At the Wan Ai hotel next to Beijing Normal University, male receptionists dressed in bright pink shirts are busy taking calls and helping customers check in. The word "love" is written everywhere and cute cuddly toys can be found all over the pastel pink reception.

But then, the Wan Ai chain does not run ordinary hotels. Instead, they are part of the new phenomenon of love-themed hotels springing up in the country.

Although the concept of love hotels came from Japan, it has quickly spread to other countries in the region such as China and South Korea.

“Our company plans to open a total of 20 new hotels across different locations in China this year,” Liu Baolong, hotel manager at Wan Ai, said.

The key feature that distinguishes a love hotel from an ordinary one is the decoration of the rooms. They mainly consist of fantasy interiors, decorated in bright colors, with the walls adorned with hearts.

Across the chain, Wan Ai offers a wide range of themed rooms such as the “I Love Sailing” with a boat-shaped bed. There is also a “Hello Kitty” room jammed full of decorations associated with the cute Japanese cat.

Hotels prices are also an attractive feature for young lovers. Prices normally range from 300 yuan (S$66) to 900 yuan. But two hours of “private couple time” can be purchased for as low as 100 yuan.

Naturally, these type of hotels have filled a gap in the market－a place where young, unmarried couples can go for privacy. In a country where young people live at home until they decide to marry, it can be difficult for them to spend “quality time” together. Love hotels are just catering to demand.

bbabo.Net