch areas
- Teams have been trained prior to reopening with a focus on new cleaning protocols
- All housekeeping staff are cleaning and sanitising guestrooms and common areas each day
- All linen will be washed regularly and disinfected thoroughly, in line with new Covid-19 protocols
- Breakfast boxes can be collected from the communal areas in the morning
- Safestay has also adapted their cancellation policy to be even more flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours before any scheduled arrival
“We have been really encouraged by both bookings, and also feedback from our guests staying in our European properties, that our safety measures are working” says Nuno, “and this has galvanized us even further to reopen our UK properties as soon as we get the green light. We are also offering 50% discount pre-paid vouchers to help drive further interest and this has seen strong uptake.”
In advance of reopening rooms, Safestay is reopening the outdoor bars and restaurants in London and Edinburgh on 22nd June.
Safestay, which opened its first hostel in London in 2011, is synonymous with offering stylish, comfortable and affordable accommodation, in great city centre locations. Whilst previously aimed at a broad community of guests, from the solo traveller and business traveller to families and school groups, it is now for the new backpacking Generation Z that Safestay holds the most appeal.
Safestay hostels are located in Athens, Barcelona (three hostels), Berlin, Bratislava, Brussels, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lisbon, London (two hostels), Madrid, Pisa, Prague, Vienna, York and Warsaw. Further sites in Paris and Venice are under development.
Prices across all Safestay hostels start from an average rate of £20 / €20 per bed per night.
For more information visit: www.safestay.com
* More than 70% of the millennial market is keen to travel before the end of the year and is looking for experience-led outdoor product, according to research conducted by youth adventure operator Contiki revealed significant demand for travel in 2020
** Download Globetrender’s report on Travel in the Age of Covid-19 here and their Gen Z Horizon’s report here