Capsule hotels are an inexpensive and popular accommodation option among travellers, especially in Japan. Here are the pros and cons of capsule hotels to help you decide if you should stay in one.

Capsule hotels, also known as pod hotels, can go as low as SGD $31 per night and they’re a cost-saving alternative to conventional hotel rooms. Travellers in capsule hotels are guaranteed showering facilities, toiletries, baggage space, and a functional sleeping space.

But are capsule hotels safe? How comfortable are capsule hotels? Is it really worth the savings? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.

What are Capsule Hotels?

Capsule hotels started as early as 1979 in Osaka, and they provided a night’s rest for tired Japanese blue and white-collar workers who mostly missed their last transport home.

Capsule hotels have since become a viable option for solo travellers or groups looking to budget their accommodation in Japan, including its capital city of Tokyo. In recent years, they’ve also sprung up in countries such as Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Here’s a quick summary on pros and cons of staying in capsule hotels:

Pros	Cons
Extra cost savings	Less privacy
Convenient location	Separated from baggage
24-hour check-in	Standard checkout time
Hygienic beds & bathrooms	Central air conditioning system

Pros of Staying in Capsule Hotels

Pro #1: Extra Cost Savings

With prices that are often half of conventional hotels, savings are certainly guaranteed! The average price of capsule hotels range between SGD $31 to SGD $127 per night. A pod bed and shower facilities are included – so when you’re a travelling solo, that’s a good deal. 🤑 If you’re looking for EVEN MORE savings, here’s 12 budget holiday hacks frequent travellers swear by (you can even redeem free food!).

Pro #2: Convenient Location

Most capsule hotels are just a stone’s throw away from train stations, and such prime locations bring major convenience to travellers. Without having to rely on buses, taxis, or even long walks to take you to the nearest train stations, you’ll be saving precious holiday time and money.

Pro #3: 24-Hour Check-in

Plus, most capsule hotels also have a 24-hour front desk service to assist you even if you check in during the wee hours. This is especially important if you’re saving money by flying budget airlines with odd timings – you don’t have to worry about missing the check-in period at all!

Pro #4: Hygienic Beds & Bathrooms

As travellers are required to check out every day, each capsule hotel pod is cleaned and sterilised daily. Shared showering facilities are also cleaned regularly, and individually-packed soap and towel sets are just some of the free things you can take from the hotel.

We don’t even get dressing rooms in most hotels, but capsule hotels do offer them as part of their shared facilities. Pretty impressive, if you ask me! 🤤

Cons of Staying in Capsule Hotels

Con #1: Less Privacy

Most capsule hotel pods don’t have door locks, and only shutters are available for shutting out the world as you sleep. Some capsule hotel walls are thin though, so you may hear your pod neighbours bumping their elbows into the walls, or even snoring in the worst of scenarios. This could be a serious consideration if you’re a light sleeper and seeking a silent space to rest. 💤

Con #2: Separated From Baggage

Though there are small compartments in the pods to store your valuables, luggages have to be stored away from you in allocated lockers. If you forget to take something out, you’ll have to go all the way back to the locker areas to retrieve it.

Con #3: Standard Checkout

Even if you’re staying for more than one night, you’ll have to clear out your capsule hotel pod by the next morning due to the daily cleaning routines. Cleanliness and efficiency are prioritised in capsule hotels, so extension of check out time will most likely not be granted.

Con #4: Central Air Conditioning System

Due to central air conditioning systems, air circulation may not be the most optimal in individual pods and things can get stuffy. For those who are claustrophobic, the enclosed nature of each capsule can be daunting (a coffin simulation, some say!).

So, should I stay in capsule hotels?

Here’s a ranking list to help you decide what you value most in accommodation:

If your top four priorities are PRICE, LOCATION, CONVENIENCE, and HYGIENE, give capsule hotels a shot for you next holiday! If it’s not your cup of tea, don’t fret, we still got you covered with the latest deals and promo codes for conventional hotels. 😉

Capsule hotels are gaining popularity among younger travellers because of its low rates and hassle-free service. Pods get fully booked rather regularly, so don’t wait too long. Here’s 7 best hacks to help you secure maximum savings when booking a holiday.

A list of popular and top-rated capsule hotels to try:

Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel
Toyo Building 3F 1-2-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0021

Nine Hours Shinjuku-North
1-4-15 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, 169-0073

Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier Tokyo Shinjuku Station
4-2-10 Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0022

Capsule Hotel Transit Shinjuku
Tenamu Town Building 3F~5F, 2-19-15, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, 160 0021

First Cabin Kyobashi
2-7-8 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan, 104-0031

Read: What Can (and Can’t) I Take from Hotel Rooms?

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Read: 12 Travel Hacks To Become a Smarter and Better Traveller

Read: 7 Best Holiday Booking Hacks to Score Best Deals

Read: Cheapest Hotels Promotion Sale (2019)

Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!