City of Vancouver wants Capsule Hotels for the World Cup. Why micro-units are a better solution.

I lived in Japan 10 years. Capsule hotels were used in Tokyo, primarily for working businessmen that missed the evening train to go back home. Culturally, this just won't work in this western culture, or as a holiday-use. The businessman would simply just sleep there a short period with barely a briefcase, and leave early in the morning, not to return. Take their shoes off, in bed, wake-up, and off they go in the A.M. The capsule hotel concept currently proposed won't be ideal for its purpose for World Cup visitors etc. They will not just be singles travelling alone, and just need a couple hours of sleep; they will be from a wide-array of countries not familiar with the capsule hotel concept, or its necessary restrictions. I would, humbly, recommend micro-hotel-suites as an alternative that could be slightly larger with their own micro-bathroom/shower. This will also be a better alternative for the long-term usability of these units.

Chat GPT had this to say:

Capsule hotels can be suitable for some tourists depending on their preferences and needs, but they may not be ideal for everyone due to several reasons:

1. Limited Space: Capsule hotels offer compact sleeping pods, which might feel cramped or claustrophobic for some tourists, especially those who prefer more spacious accommodations.

2. Minimal Privacy: While capsules usually come with curtains or blinds for privacy, the walls are often thin, and sound insulation may be lacking, making it difficult to block out noise from other guests.

3. Limited Facilities: Capsule hotels typically offer basic amenities and limited communal spaces compared to traditional hotels. Guests may miss out on features like room service, gyms, or lounges.

4. Not Family-Friendly: Capsules are usually designed for solo travelers and may not accommodate families or couples comfortably.

5. Lack of Cultural Experience: Some tourists may prefer staying in hotels that provide a more immersive cultural experience, such as boutique hotels or guesthouses, which often offer more interaction with locals and a sense of the destination's ambiance.

6. Difficulty for Those with Mobility Issues: Climbing up into and out of a capsule may be challenging for some travelers, particularly those with mobility issues or disabilities.

Overall, while capsule hotels offer a unique and budget-friendly accommodation option for certain travelers, they may not suit everyone's preferences or requirements.