CRI听力:Nap Lounge Becomes Trendy in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is pricey, cramped and crowded. Finding a tranquil space in the densely packed city is not easy at any hour.

But now there are businesses offering places for people to rest, or even take a nap.

One of them is Nap Lounge, where Hong Kong professionals can sneak in up to an hour of shut-eye for just over 10 dollars in the middle of a hectic day.

David Lau is the general manager of Nap Lounge.

"I think it's a universal need, not only (for) Hong Kong people, and especially Hong Kong people have very high pressure on their daily lives. So having a break, for example in the middle of the day, is very common in some countries, so we are now trying to promote this kind of concept, you may say lifestyle, to Hong Kong people."

Satin pillows and soothing scents make it a sleepy home away from home in the busy city.

After his snooze, banker Chris Lau said he felt refreshed and ready to head back to work.
　　
"It's something very new to me. And the experience is fascinating. I mean I haven't experienced this kind of lifestyle before. So all in all , I enjoyed it. "

While stress may hit bankers the most, Hong Kong's nap rooms aren't just aimed at the suits.
　　
Kevin Lee, who co-founded Chillazy, pitches his business at a younger generation.
　　
There are hammocks where people can take naps.
　　
Lee says customers eventually cottoned on to the idea of spending money to relax.
　　
"Here we are charging them for the time they spend here - so at the beginning the customer when they came they (were) kind of not comfortable with this kind of pricing model - they have to like, count the time they stay here, it's not really a relaxing thing to them, but after they stayed here, they enjoy the place, they enjoy the vibe here, and then they talk to us, they actually like it, and this is what they need, instead this is what they should pay for, instead of anything else "

Tutor Maxwell Ng says the Nap Lounge is conveniently close to his work.

"I really like it here. Because working every day is tiring, and this place is close to work, so coming here to nap and chill is very relaxing."

While popular for now, nap lounges have yet to prove themselves as a viable business model and not just a trend in the eternally hectic city.

For CRI, this is Li Jing from Hong Kong.