Resol Poshtel Resol Poshtel
Japan is at the forefront when it comes to digitalization, robotization, and simplification. And this trend has sneaked into the hotel industry quicker than anywhere else in the world.
It started with opening the first capsule hotel in 1979, which was and still is a groundbreaking concept. Making the best use of space in our ever-growing cities while trying to avoid significantly impacting the quality of stay (with more or less success).
So, Japanese cities have long experimented with the best formula for capsule hotels. Starting with the traditional stacked capsules in one room to futuristic open space versions looking like a scene from Matrix.
Resol Poshtel in Tokyo's downtown district, Asakusa, known for its historic sights with many temples like the Sensōji, is another twist on the nearly half-decade-old hotel concept.
Digitalization/automatization is apparent from the moment you check in at the hotel. It's all done on a tablet, so it's okay if you arrive late at night.
The hotel's "Living Lobby" lounge is the typical get-together space of a hostel with tatami mats, a large wall painting of Mount Fuji, and an unmissable Bonsai tree.
The design is a Western/Japanese fusion, and it's a nice place to drink a cup of coffee (which is free of charge).
There are vending machines if you get hungry for a tasty Japanese snack.
The close-up map of Asakusa shows the neighboring points of interest with tips for the best bars and restaurants.
Japanese tea ceremonies inspired the interior of the rooms, and they have a double-layer curtain for better sound isolation and added privacy.
So, you can think of it like the next-generation hostel. Instead of open bunk beds, you get a theatrical entrance to your own crib.
Traditional Japanese art - like ukiyo-e motifs - is painted on a gold folding screen inside your capsule.
The hotel is a representation of Asakusa, where conventional and modern meet in one place.
The capsules have underbed storage to keep your luggage safe and close to you.
The Resol Poshtel is officially a 2-star hotel, but as its name suggests, it's more of a posh hostel ("poshtel") with standards and amenities like in a higher-class hotel, but the sleeping quarters and bathrooms are shared like in hostels.
While the rooms are tiny, everything is within arm's reach, so you don't have to move from your comfy position.
Your room's switch panel lets you control the lights and ventilation, and it has USB and (Japanese standard) plug sockets - so remember to bring your travel adapter.
The welcome package includes small and big towels, a toothbrush, and slippers.
The washroom is sparkling clean, as you would expect in Japan, and it's got all the amenities you might have forgotten at home packed in a wrap.
The shower is better than in most hotels. It has a handheld showerhead plus a rainfall one from the top.
The high-tech Toto toilet (yes, this deserves praise!) can play music to "give you more privacy", and the usual things for Japan, like washing and drying your pretty bottocks.
The use of the laundry machines costs less than one USD, so no more ripoffs when you need a set of clean clothes—one of the many advantages of Japanese accommodations.
