Inside the “cocoon” hotel for Chinese office workers

Riding China's booming sharing trend, Beijing-based startup Xiangshui Space launched a service offering midday naps in “sleeping pods” in May. Since then, it has expanded to Shanghai and Chengdu. The company plans to expand to cities such as Qingdao, Nanjing and Shenzhen in late July–early August. 

The “capsule” hotel model had already appeared in Japan. However, Xiangshui Space COO Han Yue said its difference was targeting customers seeking a short lunchtime nap rather than an overnight stay.

“The capsule hotel genuinely meets a major need among office workers, who struggle to find a private, comfortable place for a midday nap,” Han Yue said.

Through the mobile app, customers can easily book a “sleep pod” at Xiangshui Space for a comfortable, private nap. The half-hour rental price is 10 yuan (1,5 USD), occasionally reduced to 6 yuan. 

After booking a cabin through the app, customers arrive and use their mobile phones to scan a barcode to open the door. Payment is made through an e-wallet. 

The sleeping pods at the “cocoon” hotel are designed predominantly in white and equipped with blankets, mattresses, earplugs, and ultraviolet sterilization lamps to provide the best possible midday nap.

Each sleeping pod also has a power outlet and wall-mounted lighting and temperature controls.

The “cocoon” sleeping compartments are designed much like bunk beds.

Each area has 6 sleeping pods like these.

Inside a “cocoon.”