Yotel - a brand of pod-like properties modelled on airline first class cabins – offers travellers everything they need and nothing they do not.

The first hotel opened at London Gatwick in 2007 and since then the brand has gone from strength-to-strength, opening at other UK airports and now expanding into the United States and Singapore.

As part of a recent trip I stayed at the London Heathrow location and found it an invaluable asset to my trip.

With tight connections and poor public transport links in London, it made perfect sense to arrive at the airport the night before and check-in early the next day for my flight.

As Yotel allows guests to pay by the hour, I was also able to avoid a large bill for an over-priced airport hotel.

On arrival staff were friendly - which always makes a big difference, even when you are only staying for just a few short hours – and offered everything from coffee, water, and snacks, to, slightly strangely, shower caps.

There was even a tour of the room – though it did not take long as the space is only ten metres squared.

Within moments I was settled. 

The cabins pack all the essential elements of a hotel room in a smarter, more compact space.

Each has super comfy bedding, a flat screen TV, an en-suite bathroom with a monsoon shower, plus unlimited free super-fast Wi-Fi.

There is also a pull-out workstation for those looking to spend a little longer.

The key is smart design – everything fits neatly together, cutting down the need for space and reducing costs for this prime piece of real estate ‘airside’ in Terminal 4.

Connecting to the Wi-Fi there was an option to explore a page on overcoming a fear of flying, which I thought was a nice touch.

After what seemed liked a few moments it was time to get back on my feet and head to check-in.

No early morning taxi rides, no missed trains, no pressure, and no stress.

By providing a seamless and intuitive experience from the minute I arrived to the minute I left, Yotel was able to offer an experience that re-defines time. 

Expansion

These are also exciting times for Yotel.

The first property in Asia, located downtown Singapore, opened in late 2017, while Starwood Asset Management shows its support for the brand by taking a large stake in the business just a few months ago.

More recently, Yotel confirmed it would offer it move into the extended stay segment with the launch of the Yotelpad brand.

Building on the design principles of Yotel and Yotelair cabins, Yotelpad translates the essence of serviced apartments into purposefully designed compact homes, known as Pads, fulfilling the requirements of the global citizen at an affordable price.

“Following the successful roll out of Yotelair and Yotel, we saw a natural opportunity to rethink the traditional extended stay segment in the same fashion we disrupted conventional hotel models,” said Hubert Viriot, Yotel chief executive.

Yotelpad offers perfectly designed living solutions by optimising space and technology.

Yotelpad will launch globally with the five projects already confirmed in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

The first two to be announced are in Park City, Utah, and Miami.

“The added benefit of introducing Yotelpad to our portfolio is that it not only allows us to enter a new market segment, but also enables us to operate in new locations, not naturally suited to our Yotel and Yotelair brands,” concluded Viriot.

More Information

Inspired by the luxury of first class travel and uncompromisingly designed around guests, Yotel takes the essential elements of luxury hotels into smaller, smart spaces and deliver a sense of community with areas for co-working, social gatherings and exercise.

Premium Cabins include Yotel’s signature adjustable SmartBed with rejuvenating monsoon rain showers and a Technowall with adjustable mood lighting and smart TVs, multi power points and easy connectivity.

Find out more on the official website.

Chris O’Toole