Will is the Hotel Manager of MEININGER Hotels’ new property in Edinburgh, set to open in autumn 2026. With over a decade of experience in hospitality, he has long been a fan of MEININGER’s hybrid hotel concept, so he didn’t hesitate to take on the challenge of leading this exciting new opening. In this interview, he shares insights into the preparation process, how he’s building a team from scratch, his love for Edinburgh as a destination, and much more.
Hi Will, can you tell us a bit about your background and what you were doing before joining MEININGER?
Hi, I’m originally from a farm in the west of Ireland, I’ve been working in hospitality since 2012, it’s something I never set out to do but once I started, I loved it. I’ve worked in everything from bars, restaurants, casinos, racetracks, festivals, hotels and hostels.
What made the opportunity to join MEININGER Hotels stand out to you?
I love the mix of guests you get with MEININGER’s hybrid model of a hotel with a hostel twist. We welcome everyone, from backpackers and young travellers to families, school groups, and business travellers. I stayed previously in Amsterdam and Berlin so when I saw they were coming to Edinburgh, I knew I wanted to apply.
You’ve been leading the opening of our new hotel in Edinburgh. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the opening process?
The biggest challenge is having things in place at the right time. For example, with hiring the team, we need to plan for the team to start before the opening but not too early or they’ll have nothing to do, too late and the opening could be delayed. But as the hotel is still being built we are using educated guesses to make our decisions.
And on the flip side, what’s been the most rewarding or exciting moment?
I would say building the whole team from scratch, usually you start a new job and the team is already in place, with a new opening we get to pick the whole team.
Now that you’ve been working with MEININGER for some months, what has your impression of the company been so far? How were you welcomed and supported?
I’ve been very impressed with the length of time people have stayed with the company. In an industry with a high turnover, it’s refreshing to see people stay with one employer so long, which indicates to me people are happy and being treated the right way by MEININGER.
I was taken to Cologne for my training, the guys there were so kind to me, Elle and Pieter took me out on a cycling tour of the city.
MEININGER is reentering the UK market for the first time since the closing of our London hotel a few years ago. Why does Edinburgh make sense as a location for the brand?
Edinburgh is such a wonderful city, people come from all over the world to see the Castle and the old town. Outside of London, it is the most visited city in the UK, so I think it’s a great market for MEININGER and an excellent addition to the brand.
What responsibilities come with this “pioneer role”?
Setting a high standard in a very competitive market is going to be our main challenge and responsibility. We are taking pride in our hybrid concept and culture, and we are going to be the face for the future UK opening.
You’re building a team from scratch. How do you approach creating a strong team culture from day one?
I always try to emphasize to the team that yes, we all have our specific roles but outside of that we are all on the same team and should support each other in any way we can. I’m a very hands-on manager. If the team needs support, I like the idea of leading by example. I also like to organize team events where we can all interact and get to know each other a bit better to create a human connection.
What kind of atmosphere do you hope guests and team members will feel when they walk into your hotel?
I hope to create a warm, welcoming, calm atmosphere where guests and the team enjoy being.
Edinburgh is such a buzzing city. What do you personally love most about it? Any favorite spots you’d recommend?
I love the green spaces. Edinburgh has so many wonderful parks: you can be in the heart of the city’s hustle and bustle one minute and be in a peaceful green space the next. I recommend the Meadows park; it’s such a wonderful space for a walk or a picnic right in the heart of the city. I also enjoy Stockbridge market on Sunday; it’s got such a great vibe and there are so many great independent cafes and book shops around.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the hotel and your team in the coming months and years?
To have as smooth an opening as possible and I hope to develop the team so they can progress through the company if that is their wish. For myself, this is a new challenge—opening a new hotel with a new company in a new market, so my focus is very much on that. I don’t want to think too far ahead.
And finally, who is Will outside of work? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at the hotel?
I like to keep things simple outside work, I enjoy going for walks in the countryside outside Edinburgh or meeting friends for lunch or simply an iced coffee in the sun when it comes out.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Will!
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