Capsule hotels come to Australia
Australia is about to get its first capsule hotel.
It’s a concept that was pioneered in Japan. Measuring 1.25 metres in dimension, the capsule hotel is basically a modular boxes offering little more than a snug place for guests to put their heads for the night. These hotels are designed for late-working businessmen. Found largely in Tokyo’s Shinjuku nightlife district cater, the hotels are there for those who may be too late (or too drunk) for their transport home.
Australia is due to get one in November, with a scheduled opening at the former Bar Century site on George Street in Sydney. Two levels of bars and gaming facilities, while the top three levels will contain the capsule hotel, which will be operated separately.
The concept has been developed over the last 12 months. The hold-up has been over some regulatory and legal issues The hotel will be fitted out by Giant Design.
Each tiny room – measuring 1250 millimetres wide, by 2250 millimetres in length and 1200 millimetres in height - will come with a LED screen and entertainment system, WIFI and "mood lighting.
Step inside and you’ll find two levels of bars and gaming facilities.
The top three levels will contain the capsule hotel, which will be operated separately.
Chris Wilks from Giant Design says the hotels are unique.
He told Broadsheet it’s “not quite a hotel and not a backpackers. We’re providing the privacy which one doesn’t get in a backpackers on a bunk bed.”
He says it has a “vintage look and feel, which is somewhat reminiscent of Soho House in London and New York”.
He says it’s for guests who “want the comfort of a design hotel without the price tag."
Depending on the size of the bed – you can have a single or a double – the price tag is between $35 and $50.
As Wilks says, it’s cheaper than a taxi and “a great alternative for those without public transport."
by Leon Gettler, June 20th 2016
