On Your Pod: Capsule Hotels

“Pod hotels emerged in 1970s Japan as a cheap, efficient and practical way for business travellers to get a good night’s sleep and little else. However, over the years, capsule hotels – as they’re also known as -have gained in popularity, and can now be found all over the world. As these five hotels show, pods feature all manner of innovations to keep them at the cutting edge of hotel design and experience.

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Book and Bed Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan
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In the country that invented the capsule hotel, Book and Bed Ikebukuro offers something a little different to what you might expect. At first glance it looks like a bookshop, with wooden shelves packed with titles and comfortable corners in which to curl up and read. But behind these shelves are, in fact, the sleeping pods, complete with hangers, slippers, locker, WiFi and, of course, a reading lamp if you want to keep flicking through the pages of one of the hotel’s 5,000 books.

Have a look at our hotels in Tokyo page for more options.

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Capsule Town Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s bustling Chinatown, Capsule Town Hotel is a boutique pod hotel with futuristic capsules that each feature a ‘Sleep Ambient Control System’ to make sure you get the best night’s sleep possible. There are double pods available for couples, as well as a café with free internet access, meals and the chance to meet your fellow travellers. The hotel is also a short walk away from Kuala Lumpur’s landmarks, including the Sri Mahamariamman Temple.

Have a look at our hotels in Kuala Lumpur page for more options.

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CityHub Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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The hub that gives CityHub Amsterdam its name is your very own soundproofed sleeping pod, where you can relax in cosy comfort and, via the hotel’s app, connect to both the in-hub speaker and lighting system. The app also offers tips and suggestions for the best things to see and do in the city. The social centre of the hotel is the hangout area, where you can grab yourself a beer at the self-service bar.

Have a look at our hotels in Amsterdam page for more options.

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Galaxy Pod Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland
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The Galaxy Pod Hostel in Reykjavik feels, quite literally, out of this world, with spaceship-inspired sleeping capsules that would not look out of place in a sci-fi movie. All include a locker, a mirror and a shelf, while others come with inspiring mountain views, making for a surreal experience. The hostel is ideally located, as you’re very much close to the sights and pulsating nightlife of Reykjavik. The hotel has a bar and lounge, and it offers a booking service for tours to get you out into the rugged beauty of the Icelandic countryside.

Have a look at our hotels in Reykjavik page for more options.

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Pangea Pod Hotel, Whistler, Canada
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The mountains and forests that surround Whistler have had a strong influence on the design of the Pangea Pod Hotel, where the capsules are made of wood and natural materials. Whether you are in town for hiking, snowboarding or mountain biking, the lifts and trails are just a short walk away – the hotel also offers safe and secure storage space for all your equipment. Don’t miss the great views and tasty drinks from the rooftop terrace bar.

Have a look at our hotels in Whistler page for more options.”