Capsule craze

Living or staying temporarily in Hong Kong often involves limited space, high-density living and sky-high rent or hotel rates. According to figures released by the Hong Kong housing authority, the average living space for residents in the semiautonomous island for 2011 was just 12.8 square meters. Coupled with this, prices for real estate in Hong Kong, which soared over 12 percent last year, are among the highest in the world.

With this in mind, businessman Eric Wong has come up with a plan to introduce a uniquely Japanese solution to a very Hong Kong problem. Whilst on a business trip to Tokyo, Eric was amazed by the concept of the capsule hotel. These inns in which capsule-like sleeping units are stacked side-by-side and one on top of the other like the cells of a bee hive can be found dotted around the Japanese capital. "Hong Kong also has a lack of space with a large population, just like Tokyo. Why has this kind of product never been introduced?" asked Connie Wong, secretary of Galaxy Stars Hong Kong, the company that sprung from Eric Wong's business idea.

Each capsule measures just 1.9 meters long, 1 meter wide and 1.15 meters high. Each comes equipped with a bed, air conditioning, lights, power sockets and space for a laptop computer. "It would cost HK$240 (24.20 euros) for a capsule per night for tourists. Only students can rent a capsule monthly, for around HK$3,500 a month, including water, electricity, wireless internet and other miscellaneous items," added Wong.

Based on figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Commission, the average hotel room rate in Hong Kong is around HK$1,165 per night. Wong said this was why tourists were expected to be Galaxy Star’s major customers: "These capsule hotels will be distributed in the tourist spots such as Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok as well as university areas. I’m sure the concept will be popular among tourists due to the relatively low price but high convenience."

Wong believes the new form of accommodation could also help ease competition for beds in university dormitories. Students in Hong Kong are usually forced to remain with their parents if unable to secure a room on campus. However, two Hong Kong students believe the cost advantage offered by capsule hotels must be weighed up against the limited space on offer.

Elvis Lau, who used to dwell in a university dormitory, said the coffin-like rooms would be too small for students: "My dormitory room cost around HK$4,000 a month but is much more spacious than that. I couldn’t stand being confined to a pod for the long term."

Alex Yeung lodged at a capsule hotel on a visit to Tokyo three years ago. He says that despite the limited space inside a capsule - enough for only one person – the “room” was actually quite comfortable and well-equipped. Yeung thinks capsules would be a good option for temporary lodging, but adds they may not "be suitable for students because they have no space for books and other personal belongs at all. You can’t even sit up straight. How can you study inside?"

The first Hong Kong capsule hotel is expected to open around mid this year.

Author: Miriam Wong
Editor: Darren Mara