Coffin Hotels Opening Near You

An anonymous reader writes "Britain will soon see the launch of a chain of automated, short-term hotels for travelers and businesspeople." From the article: "Each soundproof cabin will contain a sofa that converts into a double bed, a pull down desk, closet space, adjustable mood lighting, a shower, wireless Internet, an iPod connection and a flat-screen TV. Check-in and check-out will be automated, but food and drinks will be available."

Comments

that's huge!

[User 956]

Each soundproof cabin will contain a sofa that converts into a double bed, a pull down desk, closet space, adjustable mood lighting, a shower, wireless Internet, an iPod connection and a flat-screen TV

That's huge compared to what they have in Japan. In Japan, they have what are called capsule hotels", which is basically like the sleeping tubes in the movie the 5th element.

Re:that's huge!

[JanneM]

That's huge compared to what they have in Japan. In Japan, they have what are called capsule hotels", which is basically like the sleeping tubes in the movie the 5th element.

Yep. This sounds more like a scaled-down normal room. The capsule hotels in Tokyo and Osaka, for those who don't know, are situated around the major train stations and cater to drunk salarymen who missed the last train and need someplace to crash before work the next morning. As such, they're actually quite expensive (set to be cheaper than taking a taxi home), and often prohibit women guests altogether. If you're looking for somewhere to go with that special someone, there's lots of clean, cheerful "love hotels" dotted around every entertainment district (which, often, are actually cheaper, cleaner and more comfortable than a normal hotel if you're looking for a place to stay overnight).

Re:that's huge!

[cybernezumi]

I've stayed at a couple capsules, they're surprisingly comfortable so long as you're under about 6 foot or so. I'm even a little put off by tight spaces and it really didn't bother me. I could also kinda sit up if I wanted to. Prices of the ones I stayed at were about half the price of regular business hotels (which these "coffin" hotels come closer to: a bed, a bath, a desk/fridge/tv and enough room to walk between them). The capsules I stayed at were getting kinda old, so my impression is that they are a bit of a left-over of the popped Bubble Economy. I see far more new business hotels. On love hotels, there are a few catches (overnight pricing begins around 10-11PM & no reentry). You'll also probably need a bit of Japanese skill at checkout ("No, I didn't drink any of the sake in the fridge, please let me out."). They are usually about the same price as business hotels on the low end but usually a lot more room (queen bed, big tub, etc). More interesting stuff on the in-room TV too... >;)

Somethiing similar already exists

[DrXym]

EasyHotel runs a hotel in London where each room is essentially a box with a door. Windows, room service and the remote control which turns on the TV are extra. Prices vary from very cheap to much more than a conventional hotel room depending on when you book. It's a great idea assuming you don't plan to be in the room much and pick up a good rate, otherwise I'm not so sure. There are plenty of cheap chains like Travel Inn, TravelLodge, Ibis etc. who provide a full hotel service without the swingeing.

The concept of a small room does appeal to me though. Assuming it was well designed and contains all the amenities, I'd have no problem with it. But the price must be substantially cheaper than a regular room to reflect the higher number of people they're cramming into the same space.

Re:Ipod connection?

[Kasis]

From the link you posted:

        * Premium and Economy cabins
        * Techno Wall with desk, universal port (for your i-pod or PDA) and plenty of storage
        * Flat screen TV with surround sound speaker system
        * Free Internet - Wired and Wi-fi
        * Choice of hundreds of downloadable movies and CD's
        * Air conditioning
        * Double rotating beds
        * Ensuite bathrooms
        * Aircraft cabin mood lighting
        * Luxury bathroom fittings including monsoon rain shower
        * Luxury bedding
        * Bespoke Toiletries
        * Eat In grazing menu
        * Automated Check in / out
        * Web booking

Sounds like a USB port.