Tokyo, June 25, 2018 – Rakuten LIFULL STAY, Inc., the Rakuten Group’s vacation rental service provider, and Tokyo Alive Estate inc., a company involved in the construction and sale of investment real estate properties, today announced that the two companies have agreed to form a business alliance regarding the Rakuten STAY MOTEL sub-brand of Rakuten STAY, the branding and operational support service for vacation rental properties and shared accommodation provided by Rakuten LIFULL STAY.
Through the alliance, Tokyo Alive Estate will act as a sales agent for Rakuten STAY MOTEL properties to real estate owners. The concept design and planning of these properties will be carried out by GRIFFON, Inc. under the supervision of Rakuten LIFULL STAY, and Tokyo Alive Estate will manage the design and construction of the facilities. Rakuten STAY MOTEL properties will be aimed at groups or families travelling by car, and as such the properties are planned to be constructed on sites facing suburban roads. Prospective real estate owners will be able to apply for the Rakuten STAY MOTEL sub-brand from July 1, 2018.
The properties will be designed with built-in or adjoining garages which can be used as storage space for bicycles, surfboards and other items used for recreation while traveling, and will be equipped with a comprehensive range of other facilities and equipment, including a washing facility, racks and table sets. The guest rooms on the second floor will have electric barbecue grills and outdoor baths on the terraces, allowing guests to enjoy their stay to their hearts’ content. In addition, there are plans to install “Anshin Stay IoT” services and smart locks, provided by Rakuten Communications, to allow guests to check in using tablets or lock and unlock doors using a code, reducing the burden on owners and travelers.
In addition to Rakuten STAY MOTEL properties, Rakuten LIFULL STAY is providing a wide variety of type of accommodation under the Rakuten STAY brand, including detached homes, hostels and “kyomachiya” traditional Japanese townhouses. There are plans to offer other sub-brands to make it easier for Rakuten LIFULL STAY users to choose their accommodation facilities while they travel.
Moving forward, Rakuten LIFULL STAY and Tokyo Alive Estate will contribute to the growth of the vacation rental and accommodation market as a whole to ensure that both domestic and international tourists are able to fully enjoy their travels.
