Micro hotel chain YOTEL has linked with Bloom to encourage guests to block distracting apps for an hour and spend more time connecting with their surroundings

As travellers become increasingly aware of the impact of constant connectivity on their wellbeing, YOTEL has launched a new initiative designed to encourage guests to spend less time on their phones during hotel stays.

Called the "Anti-Appy Hour", the programme has been developed in partnership with screen-time reduction company Bloom and will roll out across participating YOTEL hotels globally from June 13, 2026, to coincide with World Wellness Day.

The initiative responds to growing demand for opportunities to disconnect while travelling. According to the Hilton Trends Report 2025, almost one-third of adults are actively seeking ways to switch off during trips as the boundaries between work, leisure and personal time become increasingly blurred.

The Anti-Appy Hour is designed to offer a simple alternative to more intensive digital detox programmes. Guests can participate by tapping a Bloom card displayed in participating hotel bars and restaurants. The card temporarily blocks selected apps on a guest's phone for one hour, creating a dedicated period away from social media and other digital distractions.

During that time, guests are encouraged to engage with their surroundings in different ways. They can order a specially created Bloom cocktail, write free postcards available in the venue, spend time in quiet reflection or strike up conversations with fellow travellers.

Olivia Donnan, senior vice-president of brand, culture and growth at YOTEL, says: "We're all a bit overloaded right now – phones constantly buzzing, tabs multiplying, attention pulled in every direction before you've even had your morning coffee. Anti-Appy Hour is our way of giving guests – whether they're staying with us or just need a reset mid-city – a genuine reason to put it all down for a bit.

"Not a digital detox, not a wellness lecture, just a proper pocket of time that's actually yours to reset, recharge or reconnect. I've been using Bloom for a while now and it genuinely works, so getting to bring their technology into YOTEL for our guests and community was a no-brainer. I'm really proud of what we've created together."

Bloom was founded by UCLA students Danny Chmaytelli and Giancarlo Novelli and combines an app with a physical NFC card that creates an extra step before users can access blocked applications. The company recently gained wider attention after appearing on the television programme Shark Tank.

Chmaytelli says: "Most of us don't realise how quickly a quick scroll turns into an hour, or more. It's not really about telling people to use their phones less, it's about helping them find easy moments to put them down. 91% of Bloom users said our cards helped them achieve sharper focus and confirmed their screen time was lower since using Bloom."

He adds: "That's what we love about Anti-Appy Hour with YOTEL. It's just one simple tap, one hour away from apps, and suddenly you've got space to actually look up, talk, explore, and enjoy where you are. And the best part is, people don't feel like they're missing out, they feel more present."

The Anti-Appy Hour will be available at participating YOTEL properties in destinations including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Tokyo, Boston and Washington DC. Guests will also be able to purchase Bloom cards at selected hotels and receive a discount code offering 10% off purchases made directly through Bloom.

The launch reflects a broader shift within the travel industry towards experiences that help guests manage their relationship with technology. While smartphones remain essential travel tools, hotels are increasingly exploring ways to create moments of intentional disconnection, allowing travellers to focus more fully on their destinations and the people around them.