10 of the best capsule hotels in the world

Capsule or ‘pod’ hotels were developed in Japan as a way for travellers to have somewhere safe and affordable to sleep. 

Over the years capsule hotels have remained popular but the experience of staying in one has dramatically changed. Now, some pod hoteliers compete to provide guests with the most stylish experience. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the world’s best capsule hotels.

Only a short walk from the Central Festival Pattaya Beach, the Nonze Hostel’s sleeping pods all feature either rustic, modern or vintage designs. Being one of the best capsule hotels in the world, you’ll be able to find a communal seating area and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sea.

The Dream Lodge is decorated with inspiring quotes, so if you’re after an uplifting stay – this could be the capsule hotel for you. Also, the layout of the sleeping pods are separated in a way that you can share a room without being disturbed by guests on different schedules. But it’s the lodge’s fantastic connections to the Lavender MRT airport that really make it popular with both business and leisure travellers.

Every room at The Pod Sydney has a king-size bed, a reading light, charging points and air conditioning, making it ideal for guests not yet used to those scorching Australian summers. Guests can mingle with other travellers in The Pod’s shared kitchen and dining facilities or explore the many nearby cafés and bars.

Situated close to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, you’ll find the Ease Single Inn. Found in the centre of Taichung in Taiwan, this is one of the best capsule hotels in the world for location. The capsule hotel has a 24-hour front desk, large lockers to fit luggage and a complimentary breakfast.

Being the UK's first private capsule rooms, there’s a unique charm to St Christopher's Inn Village. In terms of facilities, you’ll find bed linen, a shared bathroom, free lockers and towels at a surcharge. The location of this capsule hotel in London is also stellar, being a 5-minute walk away from London Bridge tube station.

Another European gem for capsule hotels is CityHub Amsterdam. Being located right next to the varied and undeniably delicious Foodhallen (food hall), you’ll be able to fuel this capsule stay with ease. If you like a spacious sleep, you’re in luck as this capsule hotel in Amsterdam features a private sleeping cabin with a king-size double bed. Facilities include a shared bathroom with a rain shower, a luggage storage space and free Wi-Fi.

Found in Gatwick's South Terminal is YOTELAIR, one of the best Japanese-style capsule hotels. Perfect for catching flights, this capsule hotel features free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. In terms of the rooms’ amenities, you’ll find a jukebox music system, a flat-screen TV, mood lighting and a workstation. So whether you’re here for work or leisure, this capsule hotel is sure to delight. Did we mention that Yotel Gatwick Airport is a 15-minute walk from Gatwick North Terminal? Talk about location.

Another one of the best capsule hotels for catching flights or having a restful layover is 9h nine hours Narita Airport, located in Terminal 2. So you can keep up-to-date with your flight information the hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The rooms make for a cosy stay also with comfortable mattresses, pillows and shared showers and toilets. Did you forget any essentials? No worries, amenities including bath towels, toothbrushes and pyjamas are provided when you check in.

Bookworms, unite. Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku is an absolute haven for those who love a good read. The Japanese capsule hotel is home to thousands of books which you can purchase or peruse. If you find a book you’re particularly fond of, you’ll be pleased to know each room has a reading light, so not even the nighttime can get in your way. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi,  a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. You can also dive into an American breakfast in the morning – that’s if you manage to put the book down.

If you’re after a capsule hotel with a prime location. Look no further than Nap York Central Park Sleep Station. Situated conveniently in the centre of New York City, you’ll be able to explore until your heart is content. The hotel offers a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with a shower. This hotel is also close to a variety of attractions such as the Rockefeller Center and St Patrick's Cathedral.