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NZ's first POD accommodation opens in Christchurch

The first in a multi-million dollar chain of upmarket pod hostels opened in Christchurch today with the official launch attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key.

The first in a multi-million dollar chain of upmarket pod hostels opened in Christchurch today with the official launch attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key.

The new 271 bed ‘micro accommodation’ concept was launched by tourism operator Jucy to help relieve the chronic room shortage in Christchurch.

Jucy CEO Tim Alpe says there has already been strong interest in the accommodation with 600 international bookings secured a month before its launch.

Alpe says the new short stay pods offer low cost accommodation close to the airport, with tourists able to stay for short periods between international flights or overnight.

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The self-contained accommodation capsules or pods feature beds, storage lockers a power supply and WiFi connectivity.

He says the pods are just one of the unique elements in Jucy Snooze, with technology allowing the company to create an innovative new concept for the tourism industry.

“We set about challenging the traditional service model of hostels, completely redesigning it to remove the barriers guests commonly encounter. In one example, our research found that hotels were inadvertently causing bottlenecks for their reception staff by forcing guests to leave at the same time.

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“Any time when customers need to queue to pay their bill creates the potential for customer satisfaction to be diminished. We wanted the first and last impression our guests have to be one of efficiency and convenience,” he says.

Alpe says the solution was to utilise technology to allow customers to self check in and out – either by smartphone or a specially designed kiosk.

While the Jucy Snooze target market is primarily backpackers, room layouts have also been designed to cater to low cost travellers, families and baby boomers.

The Jucy Snooze pod prices start at $39, with the pricing model designed to offer flexibility to accommodate tourists wanting to stay overnight,  or a reduced rate for those who just want a few hours sleep between connecting flights.

Alpe says visitors will also be encouraged to socialise and share communal spaces such as the general use lounges, with hot desks provided for casual web browsing.

Alpe says construction will begin shortly on a five story Jucy Snooze in Queenstown with plans underway to roll the concept out in other locations across New Zealand and Australia.  

For more information visit jucysnooze.co.nz

What do you think about Jucy’s new POD accommodation?