‘Nano Hotel’ pitched for downtown Vancouver

A downtown site that’s currently home to an empty two-storey building could be transformed into Vancouver’s first pod hotel, if the city approves a developer’s pitch.

The plan for the “Nano Hotel” would see a 22-storey building with 408 “sleeping units” and a rooftop bar constructed at 948 Howe Street, steps away from Robson Square, according to an application from 1517856 B.C. Ltd. submitted earlier this year.

“The objective of the proposal is to introduce a new form of commercial accommodation in the downtown core, incorporating creative and innovative ideas to transform an underutilized orphaned site,” the application from the numbered company says.

Endorsements from tourism groups including the B.C. Hotel Association and Destination Vancouver that cite a shortage of visitor accommodation in the city while endorsing the addition of a “micro-accommodation model” in the downtown core are also included in the application.

The hotel would have 340 so-called nano-pods, measuring roughly 33 square feet each. The pods are not stacked on top of one another, as is the case in some capsule hotels, instead they are “full-height” meaning there is enough room to stand up, the application says. While there are no windows, each has a standard-sized door that can be closed and each is ventilated.

These pods are anticipated to be “the best value in downtown” but do require visitors to share bathrooms.

The development would also include 68 so-called nano rooms, measuring roughly 100 square feet—including an ensuite bathroom and shower.

“The project is targeted at budget- conscious urban travellers, especially 18-34 year olds. This demographic values central locations, digital connectivity and social experiences over large rooms and unused square footage,” the development application says.

“By optimizing space, the Nano Hotel can offer nightly rates that are much lower than conventional hotels, yet provide substantially more privacy than a hostel.”

The application also notes a motion approved by city council in 2024 that endorsed exploring the possibility of bringing pod hotels to the city. That motion noted similar accommodations are already up and running in Whistler and Richmond.

The report also includes images and descriptions from pod or capsule hotels around the world, including in Tokyo, New York City, and Amsterdam.

“The model has been proven as a key viable alternative to a tradition hotel room, and the trend around the world is for this sector to continue to grow,” the application says.

“These small rooms appeal to price sensitive travellers who still expect high tech amenities and quality design. The Nano Room and Nano Pod adapt this global trend to the Vancouver market by offering slightly larger footprints, full height rooms, privacy and integrated storage that meet local building standards, combined with social components to address cultural expectations.”

The application moves to its next phase in May and no date for a public hearing has been set. According to B.C. Assessment, the last time the parcel of land was sold was in 2024, for $4,050,000.