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September 6, 2018
&AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA STATION: A Smart Hostel to Experience the Near Future of IoT | &AND HOSTEL
TRAVEL | A Smart Hostel in Traditional Asakusa Offers a Glimpse into the Future of Accommodation
A Smart Hostel Connecting You to the World Through Near-Future IoT Experiences
&AND HOSTEL, an IoT experience-focused accommodation facility equipped with cutting-edge IoT devices, where guests can enjoy communication with fellow travelers alongside their IoT experiences, has opened its sixth flagship location in Asakusa.
Text by UMEMORI Tae
Control Home Appliances with a Single Smartphone Button: A Unique Stay Experience
&AND HOSTEL is a smart hostel brand that realizes advanced IoT spaces, developed by and factory, a company that provides services to enrich people's lives through smartphones. It first opened in Fukuoka in August 2016 and has since expanded to locations nationwide, including Ueno, Kanda, and Akihabara.
Previously, in-room device communication utilized multiple standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, this has now been unified to "Z-WAVE," which has a high adoption rate overseas. Z-WAVE operates on the 920MHz frequency band, minimizing radio interference with other home appliances. It also consumes less power and is strong against signal obstruction, making it the most widely adopted standard globally for smart home appliance control and security sensors.
Upon check-in, guests receive a dedicated smartphone instead of a key. Using the proprietary IoT platform app "&IoT," they can control in-room appliances such as door locks, lighting, air conditioning, and televisions.
Six usage scenarios are available: "Wake up!", "Sleep", "I'm home!", "Go out!", "Concentrate", and "Relax". Pressing a button activates the IoT devices within the room.
For example, upon waking up and pressing the "Wake up!" button, the curtains open, soothing music plays from the smart speaker, and the lighting intensity is adjusted. Additionally, the TV turns on, an aroma is diffused, and the air purifier activates.
A comfortable environment is created with a single button press, allowing for a refreshing awakening.
A tablet called "tabii" is installed in each room. It serves as a virtual concierge, providing information on recommended nearby tourist spots and restaurants.
The hotel also features shared shower rooms, a kitchen, and a lounge.
Guests can check the occupancy status of the shared shower rooms via their smartphones. The lounge also sends notifications when people gather, facilitating interaction among guests.
The newly opened Asakusa Station branch also functions as a marketing place, collecting and analyzing user feedback, behavioral patterns, and device usage data to contribute to the promotion of IoT adoption and technological development.
This evolved hostel offers a comfortable space with a design that challenges the conventional image of capsule hotels, allowing guests to experience the near future of IoT. For those curious about what smart appliances can do and how they might change daily life, why not try a stay and experience it firsthand?
&AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA STATION
Address | 2-17-11 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Rates | IoT ROOM from ¥8,500 / Dormitory ROOM from ¥3,500
Rooms | 5 IoT Double Rooms / 60 Smart Dormitory Beds