UrbanPod : Mumbai gets its first Pod Hotel

A venture by entrepreneurs, Shalabh Mittal and Hiren Gandhi, the UrbanPod Hotel occupies the first floor of Opus Park, a commercial complex in the Andheri SEEPZ area. A location easily accessible by road and metro, with close proximity to the airport, connectivity is definitely in their favour. Assembled in a record time of nine months, after procuring the site on a nine-year long lease, it opened its doors to guests in March, earlier this year. It offers a total of 140 dwelling units in three categories Classic, Private and Suite pods, ranging from 50 square feet to 90 square feet in area. 

Inspired by the concept in his experience in Singapore, Co-founder Shalabh Mittal decided to bring it to India, along with his classmate Hiren Gandhi. The two have a 45% stake each in the venture, with the remainder 10% stake held by Berlin Lee, a promoter of Singapore based architectural firm that also helped in the design of the hotel. The pods were sourced from China and assembled at site after taking into consideration the structural system at site. The average cost per night is in the range of rupees 2000-2500 per night. They do offer mini-meals like we get in flights, that are complimentary and a breakfast at their café with a 60 people capacity. In addition, they have a 24 hours Pod service and laundry service.

Although a little too concise in size, the pods are equipped with all the basic amenities one would need on the go. Each Pod consists of a bed, personal locker with secure key card access, Plasma TV with headphone, reading light, power socket, hangers, a dresser, free WiFi, fire alarms, fire extinguisher, adjustable air-conditioning facility, air-purifier and sliding door with locking-facility for added privacy. It goes a step ahead, to ensure safety of female guests by reserving 18 pods exclusively for them. The only thing it lacks in is, a personal bathroom. Eight pods share one common facility. 

One of the first users of UrbanPod describes India's first pod as a place “where familiarity meets chic futurism”. In her opinion the control panel there is reminiscent of space travel. The USP of a pod lies in the comfortable sleeping arrangements, and if the mattresses are anything to judge by, they fare very well in it. She narrates, “UrbanPod is one of the few niche properties world-over where rooms have shrunk as a response to reckless urbanisation. The Space Age is finally upon us, and in Andheri East, no less.”

The investment so far in the business is around twelve crores. “With an investment of Rs. 5—15 crore per hotel depending on the locality, we are looking at an average of Rs. 10—20 crore investment over the next three years,” said Hiren Gandhi. “Our main target segment will be people from 18-50 years, who are students, entry level executives, pilgrims among others who are looking for affordable, hygienic and safe accommodation.”

With a lot of faith in the freshness, practicality and worth of the concept, he adds, "While India's hospitality and tourism industry certainly offers different types of hotel accommodation, finding a reasonably priced hotel room in a metro is still a challenge. Out boutique smart hotel with pods will address this challenge by offering new age smart travellers looking for fuss-free and convenient living at very attractive pricing," he said. 

A new approach to accommodation for Mumbai, the Hotel does look very promising, as it provides all the essential services and amenities as conventional hotels do - and without their exorbitant rates. The hotel offers maximum benefits in minimum space, but it would work wonders, if they do lower the pricing some more. Not that the current costing of twenty five hundred per night is too costly, but compared to the average rate around the world, it is a bit on the higher side. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth checking out, even if just for a futuristic novelty experience!