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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."

10 of 229 comments (clear)

  1. Makes sense by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    A lot of people in the business world are dead inside

  2. that's huge! by User+956 · · Score: 5, Informative

    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.

    --
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    1. Re:that's huge! by JanneM · · Score: 5, Informative

      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).

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  3. I think I am going to have to change my name... by Mr.+Flibble · · Score: 5, Insightful

    To Case:

      The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.

    "It's not like I'm using," Case heard someone say, as he shouldered his way through the crowd around the door of the Chat. "It's like my body's developed this massive drug deficiency." It was a Sprawl voice and a Sprawl joke. The Chatsubo was a bar for professional expatriates; you could drink there for a week and never hear two words in Japanese.

    --
    Try to hack my 31337 firewall!
  4. Sound proof and bookable for 4 hour periods.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Sound proof and bookable for 4 hour periods...."

                Sounds like the perfect resource for hookers and hitmen!

  5. Somethiing similar already exists by DrXym · · Score: 5, Informative
    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.

  6. ... no thanks ! - Britain is a dirty island .. by bushboy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Given the fact that in general, British public areas are usually filthy in terms of grime and litter, I don't think this is going to work.

    How do you know who slept in one of these "pods" before you, or what state you'll find one in ?

    Some of the B&B's I've stayed in here have been downright nasty, as well as some hotels and hostels.

    We can't even keep our hospitals clean.
    Also, everything gets vandalised here, even the windows on the trains have graffiti scratched onto them.

    I can imagine "parties" occuring in these pods, where 4 or 5 kids crowd into them, drink themselves into a coma and vomit all over the place - don't think it could happen ? - heh, try living here.

    --
    A slashdotting - you get the stick first and then the carrot !
  7. Re:Ipod connection? by kfg · · Score: 5, Funny

    . . .why isn't just a jack stick?

    Do you want to advertise a hotel room bookable for four hour slots as coming complete with a "Jack Stick"?

    KFG

  8. Re:Ipod connection? by Kasis · · Score: 5, Informative

    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.

  9. Claustrophilic by DrSkwid · · Score: 5, Funny

    I do

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    There are places where the networks are not touching,and there are places where they are-Boeing's Lori Gunter