Capsule Hotels in Asia

You can check in any time you want, but you can never leave…

Post about Capsule Hotels in Asia

Kungfucius provides his in-depth perspective

Welcome to the wacky world of capsule hotels! Let Kungfucius be your guide! 

Have you ever found yourself wandering the streets of a foreign city at night, wondering where the heck you’re going to sleep? Maybe you’re a solo traveler on a budget, or maybe you just missed the last train home. Whatever the case may be, capsule hotels are here to save the day (or rather, the night).

Alternatively: How about staying in a massage parlor… more on this Kungfucius travel hack here.

What is a capsule hotel?

So what exactly is a capsule hotel? Well, imagine a bunch of tiny rooms stacked on top of each other, like a beehive or a high-tech bunk bed. Each room is just big enough for a person to crawl into, and it’s usually equipped with a bed, a light, and maybe a small TV or radio. It’s basically like a mini-hotel room, squeezed into a tiny little capsule.

Capsule hotels originated in Japan, but they’ve since spread all over the world. They’re especially popular in big cities, where space is at a premium and hotels can be super expensive. Capsule hotels are a cheap and convenient alternative, perfect for travelers who just need a place to crash for the night.

Who loves capsule hotels?

But don’t think that capsule hotels are just for penny-pinching backpackers – they can be a great option for anyone. Maybe you’re a business traveler who needs a place to rest your head between meetings, or maybe you just want a little extra privacy on a group vacation. Capsule hotels can be a great choice for solo travelers, couples, or even families (although it might be a tight squeeze for more than two people). Ok, to be honest, it is often not allowed to stay with more than a person in a capsule, but we will not go into experiences that suggest otherwise here. Kungfucius is above that.

It is often a very cheap option, slightly more expensive than hostels but often much more comfortable. In Malaysia, prices range around 50-60 Ringgit (12-15 USD). In Taipei and Tokyo it is about twice as expensive. 

Check into a capsule hotel

So how do you check into a capsule hotel? It’s pretty easy – just go to the front desk and tell them you want a capsule. They’ll give you a key, and you can go find your capsule and crawl in. When it’s time to check out, just return your key to the front desk and you’re all set.

But what about all the other stuff you need – like a toilet and a shower? No problem! Most capsule hotels have shared bathrooms and showers, so you just have to go find them (usually on the same floor as the capsules). Some capsule hotels might have private bathrooms for an extra fee, but that’s not the norm.

What is it like inside a capsule?

So what’s it like inside a capsule? Well, it’s definitely snug – there’s not a lot of space to stretch out. But it’s surprisingly quiet, since the capsules are usually stacked up high and there’s not a lot of room for noise to escape. There’s usually just enough space for a tall or fat person to fit (although you might feel a little cramped if you’re on the larger side). And if you’re worried about safety, most capsule hotels have security measures in place like keyed entrances and lockers for your belongings.

So if you’re looking for a cheap and convenient place to stay, capsule hotels might be the perfect fit. Just make sure you don’t mind small spaces, and you’re good to go! Happy travels!

Capsules can be locked when you are inside and when you are outside of the capsule. Often, there is also a dedicated safety box in the capsule to keep your valuables safe. 

Some capsules do not close off all light, so make sure to bring cover if you are sensitive to light. 

Here, a couple of typical photos of Space Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Actually, many capsule hotels in Asia use exactly the same capsules. 

Where do I stay in a capsule hotel?

Well, most Asian cities have wonderful capsule hotels. Let me give you a brief overview: 

Capsule Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Here’s a list of capsule hotels in Kuala Lumpur:

1. Space Hotel. This is one of the most popular and best capsule hotels in Kuala Lumpur, just outside of Chinatown. It is overall quite and comfortable and the location is great as you have many restaurants and cafes in the area. Plus: You can work right from the hotel. Prices start around MYR 50 per night. You can book via booking.com or directly with the hotel. https://www.spacehotel.com.my 
2. Capsule by Container Hotel – This capsule hotel is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and it’s made out of shipping containers! It’s got a cool industrial vibe, and the capsules are super stylish. Prices start at around MYR 50 per night. Check it out at www.containerhotel.com.my.
3. Capsule Hotel Bukit Bintang – This capsule hotel is located in the bustling Bukit Bintang neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy, modern design. Prices start at around MYR 60 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelbukitbintang.com.
4. Capsule Hotel KLCC – This capsule hotel is located in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and it’s got a sleek and stylish design. Prices start at around MYR 70 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelklcc.com.
5. Capsule Hotel Malaysia – This capsule hotel is located in the Petaling Jaya neighborhood, and it’s got a funky and colorful design. Prices start at around MYR 50 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelmalaysia.com.
6. Capsule Hotel Asia – This capsule hotel is located in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around MYR 70 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelasia.com.

