The recession is hitting the housing market and tourism industry hard. However, people who work in real estate are seeing a niche business beginning to boom. “Love hotels” around the world are cashing in at an amazing rate. These establishments are similar to motels that offer hourly rates. Unlike options for weary travelers, reservations aren’t taken and overnight stays aren’t available, not without a hefty price anyway. Their primary purpose is to provide a discreet place for quick romantic rendezvous.
This kind of lodging has a long history in Japan dating back to ancient tea rooms. Even after the recent disasters in Japan, Love hotels are still a $40 billion a year industry where some hotels boast as much as a 257% occupancy rate. With increased popularity and publicity the experience has spread to countries across the world.
The hotels are as varied as their customers. Some are elaborate sets to play out erotic fantasies while others are more traditional motel rooms. One of the most popular examples of a “leisure hotel” in the US is the Liberty Inn in Manhattan NY. Prices range from 2 hrs at $60 - 6 hrs at $140 and for $15 more the room can be upgraded with a whirl pool tub, mood lighting and mirrored ceilings.
Inside the love hotels, across the board, patrons are offered privacy by paying in cash through a darkened teller window. Busy times are lunch hour and 5-7 in the evening where customers can take advantage of amenities like free adult movies or vending machines stocked with condoms and novelty items. Most offer room service and mini bars.
The reasons for the rise in business at these hotels isn’t an increase in infidelity, it’s actually the opposite. Tough economic times and changing family structures have more people living in less space. It’s difficult to have quality alone time with a life partner when the kids, the parents, the roommates, the landlord, whoever, is in the next room. Couples looking to keep their connection are increasing their visits to various love hotels and those who don’t mind changing the sheets more often see that business is banging.
By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer with experience in web, film, photography and animation as well as traditional fine arts like painting and sculpting. In addition to writing for RealestateJobSiteBlog.com, she is co-founder of design and promotion company. Heather’s spare time consists of making puppets, teaching Sunday School, building Legos and doing science experiments with her children.
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