Gatwick has been chosen as one of the first airports for a venture dubbed "the world's most radical hotel concept."

YOTEL is to open one of its hotels at Gatwick next year.

The company has signed a contract with airports operator BAA to open a 50-cabin hotel inside the South Terminal.

The other site is to be a 40-cabin hotel inside Heathrow's Terminal Four.

Together, their aim is to offer an affordable luxury hotel experience to the 95 million passengers who use both airports every year.

The openings will mark the first time that such a hotel has been built inside an airport terminal.

The launch of the ground-breaking concept took place in London last Wednesday with Yo! founder Simon Woodroffe (pictured above) and BAA group marketing manager Colin Wagstaffe inviting journalists to experience the cabin accommodation and such features as double rotating beds and techno walls.

Former stage designer Mr Woodroffe is the man behind the Yo! Sushi restaurants.

He launched his first restaurant in January 1997 in Poland Street, Soho, with the last of his savings. Yo! Sushi is now the UK's No.1 conveyor belt restaurant group. The concept represents a Japanese kaiten sushi bar adapted for the West.

A BAA spokeswoman said: "With the signature Yo! formula of innovation and entertainment, the YOTEL concept uses the language of airline travel and offers a business-class experience for less than £80 a night."

The cabins have been designed by Priestman Goode, the company which has helped Airbus define the double-deck aircraft of the future.

The cabins are 10m square and feature rotating double beds, techno walls, sophisticated lighting and pull-down desks.

They will also include a monsoon shower, flat-screen TV and wi-fi access.

The spokeswoman said: "Cabins will be bookable in blocks of four hours, enabling delayed and transfer passengers to relax privately in a hotel environment.

"In addition, passengers can check in for their early-morning flight online from the comfort of their cabin, ensuring extra hours sleep and relaxation in the knowledge they are just a stroll away from departure."

Tuesday, December 12, 2005