While sleep pods by companies such as GoSleep are fairly recent in most airports, Gatwick Airport has had an airport capsule hotel or its version of sleep pods called YOTELAIR. The Guardian reported back in 2007 of the a Japanese Yotel and these mini-suites have been available since. A spot check in 2023 revealed that this service is still receiving great reviews.
A notable review from 2011, featured on Tripadvisor, had the following to share:
I have stayed in Yotel at both Heathrow aiport as well as Gatwick; both are very tidy, smart and sophisticated. You can sleep, shower and watch TV if bored. You are right next to a good collection of restaurants, shops and cafe places. To check in or catch your flight all you need is 5 mins walking. Read more here
Below is a snapshot of the review;
While Heathrow also has YotelAir, British Airways has recently introduced ‘forty-wink’ nap lounge and RestWorks now has sleep pods at Heathrow. Read more about it here.
Are there sleep pods at Gatwick Airport?
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Yes, there are sleep pods available at Gatwick Airport in the form of YOTELAIR. These mini-suites offer a convenient and comfortable place to rest, shower or watch TV while waiting for your flight. With a short walking distance to the restaurants, shops and cafes within the airport, it is an ideal spot to take a break before continuing on with your travels. This service has been available since 2007 and continues to receive great reviews from travelers. In fact, the Yotel at Gatwick Airport has received recognition as one of the best airport hotels in the world.
What is a Yotel?
A Yotel is a unique type of hotel that offers compact, high-tech rooms designed to provide a comfortable and efficient stay for travelers. Inspired by the Japanese capsule hotels, Yotel offers a modern and innovative approach to accommodation with its minimalist design and focus on technology. This pod-style hotel is from the company behind the Yo! Sushi restaurant chain.
Yotel vs sleep pods: what’s the difference?
The main difference between Yotel and sleep pods is that Yotel offers a wider range of amenities and services compared to traditional sleep pods. While both provide compact, private sleeping spaces for travelers, Yotel goes beyond just a bed and offers features such as showers, TVs, free Wi-Fi, workspaces and more. In addition, Yotel operates like a traditional hotel with 24-hour reception and concierge services, allowing guests to check-in and out at any time of the day or night.
How Gatwick Sleep pods operate:
To create a serene atmosphere conducive to sleep, the YotelAir accommodations are strategically located in dimly lit corridors, devoid of natural light. The cabins are thoughtfully designed, reminiscent of business class on an airplane(this Guardian reporter found it to be close to stylish ferry cabins).
The premium rooms span a comfortable 10 square meters and feature a cozy double bed, while the standard rooms offer a compact seven square meters with a generously sized single bed tucked away in a cozy nook. All rooms are equipped with a convenient fold-out desk, complimentary internet access, an en suite bathroom, and ample storage space in the bedside table, under the bed, and on narrow shelves.
Types of Yotel’s Sleep Cabins you can expect:
According to Yotel’s website, there are three main types of cabins offered at Gatwick by Yotel;
- Standard Cabins: ideal for 1 guest, however, it can accommodate 2 guests. They’ve indicated that these standard sleep pods have limited privacy as the toilet has no door and there is just one spacious single bed.
- Premium Cabins: 2 adults, 2 adults with 1 child under 5 or 1 adult and 2 children
- Family Cabin: 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. A baby cot can be added to the Family cabin ONLY – no other bedding can be added to any other cabin type.
Amenities you can expect:
| Standard Pod/Cabin | Premium Queen | Premium Twin |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Limited storage space | Wireless charging | Accessible room |
| Small safe | Hot showers | |
| Hot showers | Iron and hair dryer | |
| Basic amenities for city living | A small safe – size of a laptop | Limited storage space |
| Smart TV | Wireless charging | |
| Iron and hairdryer |
Where are Gatwick’s Sleep Pods?
Since its inception in 2007, YotelAir has always been situated in the convenient landside location of the South Terminal. Just minutes away from both departures and arrivals, it provides unparalleled accessibility for travelers.
Gatwick Airport Sleep Pods at North Terminal:
Unfortunately, there are no sleep pods or YotelAir’s sleep cabins at the North Terminal. If you land at the North Terminal and have a long layover, you can simply hop on to the free inter-terminal shuttle service that runs 24 hours. This will take you directly to YotelAir’s sleep pods located in the South Terminal.
You can also book Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport within the North Terminal.
Cost of Gatwick’s YotelAir Pods:
At YotelAir in Gatwick, the minimum booking period is 4 hours. The Standard Capsule is priced at £49, while the Queen and Twin Premium cabins are available for £59 when booked for one person through their website. If you decide to extend your stay by an additional hour, the rates increase to £100 for the standard cabin and £135 for the queen and twin premium cabins. These are the maximum charges for a booking of 7 hours, the maximum duration allowed.
Below are snapshots from the website with pricing for their different cabins;
Why YotalAir is still regarded as Sleep Pods:
Sleep pods technology is classified as part of pay-per-period amenities available in airports and YotelAir runs a similar model where you only pay for the duration of your stay. Their concept was inspired by Japanese capsule hotels and their aim is to provide travelers with a comfortable, convenient and affordable option for relaxation or rest.
Unlike traditional hotels that charge a nightly rate, YotelAir charges an hourly rate making it perfect for short stays during layovers or early morning flights. The cabins are designed to optimize space and provide all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, including free WiFi, power outlets, and flat screen TVs. They also have 24-hour room service available for guests.
YotelAir sleep pods are therefore similar in concept to other pay-per-period sleep pod options, but with additional amenities and a focus on providing a comfortable and convenient experience for travelers. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking an affordable and efficient way to catch up on rest or relax during their travels.
In addition, YotelAir also offers various packages and promotions such as their “Day Stay” option which allows guests to book a cabin for just a few hours during the day, perfect for business travelers or those with long layovers. They also have partnerships with various airlines and offer discounted rates for their passengers.
FAQs
My name is Alex Mutuma and I founded this blog, Airport LLC as a way to document and engage with clients in my travel consulting business. Airportllc.com is the only source of over 2,000 fun things flyers could do during layovers.
Over the past 7 years, I have designed and planned tour packages for hundreds of clients and have recently focussed on the mission of changing boring layovers to excellent mini-vacations by giving you the best suggestions on must-do activities when flying over different airports.
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I currently reside in New York City and have obtained a license to provide professional tour guidance at Airports in the US and across the world. Why should you listen to my suggestions? I have flown through more than 100 airports in the world and fortunately, I have pictures, stories, and tips to share with you regarding all the fun stuff you can do as you wait for your next flight.
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Name: Alex Mutuma
Profession: A professional travel consultant with a focus on airport activities to do during layovers
Email: Alex@airportllc.com
Phone: +1 945 348 889
Website: airportllc.com
Location: 322 Main Packway Street, Boston, US
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