IFA Hotels & Resorts recently announced the opening of the first YOTEL in the UK, the revolutionary new hotel concept that’s redefining the global hotel industry and making travel more enjoyable. It is also the first hotel to be located inside a UK airport terminal.

This is the first of many YOTELs that IFA HR plans to open around the globe, through its operating company Yotel Limited. The Gatwick Airport YOTEL is located in the South Terminal and provides transiting passengers or those with early check-ins a private place to relax. Bookable from just four hours or overnight from GBP 25, YOTEL is destined to become essential to every frequent and long-haul traveller’s plans.

Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director of IFA HR stated, ‘We’re very excited about the opening of the first YOTEL. YOTEL is different from other investments we have in the hotel sector and we truly believe it represents the future. It is a brand that is going to grow exponentially in the next few years as we identify new locations and as prospective partners approach us with ideas of how YOTEL can add value to their markets.’

Globally, several international locations have already been identified as prime opportunities for YOTEL including Dubai, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, New York, Russia, India, South Africa and more.

The YOTEL concept was originally developed by YO! Founder Simon Woodroffe, whose idea was to create cabins that provide a flexible and convenient first class hotel experience at an affordable price.

‘In the 21st Century, luxury will be available to everyone around the globe at the right cost and this is a taste of that future,’ comments Woodroffe. ‘The cabins come with all the facilities you would expect from a traditional hotel to enable work, relaxation, sleep, refreshment and entertainment.’

Gerard Greene, YOTEL CEO, said: ‘Our designers built upon the technology and advanced use of space seen in business class airline cabins and luxury yachts to realise the two tier YOTEL cabin system. Cabins come as ‘Premium’, (with a full size double bed) or ‘Standard’ (with a large single bed) - both with enough room for two as well as en suite bathrooms and in-cabin entertainment, he explains. ‘YOTEL is the prefect solution to boring and expensive hotels around the globe.’

Greene added: ‘We’ve already received a lot of interest since our online booking system went live earlier this month, so travellers are encouraged to book well in advance. Travelling can be a painful experience so we are looking to make it as pleasurable as possible for YOTEL customers.’

Al-Bahar concluded: ‘The opening of YOTEL in Gatwick Airport is the first step in an aggressive expansion plan for the brand. We foresee great interest from others in the hospitality industry and in the future hope to see a YOTEL in the majority of international cities and airports.’

Features within the cabins include:

? Techno wall with clothes storage, pull down working desk with UK and EU charging points, network cable socket and free Wifi and wired internet access;

? Mood lighting and luxury bedding to induce relaxation;

? Bathroom with luxury fittings including shower, bespoke revitalising body wash, hairdryer, and soft towels with a heated mirror.

? Flat screen TV system with over 60 free TV stations including Sky Sports plus on demand blockbuster and classic movies. 80 radio channels plus a jukebox with over 5,000 music tracks and a headphone jack.

? Snacks, club meals and refreshments ordered from the TV system and then delivered to your cabin, or the ability to visit ‘The Galley’ where the cabin crew are available 24 hours a day.

In addition - the larger Premium cabins include:

? A double bed that deploys to a couch by the touch of button (think first class private cabins on an aircraft).

? Input for your own MP3 / iPod player to play your own music choice through the TV speakers.
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