A tourism increase in Japan is driving demand for capsule hotels, single-mattress-size hotel rooms popularized in the 1980s for businessmen. Among capsule hotels now catering to a new, more diverse wave of clientele is The Millennials, with one location in Kyoto and a second location which opened on March 15 in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. The later has five floors of 120 high-tech multifunctional Smart Pods designed by creative outfit Tosaken.
Using iOS technology developed by The Millennials’ parent company Global Agents for the new generation capsule hotel, The Millennials offers more amenities in their micro-rooms, called Smart Pods, than its predecessors. Guests receive a touch iPod upon check-in, which allows them to customize their Smart Pod experience; they can adjust the lighting, temperature and incline of their bed, as well as set a soundless alarm that slowly raises the bed to a seated position while brightening the lights. Guests can connect to their personal devices to look at photos or watch movies on an 80-inch screen.
Hotel Industry: iPod Meets Smart Pod at The Millennials
The Millennials also differentiates itself from traditional capsule hotels with stylish shared spaces that include a lounge, communal kitchen and workspace. The Shibuya location’s Smart Pods are decorated with designs by 20 Tokyo artists and designers, including Yusuke Hanai, Shinpei Onishi, Niky Rohreke, Nico Leon, Mariya Suzuki, Jun Oson, Cookieboy, Charlene Man and British illustrator Andrew Joyce.
Hotel Industry: iPod Meets Smart Pod at The Millennials
