Pod, cube, or capsule — there are more and more mini-hotels popping up around the world, offering tiny rooms with no frills at low prices. Brands like easyHotels (from the makers of easyJet), Yotel, Qbic, Podhotel, and others are following the trend made famous by Japanese hoteliers. (No sleeping in drawers.)
At the same time that luxury properties are fighting for bragging rights on who can be the most over-the-top, the pods are aiming at the opposite end of the market.
The pods have their place. If you’re looking for a few Z’s at an airport? Perfect. City tourism for the go-go-go traveler who just crashes for the night? Sure. Backpackers looking to upgrade from the hostel for change of pace? You betcha.
But how big is this market, really? Will it succeed in the US? After all, America is still the supersize society, despite some slight recent pullback.
So, the question goes to you, the traveling consumer:
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November 15th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
They make me very claustrophobic. I don’t think I could ever stay in one.
November 16th, 2007 at 7:59 am
I thought these pod hotels were supposed to be cheap? £55 a night at the Gatwick pod hotel isn’t what I would call cheap?
November 16th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Even though the pod hotel thing doesn’t appeal to me, if this new trend can get more media pub consumers will bite. They will bite out of pure curiosity.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
I stayed in one in Tokyo. Aside from noise issues, best value I had anywhere I stayed in Japan. I loved it. However, part of that was the amenities; spa, full complement of bathing supplies, restaurant, bar, etc.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
I actually stayed in “The Pod” hotel in NYC – it was $140/night [we had a private bath, would have been much cheaper w/out one].
I didn’t think it was that bad. It wasn’t great either.
We definitely fall into the category of those who want to “go go go,” however and generally spend more time out of our room than we do in it.
It works well as a resting place in an otherwise busy day.
November 24th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
It totally depends on how the pods are designed, if I’d use it. The ones I saw in Japan had just curtains for privacy which is ridiculous. Maybe a country like Japan where people respect each other’s personal space, that would work, but here in America, I’d require a locking door and LOTS of noiseproofing between pods. If those conditions were met, I’d for sure use one for a quick nap as I’m not claustrophobic at all.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:08 am
As starter homes shrink in the developed world, it’s not just hotels that are shrinking. The world is becoming a cabin concept!