In mid-2019, entrepreneur Taimuraz Chanansv opened Area 24|7 - Germany's first sleeping capsule apartment - in downtown Karlsruhe.

Futuristic Overnight Stay in Karlsruhe

The idea of capsule hotels originally came from Japan, specifically the need for cheap accommodation in cities with a severe shortage of space. Israeli real estate entrepreneur Taimuraz Chanansvi became so convinced of the potential of this concept during his travels in Asia that he now wants to establish it on the German market under the brand name 24|7.

The futuristic accommodation currently offers 16 bunks in the rooms of the former Luxor movie theater in Karlsruhe. These are private individual capsules for each guest, with front or side entrances; double cabins for couples are also planned for the future. The individual capsules are built high enough to allow guests to sit inside. The capsules also feature modern amenities such as air conditioning, television with streaming services, Wi-Fi and a safe. Unlike the Japanese original, the bunks have fixed doors instead of curtains to provide guests with peace and privacy. For this reason, there are also individual showers. Various common areas, such as the kitchen and workrooms, provide opportunities for interaction with other residents. Automated control systems such as light settings or beverage orders, including payment services, can be handled via a mobile phone app. Additional services such as reception and cleaning are also available.

Capsule Hotels as a Model for the Future

In short, the capsule apartment is intended to offer visitors a space-saving and comparatively inexpensive way of staying overnight, without sacrificing European living standards. According to entrepreneur Chanansvi, the target group is Generation Y and Z, younger travelers and, in the future, students who cannot keep up with the rising rental prices in Germany.

The capsule apartment in Karlsruhe is a trial balloon for now; the Area24|7 Apartment will soon be followed by an Area24|7 Smart Hotel there (opening October 2019). The next planned locations are Munich, Heidenheim and Frankfurt.

For more details and information about the first sleeping capsule apartment in Germany, please visit the official website.

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Copyright: Cover Image from HolidayCheck