It was 1979 when the concept of a capsule hotel became a reality in Osaka (Japan). These are accommodations that are characterized by their smallness but also by being affordable in price.
Inside there is barely room for a person lying down, who has just enough space to turn around and not be too overwhelmed. These types of establishments are popular in Asia, but they are being exported to the rest of the world. In the Netherlands, for example, those responsible for CityHub have copied the idea, although they have given it a twist to make it more comfortable and attractive for any traveler looking for a different accommodation.
Recently, a team from the OK Diario Travel blog travelled to Amsterdam to experience the experience offered by CityHub. This hotel is located at 3 Bellamystraat, about 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. When you walk through its door, the first impression you get is that it is the meeting point for tourists from all over the world, since it is not uncommon to hear several languages from its modern common area.
Although what is striking on the first stay is the way you check in: check-in is done directly on a machine. There you select the capsule you prefer from those that are free and receive your bracelet, which will be your most faithful companion throughout your stay. Because it’s the bracelet that serves as the key to your capsule, the one that opens the doors of the hotel at night and the one you can use to pay for anything inside the CityHub: from a coffee to a pair of flip-flops for the shower, a bag of chips or a drink to brighten up your night. You don’t need to carry loose change, scan your wristband and the amount will be charged directly to your credit card.
Beyond this, what we wanted to discover was what the capsules we were going to sleep in were like. So we didn’t delay any longer and headed down the aisle to number 14. On both sides we were leaving the rest of the capsules, two per block, each one in the shape of an ‘L’ lying down. In this way, it is possible for four people to be housed in the same rectangle: two in the upper capsule and another two in the lower capsule. The space is used to the maximum.
How big (or small) are CityHub’s capsules?
We used our bracelet to unlock the door of capsule 14, opened the door, and finally revealed to our eyes what was to be our room for the next two nights. The first feeling is that, indeed, it can seem like a small thing for two people to live together. The long part of the lying ‘L’ is the one that houses the bed (up or down depending on your choice), while the short part is used to leave your suitcases, your clothes and little else. Two people who coincide at the same time at the highest part may be uncomfortable, but the capsule is a cabin designed more for sleeping and little else.
So it’s the next thing we did, lie in bed. Immediately all our fears disappeared: the capsules are spacious enough that I don’t feel claustrophobic. And her bed is comfortable. But in addition, and this is one of the strengths, CityHub gives you the possibility to control your capsule directly from your mobile. Through an app you can configure the atmosphere of the room by raising and lowering the intensity of the light and customizing the color of the lighting. Or if you prefer, you can choose one of the preset environments to have the feeling of being in the middle of nature or in the middle of sunset. Ah! And for the sleepy: you can also set the alarm clock and let the capsule wake you up from your peaceful sleep.
The CityHub experience is not limited to just its capsules. In addition to a very modern decoration (almost hipster, in keeping with the city of Amsterdam), its managers have taken care of all the details. The bathrooms, communal due to the size of the capsules, will make you feel like a billionaire for a few moments. Especially when you put on the robes that are offered as a courtesy to move through the corridors to the showers.
Although the detail that we liked the most (besides the hot chocolate to which we were invited before going to sleep) was undoubtedly that a small wifi device is offered for free with which to get internet outside the CityHub. Free internet on the street all day! Something that will come in handy for those who do not have a data tariff abroad, those who do not want to pay for roaming and those who do not feel like going from restaurant to restaurant looking for free wifi. A great detail, yes sir!
All in all, CityHub is an experience that everyone visiting Amsterdam should try if they’re looking to get out of the classic hotel of a lifetime. A different place, well located and affordable for all budgets (from 45 euros a night for two people).
Source: Ok Diario
