Check Out These Strange Hotels Where Dinosaurs Check You In
Robots, dinosaurs, and holograms are just the beginning.
We all wonder what the future will look like. Will robots take over our jobs? What would it be like to live as George Jetson, and have a robot at your beck and call? It probably would be a little strange to interact with robots more than with humans, right? Well this hotel chain took that question literal and created the Henn-na Hotel. A place that has humanoid and dinosaur-themed robots assisting visitors, where a holographic check-in system exist and has rooms that are equipped with a “robot phone” acting as an exclusive concierge for guests. The hotel gained international attention for its extensive use of robotics and automation in its operations.
What does Henn Na mean in Japanese?
Translated to ‘Strange Hotel’, this is a place where robots are not mere figments of sci-fi fantasies but tangible companions catering to your every need. If you’re on the quest for a truly unique experience, one that transcends the conventional and pushes the boundaries of reality, we have just the destination in mind.
Why is the Henn-na Hotel unusual?
The Henn-na Hotel stands out for its unusual features and offerings. One of its most notable aspects is the use of robotic staff, which handle various tasks including check-in, concierge services, and room service. Adding to its distinctive ambiance, the hotel incorporates dinosaur-themed robots alongside humanoid ones, injecting a sense of novelty and whimsy into the guest experience. Needless to say, the hotel integrates innovative technologies such as holographic check-in systems, biometric security, and smart room controls, contributing to its futuristic appeal.
Henn-na Hotels are also known for their commitment to sustainability, implementing practices like solar energy generation and energy-efficient designs. In sum, the Henn-na Hotel offers guests a unique and memorable stay by combining cutting-edge technology with unconventional themes and amenities.
The World’s First Robot Hotel
The first Henn-na Hotel, located in Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-themed amusement park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan was founded and opened in July 2015. The hotel was conceived as a response to the growing need for efficiency and cost savings in the hospitality industry. The key idea behind the Henn-na Hotel was to reduce labor costs and improve operations by employing a significant number of robots to handle various tasks traditionally carried out by human staff. These robots were programmed to assist with check-in, check-out, room service, and guest inquiries.
As the building continued, and the technology advanced, the concept became stranger and stranger. The success and novelty of the concept led to the establishment of additional Henn-na Hotels in different locations in Japan, including Tokyo and other cities. These hotels maintained the same robot-focused theme and automation practices. The unique concept and use of robots in the hotel garnered significant attention from the media and tourists from around the world. It was seen as a pioneering example of how automation and robotics could be integrated into the hotel industry. There are now twenty two properties in three different countries.
The Hotel Where Robots Work
The hotel’s robot staff and overall design aimed to provide a unique and quirky experience for guests. The dinosaur robots, in particular, were a notable and whimsical feature, and they even interacted with guests in playful ways. One of our favorite features is that the rooms in Japan are all equipped with a smartphone, called Handy. It acts as a remote while you’re in the room, and provides free domestic and international phone service. This is super helpful for travelers, as you can take it with you when you go out exploring, and access the maps at any time!
How much does the robot hotel cost?
The average nightly cost at Henn-na Hotels can vary significantly depending on the location, room type, and the time of year. Typically prices range from approximately $50/USD to $150/USD per night for standard rooms. It is considered a business hotel and falls under the ‘Eco Luxury’ category.
Innovative Technology at the Henn na Hotels
The different properties of Henn-na Hotels boast a myriad of innovations. Some other properties offer more than robots and humanoids. You can find rooms equipped with Meta Quest 2 VR Headsets and Google Chromecasts. Some of the other unique features you won’t find at other hotels are:
FUTOCON
Experience unparalleled sleeping comfort with their groundbreaking “FUTOCON” in-futon temperature control system. It maintains a cozy 33 degrees Celsius while you’re in bed, decreasing to 1 degree Celsius for restful sleep and increasing to 1 degree Celsius for a refreshing wake-up, harnessing the potential of temperature for optimal sleep management.
LG Styler
At certain properties, you’ll find rooms are equipped with the trending “LG Styler” cleaning machine. The LG Styler Closet is an innovative clothing care system that offers a compact and convenient solution for refreshing and maintaining your garments. Using steam technology, it helps eliminate wrinkles, odors, and allergens from your clothes, leaving them looking and feeling refreshed without the need for extensive washing. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your room, providing a quick and efficient way to keep your wardrobe in top condition.
iRemocon
A cutting-edge gadget, called iRemocon, is an AI-mounted in-room remote linked to a smartphone. By waving the phone in front of the mount, it provide guests with location, tourism and travel details as well as games to keep guests entertained.
Robot Orchestra
A Robot Orchestra made up of 19 RoBoHoNs (cute little robots) perform in time with uniquely Japanese 3D visuals, including features such as blizzards of falling cherry blossoms and folding fans.
Aquaignis Onsen at Kansai Airport
The Aquaignis Senshu Onsen, a natural hot spring spa with mesmerizing ocean views, is open to all hotel guests at no additional cost. Embodying the concept of a “distinctive holiday retreat where gastronomy and camaraderie converge, rejuvenating the spirits of our hotel patrons,” Aquaignis is seamlessly integrated into the hotel, were you can unwind in the soothing natural hot spring spa and savor delightful Japanese cuisine.
Baggage Keeper
Home to the world’s inaugural fully automated luggage storage system! The Baggage Keeper is conveniently situated in the hotel lobby. Hotel guests no longer require assistance from the staff to manage their luggage; instead, they have the freedom to deposit and retrieve their belongings at their convenience.
Manga Collection
The first hotel in Komatsu City where you can access 1,800 manga books. The property has a giant bookshelf with 1,800 manga books on the first floor, and guests can freely enjoy them.
The amenities and innovations are constantly changing and updating among the properties! You can visit each of the locations sites directly if you’re curious whether a particular hotel has a specific feature.
Henn-na Hotel Membership Program
The Henn-na Hotel, part of H.I.S. Hotel Holdings, offers a Membership program available to travelers who plan on staying at their properties and want to take advantage of the benefits. Whether you plan on going once, or multiple times it is beneficial to sign up for this program and it’s completely free to do so! The program works by earning points per booking.
Each booking done through the membership program will receive a 5% discount, plus 1% back on the entire stay. The points are valid for 2 years and are awarded 1-5 days after check out. They even offer bonus points if the reservations meet certain criteria, such as advanced payment. As noted on their website, the percentage of points awarded is subject to change without prior notice.
