Passengers passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have made five sleep rooms popular this year but the Minute Suites napping nooks on Concourse B next to Gate B15 are only the start of a new trend that will see a proliferation of such rooms.
Each of the five sleep rooms in Atlanta have a day bed, a telephone, desk, Wi-Fi (free), a 32”HD TV, a sound masking system and other tools for sleeping or relaxing for an hour or two.
The company’s second Minute Suites branch, which will have 13 larger suites, is scheduled to open at Philadelphia International Airport in March 2011. The cost is US$30 for the first hour, then $7.50 for each 15-minute segment.
The company has at least three other airport suites in the works. And napping nooks are also coming to San Francisco International Airport. Unique Retreat plans to open several in boarding area A. Fifteen rooms are planned. They will have a full-size bed and free Wi-Fi. Prices will be $40 for the first hour.
About 30 other airports are interested in the concept, said Unique Retreat CEO Greg Lovett.
By David Wilkening
