Would you stay at a "pod" hotel?

[jmbklj]

Would you stay at a "pod" hotel? In many ways, Luxury Link has spoiled us with large luxurious rooms, so at first blush I don't think I'd be interested in a "pod" hotel. But I recently read about a couple new "pod" hotels in with some interesting features.

One of the newer "pod" hotels is in New York City, an expensive place to book a hotel. The YOTEL is located in a trendy area of New York, in the heart of Hell's Kitchen and amenities include some items I wouldn't have expected in a "pod" hotel, like a heated towel rack. The hotel is large, an entire city block while the rooms are "compact". The common areas include 3 bars, a restaurant, outdoor terrace and fitness center - not things I would associate with a "pod" hotel, but then again I've never stayed in a one. Mainly I've thought of them as being at an airport locations.

The YOTEL touts an automated checkin/checkout system, their "Mission Control" 24/7 service staff, free super wifi and laptop safes. The YOTEL has a unique, high tech luggage storage system - a robotic arm that collects & stores your luggage until your plane or train departure. The luggage service is synced with the JetBlue luggage handlers at JFK so you can also have it transported from the hotel to the airport. Sounds pretty cool, but I think I'd feel better knowing I transported it myself. I wouldn't want to arrive at my destination to learn that…... ooops, something went wrong while my bag is back at the hotel. Another high tech feature - all the TVs in the rooms display current flight departure info for the JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airports.

The YOTEL suites are larger than the regular rooms - look pretty cool with a sizable living room area and large windows. Some of the larger rooms have fireplaces and pool tables. Down the street from the new YOTEL New York, another "pod" hotel, The Pod 39 Hotel, is in the works (opening in June).

I must say that when I am in New York, I spend very little time in my hotel room. So I checked YOTEL rates for June, and they were higher than I expected for a small room. I've had better room rates at the Marriott Marquis.

To see photos of the YOTEL rooms & suites, the bar, the restaurant, and the outdoor terrace……

Would you stay in 'pod' hotel? - Pack Up - Boston.com

Other "pod" hotels…….

Five Great Pod Hotels - Features - World Hum

Pod Hotels Coming To An Airport Near You - Forbes

[kyshel]

Not sure about possible claustrophobia in a 7' X 8' room. I saw the Minute Suites in ATL yesterday and they were all occupied. They offer crew rates and some other specials they had posted. After seeing some of the other brands, I'd be concerned about getting in a "box" in Russia!

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I like space in my hotel rooms - especially like rooms with a balcony or patio

[jmbklj]

I like space in my hotel rooms - especially like rooms with a balcony or patio

That photo of the YOTEL outdoor terrace in NYC looked pretty nice, but of course that terrace was for the hotel not for just a room.

[omegaet]

Doubtful I would use a POD and the YOTEL doesn't seem too enticing.

When I do get caught up in an extended layover, I can usually get by with a snooze in a club lounge......or I can curl up on floor with my travel pack as a pillow, if necessary.

[Mountie]

I looked at a couple of the reviews on Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor and more than one indicated sleeping in the older pod hotel in Amsterdam's Schiphol is similar to sleeping adjacent to a urinal with the smell from the tiny bathroom.

I think I would skip this experience and continue bunking on the floors or a bench at most airports.

[thepiranha]

I stayed in a hotel that was very similar, if not the same, as a pod hotel, while chaperoning a middle school trip to France a few years ago. The room was very basic, but fine for a single traveler. If I recall correctly, the bathroom looked as if it could be cleaned by hosing the entire room down.