All of these capsule hotels have shared bathrooms and showers, and most of them have additional amenities like a shared lounge or a cafe. Prices may vary depending on the season and availability, so be sure to check the website for the latest rates. And happy capsule-ing!

Capsule Hotels in Tokyo

This is a list of capsule hotels in Tokyo:

1. Capsule Inn Shinjuku – This capsule hotel is located in the heart of Shinjuku, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around JPY 3,500 per night. Check it out at www.capsuleinn.com/shinjuku.
2. Capsule Hotel Asakusa Riverside – This capsule hotel is located in the Asakusa neighborhood, and it’s got a traditional Japanese design. Prices start at around JPY 3,800 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotel-asakusa.com.
3. First Cabin Akihabara – This capsule hotel is located in the Akihabara neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around JPY 5,000 per night. Check it out at www.first-cabin.jp/akihabara.
4. Capsule & Sauna Century Southern Tower – This capsule hotel is located in the Shiodome neighborhood, and it’s got a modern design with a focus on relaxation. In addition to capsules, it also has saunas and a spa. Prices start at around JPY 6,500 per night. Check it out at www.capsule-century.com.
5. Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier Tokyo Shimbashi – This capsule hotel is located in the Shimbashi neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and stylish design. Prices start at around JPY 4,500 per night. Check it out at www.anshin-oyado.com/english.

Capsule Hotels in Hong Kong

The non-conclusive Hong Kong list:

1. The Pod – This capsule hotel is located in the Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around HKD 250 per night. Check it out at www.thepod.hk.
2. Capsule Hotel Causeway Bay – This capsule hotel is located in the Causeway Bay neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around HKD 300 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelcausewaybay.com.
3. Capsule Hotel Hong Kong Kowloon – This capsule hotel is located in the Kowloon neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around HKD 300 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelhongkongkowloon.com.
4. Capsule Hotel Mongkok – This capsule hotel is located in the Mongkok neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around HKD 250 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelmongkok.com.
5. The Cube – This capsule hotel is located in the Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around HKD 300 per night. Check it out at www.thecube.hk.

Capsule Hotels in Taipei

Taipei:

1. The Capsule Inn Taipei – This capsule hotel is located in the Ximending neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around TWD 1,300 per night. Check it out at www.capsuleinntaipei.com.
2. Taipei Capsule Hotel – This capsule hotel is located in the Xinyi neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around TWD 1,400 per night. Check it out at www.taipeicapsulehotel.com.
3. Capsule Hotel Taipei Zhongshan – This capsule hotel is located in the Zhongshan neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around TWD 1,300 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehoteltaipeizhongshan.com.
4. Capsule Hotel Taipei Main Station – This capsule hotel is located near the Taipei Main Station, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around TWD 1,400 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehoteltaipeimainstation.com.
5. Capsule Hotel Taipei Shilin – This capsule hotel is located in the Shilin neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around TWD 1,300 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehoteltaipeishilin.com.

Capsule Hotels in Bangkok

Get your encapsulated Bangkok experience here:

1. The Capsule Hotel Bangkok – This capsule hotel is located in the Sukhumvit neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around THB 600 per night. Check it out at www.thecapsulehotelbangkok.com.
2. Capsule Hotel Bangkok Siam – This capsule hotel is located in the Siam neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around THB 700 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelbangkok.com.
3. Capsule Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit – This capsule hotel is located in the Sukhumvit neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around THB 600 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelbangkoksukhumvit.com.
4. Capsule Hotel Bangkok Silom – This capsule hotel is located in the Silom neighborhood, and it’s got a sleek and modern design. Prices start at around THB 700 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelbangkoksilom.com.
5. Capsule Hotel Bangkok Khao San – This capsule hotel is located in the Khao San neighborhood, and it’s got a trendy and stylish design. Prices start at around THB 600 per night. Check it out at www.capsulehotelbangkokkhaosan.com.