Christchurch, NZ Gets New Hotel Concept

A new concept in short stay accommodation is poised to ease the hotel room shortage in Christchurch, New Zealand. JUCY Snooze is a new multi-million dollar tourism venture from Auckland-based vehicle rental company JUCY that will add another 282 beds and introduce ‘micro-accomodation’ to the New Zealand market.

JUCY CEO Tim Alpe believes the lack of low-cost accommodation in the immediate area has put pressure on the airport infrastructure and reduced tourist numbers to the city.

With this new concept, tourists and locals alike will be able to stay for short periods between international flights or overnight.  

“This type of accommodation is available overseas but there is nothing similar in New Zealand," Alpe said in a statement. "Globally, pod hotels have become increasingly popular and we wanted to bring the concept to this market. We’re calling the new class of accommodation ‘Jucy Snooze.’

“Our primary target market is youth backpackers; however, with global trends changing the nature of this market, we have designed the room layouts to suit low-cost travelers, families, and even retired couples," Alpe continued.

Guests will be able to 'self-check in' and pay for a short stay using a new type of technology. This means that tourists who just want a few hours’ sleep between connecting flights will not have to pay for a full day.

“In particular, there will be more emphasis on social sharing of communal spaces. The rooms won’t have television sets in them.  Instead, visitors will be encouraged to come together in general-use lounges. We will provide hot desks for casual web browsing, and give visitors a reason to come out of their rooms to socialize," Alpe added.

JUCY Snooze will be located within walking distance of the Christchurch Airport in close proximity to the new Spitfire retail shopping precinct, which is currently under development.

The building is made from a modular construction system that will allow the company to manufacture some of it at its Auckland factory and ship it to the site.

JUCY Snooze is expected to open in early 2016.