I went inside the NYC napping lounge where people are paying up to $250 a month to nap in dark, private pods at any time of day - here's what they look like
Located in Manhattan's bustling Midtown neighborhood, Nap York calls itself "your 24/7 oasis in the middle of the Concrete Jungle." When I got there, I tried to peer in the windows but they were obscured by dark curtains.
Nap York has had about 8,000 people come in for naps since it opened in February, according to Moreno.
Source: Nap York
When you step inside, you're greeted by screens that display the various nap and membership options available. There are also several large plants, which instantly hooked me as a stereotypically plant-loving millennial.
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You then walk upstairs to the reception area, called the "Wellness Station," where you trade your shoes for slippers, pay for your nap, and get a buzzer that acts as your alarm clock.
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Before or after their nap, nappers can sit in a moon chair and and enjoy a calming cup of chamomile tea in the greenery-filled lounge area. Before my tour of the facilities, I took a few minutes to relax in a chair and listen to the calming instrumental music that was playing.
Source: Nap York
One of Nap York employees, who are collectively called the "Dream Team," told me the use of a storage locker is included in the price of a nap. There's also a space to store larger luggage.
Source: Nap York
Plants are everywhere at Nap York; Moreno told me there are about 500 plants in the space.
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I was surprised at first that everything was painted black — from the plant pots to the walls to the pod's curtains — but it helped maintain a dim, calming atmosphere. There are two types of pods: 28 business class and nine first-class pods. The first-class pods are slightly larger and come with a weighted blanket and an adjustable bed.
Source: Nap York
The pod area was surprisingly quiet. Nap York's space is soundproofed with upcycled car tires underneath the floors. White noise machines that sound almost like air conditioners also help drown out background noise.
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When I first peaked into a pod, I was surprised by how large it was. I expected it to be more tube-like, but there was plenty of room for a person to sit up.
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Let's give slides from here through #14 a little more personal context. The pic makes it look sterile -- what was your first impression when you walked up to it?
I was told that Nap York's main demographic consists of travelers who have layovers in nearby airports, but that they're getting more business people who want to take advantage of the membership options. "We have a lot of 'VIP members,' as we call them, who come in Monday through Friday, 30 minutes at a time," Moreno said.
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The pods are inspected and cleaned after each use by one of Nap York's employees. The mattresses, from Japanese brand Airweave, are washable and designed to minimize dust and allergens. The mattresses are covered by bed bug-blocking protectors, and professional inspectors visit Nap York each month to ensure the facility is bed-bug free.
Source: Nap York
For an extra $5 per nap, you can upgrade to a first-class pod that has more headspace, an adjustable bed, and a weighted blanket with linens. "We partner with a lot of sleep doctors so they help us with what it takes for people to fall asleep faster and to get the rest that they need," Moreno said.
Source: Nap York
If you choose not to store your shoes and other belongings in a locker downstairs, there's space to put them underneath your mattress in a first-class pod.
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The buzzer provided to wake you up after your nap goes off once and then once again after a few minutes to let you awaken slowly. If that doesn't wake you up, a member of the Dream Team will come to gently rouse you from your slumber.
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Nappers have the option of leaving their phones at the reception desk, but you can also charge your device inside the pod.
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Most of the mattresses can adjust the extent to which they recline up and down, and are controlled by this remote.
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The ceiling of the first-class pod was covered with twinkly lights to resemble the starry night sky. The lights weren't overly bright, but I turned them off when I was ready to sleep because I prefer complete darkness.
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The mattress was firm yet comfortable. It was very cool in the pod, so I was glad for the blanket. I'm a light sleeper and rather sensitive to noise, but all I heard as I tried to fall asleep were occasional quiet footsteps passing by my pod. By the time I laid down, I only had about 20 minutes to nap, and I usually don't fall asleep quickly.
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I only ended up sleeping for about five to 10 minutes, but I woke up feeling both relaxed and energized.
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As I headed back downstairs, I thought that even if I hadn't managed to fall asleep at all, I would have felt refreshed after spending that time lying down in a dark, quiet space.
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Back at the reception area, a member of the Dream Team offered me a hot towel scented with essential oils and a shot of either green juice or kombucha. I chose the green juice and I did not regret it.
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I don't think my days are grueling enough that I need to pay to take a nap every single day, but I left Nap York glad that I knew it was there in case I ever need a few moments of peace in this crazy city.
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