Pod Hotels - Modern Money Saving Accommodations

Everyone has heard of the iPod, but have you heard of a pod hotel? If you are like most people, you have probably never heard of this term before and you have no idea what a pod hotel is. Yet, this style of hotel, which can be found throughout Japan, is becoming increasingly more popular in Europe as well as in parts of the United States.

What is a Pod Hotel?

The term “Pod Hotel” is actually the brand name for a hotel that is located in Manhattan. Nonetheless, it is now being used to describe all hotels that maximize the use of living space within hotel rooms and offer guests low rates for overnight stays.

The first pod hotel, which was actually referred to as a capsule hotel, was designed by Kisho Kurokawa of Japan. The hotel was first opened on February 1, 1979 within the Umeda district of Osaka in Japan. This hotel featured nothing more than the most basic of living quarters. Essentially, the hotel guests were stacked on top of each other in small capsules that contained nothing more than a bed and a television, with a control unit at the head of the bed that allowed the guest to control the television and the radio as well as to set an alarm clock. Since this first capsule hotel was built, the design has remained pretty much the same in Japan. In the United States and in Europe, however, the designs have been taken a step further and offer more creature comforts and a little more style.

Where Do I Shower and Use the Bathroom with Pod Hotels?

Where you go to shower and to use the toilet will depend upon the hotel you stay in and may also depend upon the room you decide to rent. With the basic capsule hotel model that is popular in Japan, your bathroom and shower facilities are communal. This means you will share the same space with other hotel guests, which is also one of the reasons why many of these hotels are only available to male guests.

Other pod hotels, on the other hand, may feature private baths within some of the rooms. The Pod Hotel in Manhattan, for example, offers rooms with and without private facilities. Even those without private facilities, however, include a signaling system that tells you when the shared facilities are available for your use.

What Pod Hotels are Available in Japan?

Pod hotels are available throughout Japan, though most of them are only rented to men. These hotels are used most often by businessmen that are too tired to travel home or by men that are too inebriated from a weekend of fun in the city.

These rooms are generally 3 feet high, three feet wide, and six feet long. The area containing the capsules somewhat resembles a morgue and the foot end of the room is open, though a shade can be drawn in order to enjoy more privacy.

These rooms contain the bare minimum, as they usually have a television at the foot and a control center at the head that allows the guest to control the television or to listen to the radio. Some of the facilities offer other amenities, such as on-site restaurants, pools, and other sources of entertainment. This is not always the case, however, as some may offer nothing more than vending machines.

Pod Hotels in London

A chain of hotels called EasyHotels are available in London. These hotels, which are operated by the easyJet company, offer more creature comforts than the capsule hotels found in Japan. For example, each room offers a private shower and toilet and there is a little space to move around. Still, the accommodations are very basic and are similar to what you would find at any budget hotel, just smaller and costing far less. In fact, you can stay in one of these rooms for less than $50 per night.

Holland Pod Hotels

Qbic Hotels can be found in several cities in Holland, with prices ranging from $80 to $200 per night. The earlier you book a stay at one of these hotels, the better the price will be. In addition, you have to pay at the time of the reservation and you are expected to check yourself in once you arrive. Each room in the Qbic Hotels measures just 8 by 10 feet, but still contains a television, a radio, an in-room safe, wireless Internet access and a handmade Hastens bed.

Are There Pod Hotels in the US?

The Pod Hotel is located in Manhattan and manages to save space while still providing luxury. While it will generally cost you over $200 per night to stay in a hotel in Manhattan, you can often get a room for less than $100 at the Pod Hotel. Whether or not you have private bathroom facilities depends upon the type of room you rent. Either way, you will enjoy luxurious features such as granite and marble interiors, rain-head showers, and designer sinks. If you are in a room that shares facilities with other rooms, you will be able to tell when the facilities are available with the help of an in-room signaling systems. Each room also includes an iPod docking station and an LCD television.

Pod Hotels range in price and size from small 3' x 6' sleeping chambers to tiny rooms, but they are all an economical alternative to high priced hotel rooms, without sacrificing luxury.