Global Agents Co., LTD has just announced a new hotel in Kyoto's bustling Kawaramachi district looksto leave its mark on Japan's Capsule Hotel culture by integrating technology and social spaces to bring a utilitarian concept into the realm of semi-luxury. With over 150 multi-functional Smart-Pod units spread over 4 floors of prime Kyoto real-estate, THE MILLENNIALS KYOTO provides guests with full control of their personal unit through the integrated iPod touch provided at check-in. These controls correspond to several unique functions, including an alarm system based on bed movement and optional projectors that make use of each unit's built-in privacy screens. Additionally, the 8th floor lobby doubles as a spacious coworking space for local entrepreneurs, with full office amenities and a lively "Happy Hour" with endless free beer.
The central focus of guests' experience of The Millennials is its high-tech Smart-Pods, controlled through an in-house app that centralizes all the functions of each guest's sleeping arrangements. With this intuitive tool, guests can adjust lighting, air-flow, and even the incline of their mattress easily. Of particular note is the unique, soundless alarm system slowly raises guests to a seated position along with steadily brighter lights, enabling guests to wake up bright and early without disturbing their neighbors. For pods equipped with projectors, guests can connect their personal devices to watch any of their favorite programming in their own private theater. Each unit comes with underbed storage for luggage and can be locked for those staying consecutive nights. Every floor also includes completely private individual shower booths for guests, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
The 8th floor lobby of the complex doubles as a stylish coworking space, with full meeting rooms, private phone booths, and a common kitchen for guests and members to cook simple meals during their stay. With an open-concept design, this lobby area focuses on encouraging interaction between travelers and local entrepreneurs, in a lifestyle complex dubbed "andwork." All users of this community space have free access to unlimited coffee, and a daily happy hour provides free draft beer every day from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Millennials is the latest hotel from Japanese developer Global Agents, whose CEO Takeshi Yamasaki notes that "our goal with The Millennials is to go beyond what people have come to expect from this type of hotel, and create a new option for today's customer who wants both affordability and style." Global Agents have seen great success in the Tokyo market with their Social Apartment brand of co-living arrangements and plan to open another branch of The Millennials in Tokyo's trendy Shibuya district next year.
