At Long Last, A Space For Recharge

In a fast-paced and dynamic city like Hong Kong, the energy is so overwhelming day-in and day-out. It's probably why it's tagged as a city that never sleeps. With a combined population of locals, expats and tourists, over seven million people walk the streets of Hong Kong on their way to work, to tour around or to have an easy day if time ever permits it. It's the busiest place I have even been in. This brings me back to an old saying - a New York minute is a Hong Kong second. This is why Hong Kong is ranked amongst one of those cities that are sleep-deprived.

Hong Kong is known to be a popular destination for its delicious local delicacies and michelin-starred restaurants. But is food the only essential thing? How about a space for a full recovery and recharge while you're away from home? I bet you've never wondered about that before, too.

Sleep may seem trivial, mundane and dull in today’s world. For many people, sleep is nothing. But severely compromising sleep can kill you. Sleep deprivation can permanently damage your brain. Yet, a distorted culture is celebrating the sacrifice of sleep in the hope of increased productivity. The same culture that values immediate returns over long term investments.

Entry is by the stairs connecting Gough Street and Queens Road Central in Sheung Wan

Just very recently, I got invited to a place called Sleeep. Yes, I think I spelled it right. Sleeep with three Es. There is a good explanation as to why it's spelled that way and we will get to that shortly.

Sleeep is a new sustainable and minimalist capsule hotel - the first of its kind in Hong Kong. Some of us may already be familiar with the term because of the sleep capsules in Japan and Taiwan. However, Sleeep has an edge. Their space is designed to use technology to promote a sustainable culture, one quality sleep at a time.

Right after I responded to their invitation, I was directed to their online booking system. There, I was asked to enter how long I want to sleep. They asked me if I had trouble sleeping and how much sleep I get every day. They asked me what kind of sleeping environment I feel comfortable in. Answering these questions seemed very interesting to me as I went ahead with the booking.

The sleeping capsules

I was given the chance to personalise my sleep settings: how many pillows do I want? How soft or how firm do I want my mattress? What kind of blanket am I most comfortable in? Just by being presented with these simple questions, I immediately knew, they were serious about giving me the sleep that I needed.

The Sleeep experience is centered on the patent-pending capsule – named SLPer. Each SLPer provides an intimate space to deliver exceptional quality sleep. From the metal skin to the real wood lining inside; the rounded corners to the indirect lighting, every detail of the SLPer is designed for quality sleep. Once inside, a guest would be enclosed by an innovative magnetic curtain that is quiet to operate and effective for privacy. The circadian lighting, active air supply and climate control within each SLPer are utilised based on scientific findings of its surroundings to give its occupants the highest quality sleep possible. The thoughtful comforts, minimalist aesthetics and subtle yet meaningful use of technology come together to deliver an affecting, efficient recharge, whenever one needs it.

Thick felt curtain for privacy and to eliminate light and sound from the common areas

Now you probably want me to answer that pending question in your mind: why do they have to spell Sleeep with three Es?

Here's why:

Essential

Sleeep is an essential activity that is practiced by everyone, everyday, everywhere. Yet, in a stressful and overworked environment such as Hong Kong, that foundation is sacrificed in the name of improving living standards.

Environmental

Sleeep’s commitment to the environment is evident from the paperless operations, 100% LED lighting systems. They use organic cotton towels and locally sourced amenity options.

All that aside, the core service that Sleeep provides is in itself an advocation for a more sustainable lifestyle on an individual level. They even found a way to recycle the heat emitted by the air-conditioning units to heat up the tanks that provide water for the shower and also to warm the bathroom floors for added comfort. This just gave me the biggest WOW.

Shower is provided with hot and cold water, fresh towels and toiletries

Efficient

From the natural wood to the motion-responsive lighting in the common areas; smooth corners to the silent magnetic curtains. Every detail of Sleeep is designed for your good quality recharge. The efficiency of the service starting from the online booking down to the actual sleep experience is flawless. They even delivered my QR key straight to my email which gave me access to their secure premises. Once you're in, the SLPer assigned to you will immediately emit a blinking light to lead you to your private space.

Upon completing your booking, you will receive your very own electronic key

I had to speak very softly, in respect to the other sleeepers

Here's what else you can expect to get from Sleeep:

- Free wifi

- A secure and designated locker

- Power outlets in each capsule (USB ports also available)

- Fresh drinking water

- Fresh towels

- Rainshower

- Toothbrush and toothpaste

- Earplugs

- Hotel slippers

Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed inside the premises.

Sleep is our precious, natural talent to recharge our body, sharpen our focus, boost our creativity, and build up our resilience. Sleeping well enhances the quality of every moment with our eyes are open.

We sleep because it takes us further.

Sleeep is available for hourly and overnight bookings. Hourly bookings are available

daily from noon to 11:00PM onwards. Be the first to stay at Sleeep.

Sleeep well!

SLEEEP

Address: 1/F 242 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Directions: SLEEEP Sheung Wan is located between Queen's Road Central and Gough Street, mid-way along a staircase. The closest MTR exit is Sheung Wan station exit A2.

Or click here: http://sleeep.io