Airport capsule hotels
Founder: Simon Woodroffe
Website: www.yotel.com
Yotel opened its doors in July 2007, at Gatwick airport and soon landed at Heathrow too. Ex-dragon Simon came up with the concept of a Japanese capsule hotel back in 2002. Faced with the ‘conundrum’ of how to make the concept acceptable in the West, he asked the designer of the British Airways first class cabin to help.
Last year was the 10th anniversary of YO! Sushi, the brand which made Simon a household name. Plans for the next few years include Yo! Japan, a fashion label and Yo! Home, luxury apartments.
