Have you ever stayed at a capsule hotel on your trip? You won’t forget its light and futuristic design. It was born in Japan, but now you can find it worldwide.
In this guide, I’ll talk about this compact and private sleeping pod in aspects like its development, key features, booking tips, and more. Read on to unpack things you might want to know.
What Are Capsule Hotels?
Unlike a traditional standard hotel room, a capsule hotel room is a space-efficient accommodation, offering all the essentials of a night’s rest. It basically includes:
- A bed or futon
- Reading light
- Power outlet and USB charging ports
- Air conditioning or ventilation
- Privacy curtain or door
Well, in this case, most of the guests will share communal bathrooms, lounges, etc. But you can still stay at a budget-friendly price with cleanliness and comfort.
How to Book Capsule Hotels on Trip.com?
Step-by-Step Guide to Book a Capsule Hotel
1. Visit Trip.com: Enter your destination and travel dates.
2. Filter by “Capsule Hotels”: Narrow down results to capsule or hostel accommodations.
3. Compare Options: See the detailed information about each capsule hotel, including amenities (like wi-fi, lockers, gender-specific floors), reviews, policies, etc.
Why Book Capsule Hotels on Trip.com?
✅ Best Price: Find exclusive deals unavailable elsewhere.
✅ Verified Reviews: Real feedback from global travelers.
✅ Flexible Bookings: Many capsule hotels allow free cancellation.
✅ Loyalty Rewards: Earn Trip Coins and discounts for future stays.
✅ 24/7 Support: Multilingual customer service anytime, anywhere.
History and Fun Stories about Capsule Hotels
Year | Milestone | Location |
1979 | First capsule hotel opens (Capsule Inn Osaka) | Osaka, Japan |
1990s | Popularity grows among business travelers | Japan |
2010s | Concept expands internationally | Asia, Europe, North America |
2020s | Smart capsule hotels emerge | Global |
It was originally built for Japanese salarymen who missed the last train home. Gradually, it has evolved into design-forward accommodations, attracting people worldwide, especially digital nomads and solo travelers!
Nowadays, you’ll find capsule hotels featuring smart locks, ambient lighting, and app-based services, which make your stay safer and more convenient.
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Key Features of the Capsule Hotels
Feature | Description | Best for |
Private Pods | Enclosed sleeping capsules with essentials | Privacy & comfort |
Shared Facilities | Bathrooms, showers, and lounges | Affordable convenience |
Secure Lockers | Personal storage for luggage | Safety |
Community Zones | Coworking or café areas | Social and relaxing atmosphere |
Capsule Hotels vs. Traditional Hotels vs. Hostels
If you're not sure which type of hotel to choose, check the following table for a clear comparison. They might cater to different needs.
Category | Capsule Hotels | Traditional Hotels | Hostels |
Room Size | Compact (2–4 m² per capsule) | Spacious (10–30 m² per room) | Shared dorms (4–12 beds) or small private rooms |
Price Range | Budget-friendly ($20–$60/night) | Mid to high-end ($80–$300/night) | Budget ($15–$50/night) |
Privacy | Semi-private pods with curtains or doors | Full privacy in individual rooms | Minimal privacy in shared dorms |
Amenities | Shared bathrooms, lounges, lockers | Private bathrooms, room service | Shared kitchens, social lounges |
Best for | Solo travelers, digital nomads, layover guests | Couples, families, business travelers | Backpackers, students, long-term travelers |
Where to Find Capsule Hotels Worldwide?
Capsule Hotels in Asia
- Tokyo: Capsule hotels in Tokyo are oriented toward efficiency and technology, offering high-tech pods for business travelers and tourists.
- Seoul: Find minimalist design with smart amenities in Seoul.
- Shanghai: In Shanghai, you'll still find affordable hotels like capsule stays with chill vibes.
- Bangkok: If you're a backpacker, capsule stays in Bangkok are quite good for you at a budget-friendly cost.
Capsule Hotels in Europe
- Paris: For travelers seeking well-designed, affordable capsule hotels in Paris are easy to get near museums and coffee shops.
- London: In London, they’re oriented toward busy visitors who value quick access to transport, shopping, and business districts.
- Rome: In Rome, capsule hotels attract cultural explorers who need central lodging close to historic sites.
Capsule Hotels in the United States
- Las Vegas: Capsule hotels appeal to budget-conscious tourists looking for convenient, modern rest spaces amid the excitement of the Strip.
- New York: You can always find compact and efficient capsule stays in the city center.
- Los Angeles: Capsule hotels in Los Angeles cater to worldwide travelers, especially being interested in art districts and entertainment hubs.
Capsule Hotels inside Airports
It can also be found inside some airports. It’s quite convenient for layovers to take a short nap, a shower after a long flight. Here’re some recommendations you can book on Trip.com:
Tip: Filter by "Hostel" on Trip.com if you can not find a proper capsule hotel in your destination.
Tips for Staying in a Capsule Hotel
- Check the photos in detail to help you preview the pod layouts.
- Choose capsules near metro stations or attractions if needed.
- Use the lockers for larger bags and important files.
- Keep quiet during your stay since capsules are mainly built for short rests.
- Enjoy public lounges or cafes to meet fellow travelers.
- Understand your travel style and pick the proper types of stay to match your needs.
- Sometimes, a hostel can also bring you comfort and joy at a cost-effective price.
FAQs about Capsule Hotels
What is a capsule hotel?
A hotel with small, pod-like rooms for sleeping, usually compact and minimal.Are capsules private?
Yes, they offer individual sleeping pods, but bathrooms and lounges are shared.Who can stay in a capsule hotel?
Anyone, but some hotels may have gender-specific floors or age restrictions.How much does a capsule hotel cost?
Typically cheaper than regular hotels, ideal for short stays or budget travelers.Do capsule hotels have amenities?
Yes, usually Wi-Fi, lockers, shared bathrooms, and sometimes lounges or vending machines.