Whitbread, the company behind budget hotel chain Premier Inn, has announced the launch of its latest product, an even more purse-friendly "no-frills" hotel concept – and room rates start from just £19.
ZIP by Premier Inn hotels will be situated on the outskirts of large towns and cities, and will feature compact pod-like rooms, measuring just 8.5m squared (less than half the size of a standard Premier Inn room). The first will open in Cardiff in early 2019, with 138 rooms and a second site with 140 rooms will follow in Southampton, with further acquisitions expected in other locations.
The company says it realised prospective guests were less fussed about spacious rooms and central locations, and more concerned with price. The rooms will cater to "short-stay value-conscious guests who are looking to zip in and zip out," according to Whitbread CEO Alison Brittain.
Premier Inn managing director Simon Jones said: "In developing the concept, we have undertaken considerable research, including having had six ZIP rooms on sale to customers for many months. It’s clear through the research that people want the basics done brilliantly, such as a comfy bed and a power shower but they are happy to compromise on location or some extras if they are paying a fantastic price for their room."
It has tipped the concept as "basics done brilliantly" and the pods may well remind you of a first class airplane cabin, as they've been designed by PriestmanGoode, a consultancy firm that specialises in premium cabins for the likes of Air France, Lufthansa and SWISS.
All standard ZIP rooms include twin single beds with Hypnos mattresses which can be pushed together to create a double, a private bathroom with power shower, free WiFi, a 24-inch television and air-con.
Guests can opt to pay a little extra for a hot or cold breakfast at £3.95 per person and for fast WiFi at £5 for 24 hours. Rooms aren't cleaned daily, but additional cleaning costs £5 per day.
Rooms are available to book online at premierinn.com
