The Radical Innovation of Zoku Hotels Is Coming to the US

Today's road warriors require a space where they can quickly transition from work and life and back again, and 2015 Radical Innovation Award winner Zoku has created just that.

The hotel debuted in Amsterdam this past summer. Now, co-founder Hans Meyer tells Business Insider that the goal is to open 50 Zoku properties around the world over the next decade. Zoku expects to bring its unique concept to the U.S. by 2018 and is in talks with developers in several major cities, including Boston, Chicago, New York and Seattle.

Aimed at younger travelers conducting business on the go, Zoku Lofts resemble a tiny house more than they do a typical hotel room.

"The way we live now — there's no separation between work and leisure," Meyer told Business Insider. "They don't want to end up in a boring hotel and office space, but informal, open atmospheres."

The king-size bed, usually the focus of most hotel rooms, is elevated above a slideout staircase and can be closed off with shutters. Instead of the bed, a large kitchen table is at the center of the Zoku Loft, providing guests with space to work alone or with others, eat and visit with friends.

"People can have a business meeting there or have a cappuccino with friends — they can really make it theirs," added Meyer.

The 258-square-foot space even boasts a fully-equipped kitchen with everything guests will need to cook a meal, whether for themselves or a group.

Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 32-inch smart TV, dimmable LED lighting, conventional and USB outlets and green cacti for decoration. Large windows also allow guests to work with plenty of natural light. 

Plentiful storage space also makes the space ideal for extended stays. Nonetheless, guests can book stays as short as one night.

 READ MORE: 3 Radical Hotel Concepts We Hope Come to Fruition 

Some of the Zoku Loft's truly unique features include an office toolbox of work supplies — including printer ink, paper and pens — an art swapping closet that guests can access to personalize their loft for the duration of their stay and a guest pantry filled with kitchenware and cleaning supplies.

Weekly cleaning is also provided for stays of seven or more days.

In addition to more than 130 lofts, Zoku's Amsterdam property features communal areas where guests can relax, eat and work alongside fellow guests or visitors.

Perhaps the best part, though, Zoku Lofts start at just $123 per night, making them an affordable option for business and leisure travelers alike.

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