Last week I stayed in a London Airport Pod hotel. It was on the evening before an early flight to Scotland. This Yotel could possibly be a cure for pre-flight stress and anxiety. It was for me!
This was due to the fact that I woke up in the airport terminal feeling refreshed and relaxed. Normally I would arrive in the airport just before a flight, rushed and stressed.
Yotel is an airport capsule hotel. The one that I stayed in was located right in the Gatwick, London Airport Terminal. Really, how convenient is that?!
There are Yotels located in other airports such as in London Heathrow, Amsterdam and New York.
To be technically correct, Yotel is actually a little bigger than a pod or capsule hotel; just big enough for a bed, bathroom and a couple of items of luggage.
The standard room would certainly be a squeeze for two people. So if you are traveling with a partner then be sure to book a double room, which is bigger and a little more on the premium side.
What I loved
The convenience. Just waking up in the morning and walking just five minutes to the check-in counter!
The staff. When you are tired or stressed from traveling dealing with pleasant and friendly personnel is essential. This is where Yotel has got it right. The staff at Yotel were as friendly, or even more so, than what I would find in a 5-star hotel. Every member of staff that I came across, whether it was the cleaners or front desk agents, were helpful and friendly.
The Room. The bed was extremely comfortable. Sure, it wasn’t a luxurious bed but it was the most comfortable that I have slept in. The crisp sheets were to die for! The bathroom was of course small, but the lovely monsoon shower made up for that. There is a TV conveniently located right above the bed and it provided a good selection of channels. As an added bonus there is free Wi-Fi!
Room Service. This was a great service. To start with all hot drinks are complimentary. In addition to this you can order simple hot food 24 hours a day and have it delivered to your cabin. I didn’t order any food, but was kindly asked if I wanted a hot drink in the morning.
I chose my essential morning coffee to be delivered at a certain time. I was highly impressed that even though I had not purchased any hot food, the complimentary coffee arrived right on the minute. Better still was the staff member that delivered it. He was as professional as some I have come across in upscale hotels.
What I didn’t love
Hmm, this is a difficult one.
I guess I would have to say lack of room, windows and fresh air. But isn’t that what staying in a capsule hotel is all about? People stay here for the convenience, to stay in a unique place and to save money.
Even though it was small, I liked the fact that it was so cosy. The rooms are very well designed and they have utilised the space really well with lots of nooks and crannies where you can leave your belongings.
It’s worth noting that even though I stayed overnight in the Yotel, the cabins are also bookable by the hour. This can be really handy for when you want somewhere to rest or freshen up in-between flight connections.
Staying at the Yotel Pod hotel was such a great experience for the convenience, staying somewhere unique and for getting the best sleep ever!















February 5, 2013 at 12:40 pm
It looks immaculate!
Gregory recently posted..Travel in Thailand: Practical Advice
February 6, 2013 at 8:08 pm
It was Gregory!
February 12, 2013 at 9:45 pm
This is very interesting. I have heard of something like this before but thought that it only existed in Japan. But Yotels are something that I would like to try and see how I fit in. Will definitely try it out.
Shalu Sharma recently posted..Mahabodhi Temple of Bodh Gaya
February 15, 2013 at 7:51 pm
Hi Shalu! Yes, if you get a chance do stay in one – its an experience all in itself!
February 13, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Wow! Never heard of those yotels before! Now I know what to do when I travel far and have to wait between connecting flights! I’m a bit weary of the ventilation/no fresh air thing, but I guess you just have to get used to it! Thanks for introducing me to those pods!
February 15, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Hi Samuel, its the most convenient way to freshen up in-between flights. Although, yes, the lack of fresh air gets some getting used to!