Let's imagine, for a moment, that you just toddled off of an
airplane, lugging fifty pounds of luggage behind you.

Considering your raging hangover from too much in-flight scotch, chattering tourists and polyester-clad flight attendants are two of the last things you want to see. In fact, visions of a cushy, freshly-made bed and a hot shower are the only things that sound appealing or even tolerable right now. Simon Woodroffe, mastermind of one of the world's most radical hotel concepts, feels your pain.

Woodroffe is the founder and chairman of Yotel, scheduled to open it's first location in London's Heathrow Airport in late 2006, with two more locations in store for 2007. The hotels cater specifically to the needs of in-flight customers. They provide four-hour rentals for long lay-overs and overnight rentals for customers that just need somewhere clean, stylish, and convenient to relax.

As a jet-lagged guest, you have your choice of a premium or economy cabin, which start at just 40 pounds for an overnight visit. Each cabin includes a generous sprinkling of technological goodies and luxurious details, such as flat-screen televisions and free internet with hundreds of downloadable movies. Yotel provides a universal port in its rooms, so that guests with ipods or Palm Pilots just plug in their favorite high-tech toys. If you need to nibble, Yotel provides an eat-in grazing menu. If you're still feeling anti-social after your nap, Yotel even offers an automated service to check in and out of your room.

One of Yotel's most unique characteristics is its internal windows, making it ideal for inner city or underground locations. By squeezing rooms into such unconventional areas, Yotel cuts expenses for the company, allowing for lower rates on the rooms.

Woodroffe has tried his hand with other facets of the entertainment and hospitality industries. Yo! Sushi was his first entreprenurial attempt. Hordes of patrons lined up to try the sushi served on conveyer belts, washed down with drinks delivered by robot waiters. Yo! Zone, another Woodroffe creation, is a "traditional" spa that's been tricked out with trippy background music and a selection of alcohol that many spa-devotees would scoff at. Woodroffe's philosophy suggests that pampering oneself should be both pleasurable and interesting, and that a few margaritas never hurt anyone.

Yotel might seem strange and radical in today's generally uninspiring hotel industry. But, hey, maybe Simon Woodroffe is right. Maybe we should expect more from our travel lodgings than a defunct mini-fridge and bad art that matches the upholstry. Maybe it's time for a stylish place to sleep in transit. See you in London, ladies and gentlemen, it's time for my nap.

A PimpWiz Exclusive By, Jennifer George

Labels: JenniferGeorge