Kiwi Hotel Chain Set to be Most Technologically Advanced

Kiwi Prototype Hotel Chain Set to be Most Technologically Advanced

Christchurch tourists will be the first to experience a new prototype hotel believed to be the most technologically advanced in the country, when it opens in 2016.

Construction work has begun this week on the new Jucy pod hotel which will contain hundreds of fibreglass and steel capsules providing low cost accommodation for travellers.

The 282 bed micro hotel next to Christchurch International Airport is designed to new earthquake standards and plans are underway for sites in Queenstown and Auckland.

Jucy CEO Tim Alpe says in addition to the compact style of the accommodation, the pods will also feature unique technology which allows the traveller to control their own stay.

Tourists will be able to check in, open and secure their rooms using a smartphone app currently in development. Each pod will have a latest generation tablet where guests will be able to wirelessly manage their room, travel itinerary and purchase entertainment on demand.

Alpe says the company’s integrated service offering will see all aspects of the visitor’s time in the country managed via their devices.

“Another of our new apps will allow travellers to book hundreds of local tourist attractions direct, download all of their bookings and take the information with them while they travel.”.

Alpe says the hotel will also help address the city’s low cost accommodation shortage - particularly in close proximity to the airport.

“Guests will be able to walk from the terminal to their bed within five minutes, and have access to a complimentary shuttle service during bad weather,” he says.

“The pricing is designed to meet the needs of the budget traveller, whether it's a backpacker or a family. Most of the pod units will be priced at around $30 with family rooms starting at $85. For short stays between connecting flights, the pods can be rented at $20 for two hours,” he says.

Alpe says the hotel is crafted from an innovative modular construction system, which allows the company to manufacture at its Auckland factory and ship to Christchurch.

It will form part of the new retail development Spitfire Square adjacent to the airport, with other tenants including; food outlets, a supermarket, gym, florist, bar and cafe.

Alpe says the 10 month project will be completed by mid 2016 with the hotel opening in time for the peak tourist season.

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