China’s first capsule hotel opens in Xi’an
Japan’s signature accommodation comes to China with a zodiac theme, an oxygen room and a snoring zone.
Popular among young travelers
Occupying an entire floor of a commercial plaza near Xi’an Train Station, Xi’an Youth Capsule Hotel (西安青年太空舱宾馆) is reported to be the nation’s first licensed capsule hotel. Opened on April 26, it cost RMB 1.5 million to fit out and contains 86 orange-color capsules, each comes with free Wi-Fi and a 15.6-inch foldable flat-screen TV set and is charged at RMB 59-65 per night.
“The hotel has gain popularity among young travelers, especially students,” said Xu Meijiang (许美江), manager and one of the investors in the hotel. “Our hotel was completely full during the Labor Day holidays and maintains 50-60 percent occupancy in normal days.”
What is your capsule: Aries, Leo or Virgo?
Guests are assigned to different star-sign zones upon check-in. The Aries and Virgo zones are for female guests only while the Taurus and Sagittarius are male-only sleepers. The rest of the signs are mixed dorms. The hotel has designated Leo a zone for guests who snore at night.
"Luxury VIP suites" are available for group travelers who wish for some privacy. Each of them contains four to eight capsules.
A dedicated oxygen room
The 200-square-meter area is decked out with plants and what Xu called “special equipment” to pump out “negative oxygen ions.” While inhaling pure oxygen, guests can also use various entertainment facilities in the area, such as table games.
Xu stays optimistic about the future of capsule hotel in Xi’an not only because the ancient capital’s tourism is soaring but also because the hotel is “economic” and “eco-friendly.”
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The upcoming conference- the 4th Annual Economy Hotels World Asia 2012 will take place 10-12 Sep in Singapore. Over 130 economy hotel developers, owners, operators and service providers will gather together to discuss the strategies and opportunities in this niche market. Download the preliminary program to find out what topics will be covered.
