Despite travel allegedly becoming more accessible with recent improvements including Airbnb, low cost airlines and the ability to search for hours on the internet to get the best deal possible, I don’t know about you, but I still feel that flights and accommodation are getting more – not less – expensive.
Which is exactly where the new trend in accommodation comes in. You’ve probably heard of the capsule or ‘pod’ hotel concept in conjunction with countries such as Japan, China and Singapore, but what about London?
That’s right. The latest accommodation to get London talking isn’t an expensive five-star hotel but, rather, the pod experience at St Christopher’s Inn London Bridge. And it’s easy to see why. With accommodation from £25 per night, it’s no doubt the cheapest place you’ll find to rest your head in one of the most expensive cities in Europe.
The hostel chain, which is well regarded in the industry for their properties around Europe, are claiming to be the first in the country to offer the budget travel concept. The 26 rooms or, perhaps more accurately, ‘pods’ come complete with a thick mattress, curtain for privacy and even ear plugs to block out any external noise.
There’s also a touch screen to control coloured mood lighting, plug and USB sockets to charge your devices, free WiFi and a ventilation system to help keep the pod cool. And while they may seem slightly claustrophobic to the majority of us, apparently, there is room to change your clothes and even dry your hair.
The hostel uses digital keycards, so security isn’t an issue although it’s hard not to imagine feeling isolated when you’re all shut up in your pod. Thankfully, the rest of the hostel has a more social vibe with plenty of communal areas and a bar. And, as we said earlier, it is still a place to sleep for £25 in London, which is a pretty strong ‘pro’ when you think about it.
What do you think? Would you stay in a capsule room if it meant you could save so much on accommodation? Or do pods seem like glorified coffins to you?
Find out more at St Christopher’s Inn London Bridge
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