Saturday, February 11, 2012

'Pod hotels' expanding at airports across the US

Written by Michael King 

ATLANTA (WXIA) - After starting in Atlanta, Minute Suites, one of a new type of what are termed "pod hotels," is expanding at airports across the nation.

The suites are based in airports, and provide a place for weary travelers to take a nap, relax or work in comfort while visiting the airport. Minute Suites is the first of its type in America, and has had large-scale use in Japan for a number of years. Their facility at Hartsfield, on Concourse B, opened in 2009. A second Minute Suites facility opened in 2011 at Philadelphia International Airport.

Rooms in both locations are roughly 56 square feet each.

Each suite includes a daybed sofa, pillows and fresh blankets. Sounds are suppressed within each room and an audio program is available to help guests get a good power nap in. Guests can use an in-suite alarm clock or request a wake-up call from management. An HDTV provides a comfortable place to watch television and can connect with the internet. The television also provides access to flight tracking for the airport.

In addition to internet access on the television, wifi is available for guests in each suite, as are a desk and telephone. A computer is also available for guests in each suite.

An hour stay is $30, with each 15 minute segment after that running another $7.50. Minute Suites partners with Delta to credit SkyMiles participants with one mile for each dollar they spend. Minute Suites provides special discounts for pilots, airline employees and military personnel.

Minute Suites says two new locations - both located at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are under development: with one slated to open at the end of this year and the second is set to open at the end of 2014.

There are no showers or room service at either of the locations, although according to the company, they plan to include private shower units in the Dallas-Fort Worth locations when they open.

Minute Suites says they are in negotiation with other US airport hubs.

A London-based firm with a similar "pod hotel" concept is looking at expanding into the United States, and, according to Forbes magazine, has been talking with Kennedy Airport in New York City and is talking to other airports in the US.

A London-based firm with a similar "pod hotel" concept is looking at expanding into the United States, and, according to Forbes magazine, has been talking with Kennedy Airport in New York City and is talking to other airports in the US. 

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