AccorHotels, the French-based hospitality giant, has an answer for that pesky problem of not having enough guest-room capacity: retrofitted shipping containers.
After a pilot project tested at cultural, sporting and artistic events throughout France, Accor’s Flying Nest concept is being expanded to meet accommodation needs in the B-to-B marketplace in Europe—and, eventually, at some of its hotel properties. The company sees demand from event planners, exhibition organizers, corporate clients and AccorHotels partners.
Used marine containers are converted and delivered from Lyon, France, by Capsa, a startup specializing in the reworking of these modules.
The mobile guest rooms were created by French pop culture designer Ora-ito (known for, among other creations, his aluminum Heineken bottle and virtual Vuitton products). Each “island” of six containers is transformed with raw and natural materials, and decked out with all the comforts of a hotel room (Sweet Bed by Ibis bedding, private bathroom, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi).
“The layout of the islands, the patio and the large windows connecting the inside of each room to the outside all provide guests with a totally immersive accommodation option,” said Damien Perrot, senior vice president design for Accor.
Materials, techniques and equipment are environmentally friendly, including use of fair-trade bath amenities, eco paint, sustainable wood and LED lighting.
Sebastien Dupic, new business senior project manager for Accor, said the Flying Nests could be offered to consumers by 2019.
