Today’s ‘Meet the Locals’ Q&A is with Andy Landsburgh, Director and Founder of CoDE Hostels.
Andy graduated from University of Edinburgh Law School in 2004 and instead of pursuing a career in law moved to New York and then to London to work in both sales and then marketing and property related investment and development.
On his return to Edinburgh, he got into the development of real estate to provide unique and exciting accommodation for visitors. Read on to learn more about his journey and the CoDE concept.
Tell us more about the lightbulb moment and how the CoDE journey began and evolved.
Five years ago, I bought an old warehouse in Rose Street to develop it into serviced apartments. However, once I investigated further I could see there were very few boutique hostel concepts in Edinburgh and it was becoming a growing segment across Europe’s capital cities. Similarly, an “up-market” concept with a bit more privacy was something that appealed to me as I was travelling to expensive cities like London and New York frequently and nothing like this was readily available. That’s when I decided to launch CoDE.
CoDE Hostels offers a very different experience to the traditional hostels many backpackers are used to. Please tell us more about the offering.
We offer luxury pod beds in our hostels and provide a top quality breakfast. In addition, we try to do the basics well like good showers, great staff and a lovely safe, fresh and clean environment where guests can relax.
Who are typical CoDE guests?
Our core guest is typically a solo traveller, 25 – 34 and many are female. Due to the Asian-inspired pod beds we also get a lot of guests from Asia. It is often someone coming to see the city, meet new people and get a good rest if they are travelling across Europe.
What makes Edinburgh such a great place for backpackers and international travellers?
First and foremost, Edinburgh is such a safe place to visit you can immediately relax when you arrive. Secondly, I believe the history and landscape all packed into such a small place gives Edinburgh a unique atmosphere which guests love.
Tell us more about the court and prison themed hostel which will open in Edinburgh this summer.
We were extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with this historic building. Edinburgh is renowned for its history and fantastic buildings and this one is absolutely no exception. The building dates back to the 1830s and was the original police buildings and Burgh Court. So the cells have accommodated people for over 180 years and the Court has played host to local cases like that of the famous Greyfriar’s Bobby.
Other than Edinburgh where else in the world can we find a CoDE Hostel?
Dublin – it was the perfect next city for our cosy pod beds and signature heart-warming porridge.
What is the key criteria when choosing a location for your hostels?
It is in a city with strong demand from millennials and ideally where there is an opportunity to create an offer which rises above the crowd.
What are your top tips for a first-time visitor to Edinburgh?
Go up Arthur’s Seat. Run round the city. Do a Rose Street pub crawl. Discover the pubs in the closes off the Royal Mile.
Finally, where is your own ‘Hidden Edinburgh’?
Kay’s bar on India Street for haggis, neeps and tatties and a cask ale pint.
Find Out More
Website: www.codehostels.com
