Safestay, the luxury hostel brand, has appointed Philip Houghton as Chief Executive reporting to the Board. Philip will focus on managing the Company’s hostels at Elephant & Castle, York and Holland Park, which is undergoing a comprehensive renovation and re-styling in line with the “Safestay” brand.
Philip was until recently a founding director of Starboard Hotels, a private property and hospitality company, which operates hotels under franchise from both InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Wyndham Hotel Group (WYN), and specialises in hotel and hostel development, ownership and operations. Previously, Philip held roles at Allied Brewers plc, Bass plc and at Whitbread plc where he also consulted before taking on a similar role at Dixons Retail plc.
Philip is Chair of both STAYWYSE and WYSTC (associations charged with raising the profile of the global youth accommodation and youth travel sectors).
Commenting on his appointment, Philip Houghton said, “The hostel sector has many parallels with the hotel industry some 20 years ago. Safestay is playing a key part in changing the experience and perception of staying in a hostel making it a very interesting time to be joining the Company. I believe that the hostel sector can deliver excellent returns and I look forward to leading the expansion of Safestay with Larry Lipman and the team”.
About Safestay Hostels
Setting a new standard in stylish, affordable and comfortable accommodation, Safestay appeals to a broad community of guests with their statement buildings, fabulous interiors and great city centre locations.
Safestay’s portfolio includes the award-winning Safestay Elephant & Castle, London (opened in July 2012) and Safestay York (re-launched in January 2015) and Safestay Holland Park (opening in April 2015).
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