LOOK: These creative hotel bubble pods are signs of the times

The year 2020 is finally behind us, but the threat of COVID-19 persists.

Thus, businesses lucky enough to survive the past year are coming up with innovative ways to entice people to visit and spend.

Some of the examples we've seen are drive-in and float-in cinemas, social distancing dining, and bottled versions of signature coffee and cocktail drinks, among others.

Meanwhile, those brave enough to follow their entrepreneurial dreams have opened ventures that are designed to meet the demands of the time.

Vubble Pods

Speaking of which, luxury hotels Hilton Manila and Sheraton Manila Hotel have come up with a creative solution to address the dine-in woes of customers in these pandemic times.

The Vubble Pods - a more refined variety of the bubble pod or plastic bubble - are now being used by both hotels to accommodate guests who miss the feeling of eating out in a fancy setting.

These air-conditioned and well-ventilated pods are good enough to accommodate up to four guests and can be moved around in different outdoor settings within the hotel for recreational purposes.

The Vubble Pods are constantly being sanitized to keep them clean and free from coronavirus elements.

Adapt or Fold

While branded as the first of its kind in the Philippines, the concept has been rolled out already in some countries in response to the present situation.

Photo by: bubbleiceland (IG)

Hotels and lodges like the Hotel Aire de Bardenas in Spain, The 5 Million Star Hotel in Iceland, the Dome Garden in the United Kingdom, and Maison Bulles in France, have put their spin on the model by creating accommodations out of bubble pods to attract guests.

French designer Christophe Gernigon has invented a cylinder, lampshade-like head cover that allows people to eat while ensuring safety against potential COVID-19 droplets.

Christophe Gernigon head cover design and invention / Photo by: christophegernigonstudio (IG)

The model has generated interests from restaurants in Canada, Belgium, France, Argentina, and Japan, with more expected to follow suit.

Away from the bubble pods, some businesses have incorporated high-tech innovations like robot waiters in South Korea and the Netherlands, robot bartenders in Spain, and QR coded menus to make it easier for patrons to place orders.

Robot waiters of Royal Palace restaurant in the Netherlands / Photo by: wisatabook (IG)

There are also a few odd but somewhat effective gimmicks such as putting teddy bears and mannequins in between seats to enforce social distancing among patrons while putting in a bit of fun and humor to the experience.

Mannequins at the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, USA. / Photo by: innatlittlewash (IG)

Expect more creative ideas in tune with the times as the pandemic continues to affect our daily lives for the unforeseeable future.

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