Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

I like the idea but I think it would appeal more to workers, so cutting off the Internet isn't a great idea. Maybe just require people to use an on-site computer (with only certain sites available) or make them download and use SelfControl [1] or a similar app.

In a broader sense, I do think the "manipulate space for your needs" market will grow in the future, especially as remote work continues to become a viable alternative to the office.

1. https://selfcontrolapp.com/

There is apparently a writers cafe in Tokyo with similar concepts. You leave distractions at the door and tell staff your goal for the day and aren't allowed to leave until you've met them (with the weakest interpretation of the word "allowed").

In terms of getting away from noise pollution, I think this is more generally provided in major Asian cities through sauna and public baths.

I kinda like the idea.

If this was paired with something like a cafe trolley service then it could be quite nice. Chill little rooms that are peaceful and every hour on the hour the offer of green tea. Little oases in which to read, write, or code with minimal other distractions. My partner is an academic and is seeking a retreat space bookable on a weekly basis (not hourly) in which to have silence and write with minimal disturbance (libraries are too bustling, coworking spaces too noisy).

The first thing that comes to mind though: How do you stop this being used as a place for drugs and sex? How do you balance the low distraction and privacy with a basic need to prevent the spaces being used in a way that creates risk for the business?

Also how do you make this affordable given the places with density are also the places with high rents?

Lots of good feedback so far. My first thought was to analogize to gyms. In the United States, and maybe elsewhere, gyms fall into two camps. One hopes you'll sign up and never go, or if you do go, then you'll treat it more like a spa visit -- buying a massage, or a "healthy" smoothie -- so you're either free money or else profitable per visit.

The other kind of gym keeps membership to a fixed number, and will actually drop you as a member if you don't follow through on commitments to visit regularly, exercise, and get fit.

You can guess that the former business model is much more common than the latter. And obviously they cater to different segments of the market.

Compare gyms to your idea. Which model do you prefer? Oversell real estate? Or gamify people into chasing an artificially scarce resource?

This is a cynical take. But it's going to take marketing for your idea to succeed, and marketing is fundamentally about getting people to do something they don't want to do.

"It's essentially a hotel room, but only bookable for one person, for a few hours only. There is no internet provided, and cellular signal is blocked."

- "your meditation room with noise-proofing, privacy guaranteed. As an additional purchase you can hire a paid-by-the-hour buddy that will meditate with you in the room"

This can be your marketing.