Karen Bradbury

Europe Traveler

Stripes travel enthusiast Karen Bradbury shares ideas for great getaways and ways to save dollars for our Europe-based readers.

Hotels and Yotels

Did you ever read about those little cell-like hotels they have in Japan? Oddly fascinating, aren’t they? Now, if you’ve always wanted to experience something similar, you don’t have to trek all the way to Asia to do so. On Sunday, July 1, the Yotel will debut at London’s Gatwick Airport.  

The set-up of the room is based on a business class airline seat or a berth in a luxury yacht. Two classes of cabin are available, standard and premium, and rates are based on a minimum four-hour stay, with each additional hour running up your bill further. The standard cabin costs 25 pounds for the first four hours and an additional five pounds for every hour after that; premium cabins go for 40 pounds for four hours, plus seven pounds for every added hour. While either class can serve as a double, you are forewarned that the bed in the standard cabin sleeps a “cozy” two. So perhaps the Yotel is not the best option for traveling friends, but if you’re looking for an excuse to snuggle, perhaps the Yotel can provide you with one.