LCC challenging backpackers for cheap accomidation

[thewinchester]

Well, just when we thought people couldn't rip any more money from the cost of providing travel service, Tony Fernandes (AKA Mr Air Asia) hits whole new depths and levels.

A mate just sent me a link to their new hotel chain, Tune Hotels. Their strapline is "5-star sleeping experience, for 1-star price".

On the list of things you'll have to tolerate at their locations includes:

• In-room advertising (I wish I was joking here),
• Pay-as-you-go air conditioning - or anything which uses power for that matter,
• towels, tea, coffee, bathroom basics - all chargeable, and
• Booking a room via their call centre, that's an extra RM 10.50 thanks.

I have to wonder, how low will consumers go? I know there's a lot of price-sensitive travellers out there - is True Hotels about to become a cheaper stay option than the good ol' backpackers?

 

[davidj-bell]

Well, just when we thought people couldn't rip any more money from the cost of providing travel service, Tony Fernandes (AKA Mr Air Asia) hits whole new depths and levels.

A mate just sent me a link to their new hotel chain, Tune Hotels. Their strapline is "5-star sleeping experience, for 1-star price".

On the list of things you'll have to tolerate at their locations includes:

• In-room advertising (I wish I was joking here),
• Pay-as-you-go air conditioning - or anything which uses power for that matter,
• towels, tea, coffee, bathroom basics - all chargeable, and
• Booking a room via their call centre, that's an extra RM 10.50 thanks.

I have to wonder, how low will consumers go? I know there's a lot of price-sensitive travellers out there - is True Hotels about to become a cheaper stay option than the good ol' backpackers?

They opened this up a while ago. It's based on the same principles, and in a way seems like a good idea, ie you only pay for what you want to use. In-room advertising might be a bit too much though. To some degree, 1* and backpacker places run to the same concept, if you want luxuries like your own bathroom (or your own room) you pay more.

I was told by a friend that Easyhotels in London, it costs you GBP 5 a day to use the TV remote if you want to watch TV (but it still works without the remote, you just have to be old fashioned and actually get up to change channels).

Peronally I tend to skimp on accommodation (there is a minimum level of cleanliness) as I hardly am using it when travelling.

 

[dajop]

I have to wonder, how low will consumers go? I know there's a lot of price-sensitive travellers out there - is True Hotels about to become a cheaper stay option than the good ol' backpackers?

Actually I was seriously considering using this on a recent trip through KL. It is a great idea if wanting to connect to an LCC at KUL and give yourself an overnight to minimise risk, and keep the overall fare low cost. (in the end I risked a 2.5hr luggage free connection from MH->TR)

Let's see the alternatives.... $30 AUD for room with 12 hrs aircon, towels...at the Tune KLIA, or $180 at the KLIA Pan Pacific ... for an 8 hour stay .... or muck around getting into KL proper(!). I think it has a real fit in the marketplace, and for example not everyone wants or needs aircon, so why pay for it?

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

I don't have a problem with the concept of the tune hotels.

Considering that when on holidays you're probably out of the hotel room half the day, then you will prob only need to buy 12 hrs of aircon each day. to me it seems fair that the guests who use the most power pay the most.

as long as the room is clean, bed comfy, there's no bad smells, aircon works and is quiet, the hotel is in a convenient location, then the extra frills are generally not worth paying for unless you're really going to use them.

 

[Natt]

I have stayed at the tune hotels at the LCCT, Kuching and Penang

All in all I would have to say they are good value for money - clean with a bed, shower, toilet and an in room safe

There advertising is not too in your face, I don't think its any more intrusive than all the bits and pieces in a hotel room.

There were a few downsides the LCCT had piped music in the halls in the middle of the day.

This is just dumb as we checked in to get a nap after an Air Asia red eye and could not sleep!

The one at Kuching is right next to a nightclub that pumps music out until 4am - so cough nights sleep one night.

And the Penang one - well I have no complaints about that one - there was a dumpling stall right outside that was awesome

They are a lot like Air Asia on the ground, and can be just as difficult to deal with, but if you want a spot to sleep and are not fussed about minor issues then they are fine.

Also no matter where you go you can get hotel problems

 

[drron]

I am glad some people like this sort of accommodation however if I am found dead in a Tune hotel it is because I have been drugged or murdered somewhere else and my body removed to said hotel.:shock:

 

[Natt]

I am glad some people like this sort of accommodation however if I am found dead in a Tune hotel it is because I have been drugged or murdered somewhere else and my body removed to said hotel.:shock:

so you would not be need air conditioning then

 

[straitman]

I am glad some people like this sort of accommodation however if I am found dead in a Tune hotel it is because I have been drugged or murdered somewhere else and my body removed to said hotel.:shock:

...... And then you would probably not pay the bill either :!:

 

[RB]

Reminds me of another concept we encountered at the Omena Hotel in Helsinki. Description from their website is
"You book your room on the Internet without having to queue to a sales office. Having completed your booking, you will receive a booking confirmation, which includes the room number and a personal door code that is valid throughout your stay. No further check-in or check-out procedures are needed."
Helsinki is generally very expensive but Omena was huge cost saving yet excellent standard.

 

[drron]

so you would not be need air conditioning then

Yes I would be stiff

...... And then you would probably not pay the bill either :!:

and they would be stiffed

 

[Natt]

Reminds me of another concept we encountered at the Omena Hotel in Helsinki. Description from their website is
"You book your room on the Internet without having to queue to a sales office. Having completed your booking, you will receive a booking confirmation, which includes the room number and a personal door code that is valid throughout your stay. No further check-in or check-out procedures are needed."
Helsinki is generally very expensive but Omena was huge cost saving yet excellent standard.

Wow - thanks for posting about the Omena hotels - this looks like a great choice for us when we are visting the region.

Sound like a weird question, but can you remember if the rooms had safes? Also it looks like they have microwaves, is that right?

Cheers

 

[RB]

Wow - thanks for posting about the Omena hotels - this looks like a great choice for us when we are visting the region.

Sound like a weird question, but can you remember if the rooms had safes? Also it looks like they have microwaves, is that right?

Cheers

Recall the fridge & microwave but not sure about safe. Easy walk to central station, pubs, restaurants & shops. Certainly no noise problems.

 

[straitman]

Yes I would be stiff

and they would be stiffed

 

[samh004]

I don’t think I’d mind about in-room advertising or pay-as-you-go electricity (though I charge my computer, iPhone and other things, so maybe that’d be costly), but I’d have to have my own toilet!

 

[harvyk]

Meh, if I go to a 5 star hotel, I go for the hotel experience. If I'm simply going for a bed to sleep in, well the 8 to 10 hours I'm in the room I'm only using the bed.

At most I'll watch a bit of TV, and run the air-con if needed, I may also setup my lappy in a corner. But it's rare I'll actually stay in the room. I'll find the local nightlife, I'll be attending meetings, or sitting on a beach somewhere, I'll be out seeing the local attractions. Thus really the room is a place to go at the end of the day to sleep in. Not as the reason to travel to a location. (IMHO)