The Rise Of The Pod

One recurring theme I keep finding in my travel is the swift and innovative shift upwards in pod or capsule hotels.

During a recent trip to Japan, in the high rent district of Rappongi, I visited the First Cabin hotel.

Using an aviation theme, there are First Class, Business Class and Premium rooms.

Ideal for solo travelers or groups of friends, these types of properties offer location, location and location.

One thing to be aware of is that rooms are segregated into male and female floors, which makes sense.

The product is modern, well-designed and efficient.

A growing number of First Cabins are spread around Japan and the newest is in the alpine area of Niseko, in Kutchan town 

Next up for First Cabin is a venture with JR West, for railway-based hotels. Again, it’s all about the strategic locations.

While I’m not exactly a Millennial, I love being in the heart of the city, and often stay at Singapore’s Yotel.

It’s fast, tech friendly and affordable.

 A new brand coming out next year in the UK is Zip by Premier Inn.

With 8.5 square meter rooms, the select service chain is anxious to reinvest the earnings from their sale of Costa Coffee and are looking at a scalable  mass model.

City center locations are expensive, and the ability to retrofit, and provide real estate yield efficiency makes total sense.

If you have a chance to stay in a First Cabin, it’s highly recommended.

Get out to the box and into the capsule or pod, is perhaps the adage of the day.