Futuristic hotel could be on way
IT’S not a hotel for the claustrophobic... but it will appeal to the budget conscious.
A developer is hoping to bring a futuristic “capsule” hotel to the centre of Cardiff.
The plans for the project, which would be located on the fifth floor of the Market Chambers building near the city centre market, would provide guests with their own sleeping capsule.
The proposal says the accommodation would be similar to a backpackers hostel with toilet facilities and a common lounge area.
Visitors would check in on the ground floor, where they will be given the access codes for a locker and capsule.
There is an eight-person lift and stairs to reach the accommodation level on the fifth floor.
There would be 24 male and 24 female capsules, 12 stacked on top of another 12. All capsules, or cubes, will come with bed linen, pillow and its own TV.
The proposal says there will be vending machines for water, soft drinks, and coffee.
The fifth floor of the Market Chambers building has been vacant for more than a year according to the report to Cardiff Council.
The company behind the plan believes tourists to Cardiff would prefer alternative, affordable hotel accommodation.
Capsule hotels have been a popular feature of Japanese cities for decades, with the first one believed to have opened in Osaka in 1979.
Faris Wail, who has been in the real estate industry in Cardiff for the past 30 years, felt there was an opportunity in the hospitality market.
“We have a Letting Agency on City Road called Ashtons Homes and are also involved in Airbnb,” he said.
“From dealing with Airbnb, we found a gap in the market for guests looking for short stay in the capital, especially in the city centre.
“We feel the concept of the capsule hotel which has been around for many years in Japan will be perfect to have in Cardiff.
“We are really excited about our new capsule hotel coming to Cardiff in summer 2019.”
Mr Wail added: “The capsules we are using are state of the art with the hotel having a futuristic theme.
“The capsules will have built in TVs, electrical sockets for guests to charge their phones and laptaops, a safe box, fire detector, fire extinguisher and reading light.”
The first pod-style accommodation came to the UK earlier this year.
St Christopher’s at The Village on Borough High Street in London, near London Bridge, opened in February.
There are 26 capsules in the London hostel and the owners say there is enough space for to change your clothes, do makeup and dry hair.