In 2005, IFA Hotels & Resorts acquired the majority stake in YOTEL. With the signature YO! Formula of innovation and entertainment, the YOTEL concept uses the language of airline travel and offers a business experience for less than £80 a night. The cabins are 10 square metres in size and feature doubled beds, techno walls, sophisticated lighting, pull down desks, monsoon shower, flat screen TV and Wi-Fi access.

Cabins in both the Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are bookable in blocks of four hours enabling delayed and transfer passengers to relax privately in a hotel environment. In addition, passengers leaving on those early morning flights can stay the night before to enjoy a few extra hours of sleep in the morning and check-in online from the comfort of their rooms, safe in the knowledge that they are just a casual stroll from their departure point. Early arriving passengers may also check-in or a few hours before going to a meeting.

London Heathrow and London Gatwick opened during 2007.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is set to open first quarter 2008.

YOTEL is currently evaluating a number of development opportunities around the world. YOTEL’s focus is on expanding into key, high density cities: business gateways with a need for short-term accommodation but where finding the space for a traditional hotel is a challenge. And, of course, capitalising on the opportunity to serve international airports, where the travellers’ desire for functional short-term accommodation is classically under serviced.

www.yotel.com