Where was I when Ikea started letting people sleep over in the store? Yeah, you heard me, the Swedish superpower is moving into the hostel world one store at a time. Ikea Oslo let 30 lucky shoppers (who ostensibly hadn't finished their shopping) spend the night in the showroom. They had a choice of sleeping in the dormitory, bridal suite, or luxury suite (with breakfast in bed) further blurring the line between shopping, entertainment, and dream vacation. Souvenirs included sheets, complimentary 'Ikea Hostel' bathrobes and slippers. Oh and did I mention that the stay itself was on the house?
When I was a kid, I thought getting to stay overnight in a big department store would be a great adventure, basically because I thought I'd get to play with all the toys. Today, I don't know that I like Ikea or any store THAT much that I would want to stay there overnight.
view John H's profile
Do guests get to raid the cafeteria at night? :)
view chiffonade's profile
I think it would be cool, but is it really possible to do at all of the ikea's? the one near me doesn't have any full bedrooms set up (well, maybe one), they just have living rooms/kids rooms/other rooms set up and beds just out in the center.
view everythingistaken's profile
I think it's something they are trying out and if it's a success they would make it available at most of their stores. And yeah, I hadn't thought about the 'Mannequin' possibilities. Having other people there might dampen the experience!
view laure's profile
I've always wanted to move into one of their cool "apartments" in the store. I just don't know if they could get me to leave the next day.
view Cate's profile
Okay so here's my challenge for AT:LA...where in the world is that platform bed frame from?
I've checked the Ikea site, which actually lets you hover your mouse to see the various products they've used and it doesn't seem like that the platform is one of the products available.
Anybody? I want that frame! =)
view paul111's profile
I think it's the Vinstra frame. The headboard is optional. It's really pretty - a glossy off white plastic surrounds what appears to be a metal structure. Cheap too, and there are matching furniture pieces.
Here's the link: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19838971
It's available in Full and Queen.
view sunspot42's profile
I'd love to stay overnight at one of their little fake rooms. My only question would be...are they set up in case I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? And will all the other people staying over be close enough to hear me snore and see what I look like in the morning?
view TallulahJean's profile
I see it going completely wrong, for example, will they discriminate against a certain crowd (homeless people, etc?) If so, they could sue. People wanting to have a good time doing bad things. Someone watching them and suing over mental distress, (or in case something goes wrong and breaks) battery and food poisoning because of the breakfasts... Let's admit it, unless they come up with a HUGE waiver and reservations using credit cards (just in case) I see it impossible. And think about it, would you sign a release contract giving up ALL your rights and safety, just to sleep on a cheap foam mattress?
view Djluckyonline's profile