For solo travellers, accommodation can be a tricky decision.
Hotels often feel too expensive when you’re footing the bill alone, while hostels can sometimes mean sacrificing privacy for affordability. Capsule hotels, however, offer a middle ground that’s increasingly popular worldwide: affordable, private, and often surprisingly stylish. Compact yet comfortable, these pod-style stays are changing the way solo adventurers travel.
Why pods became popular
The capsule hotel was born in Osaka, Japan, in 1979, when architect Kisho Kurokawa designed tiny sleeping pods stacked side by side. Initially, they were meant as a practical solution for businessmen who missed the last train home. But their low price and clever design soon caught the attention of travellers. The concept spread quickly through Japan, and over the last two decades it has been adopted across Asia and even Europe. The appeal is simple: pods give you a private, secure place to sleep with modern amenities, while keeping costs far lower than a conventional hotel.
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Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo remains the world capital of capsule hotels. Staying in one here is almost a rite of passage for travellers. MyCUBE by MYSTAYS in Asakusa blends sleek design with thoughtful touches like lockable storage, soft bedding, and USB charging ports, from about USD (United States Dollar) 50 a night. For budget-conscious travellers who want a central address, The Prime Pod Ginza offers a stylish stay in Tokyo’s shopping district for about USD 35–40. Solo female travellers are especially well catered for at Akihabara Bay Hotel, which has women-only pods in the heart of the electronics district.
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Osaka, Japan
If Tokyo is the birthplace, Osaka is where the capsule concept thrives in playful and affordable ways. Picnic Hotel Osaka is one of the cheapest at around USD 20 a night, offering clean pods in a cheerful setting. For those who like themed experiences, NINJA & GEISHA offers décor inspired by Japan’s cultural icons, with gender-segregated floors for comfort. Meanwhile, Capsule Hotel J Garden Shin-Osaka provides a calmer atmosphere, ideal for travellers in transit through the city’s busy transport hub.
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia’s capital has embraced the capsule trend with style and value. The Bed KLCC, located near the iconic Petronas Towers, offers spotless pods with fresh bedding, air conditioning, and lockers from MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) 40 per night. Over in Bukit Bintang, The Bed Bukit Bintang is equally popular with backpackers, thanks to its lively surroundings and communal facilities. With prices starting at MYR 58, these capsules are some of the most affordable in Southeast Asia without compromising on comfort.
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Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s capsule hotels reflect the city’s vibrant character. BED Station offers modern pod-style dorms with crisp design, social lounges, and free WiFi, all from around USD 15 per night. Many capsule stays here also include extras like shared kitchens, rooftop terraces, or organised tours, making them great bases for solo travellers eager to meet others. Add Bangkok’s legendary street food just outside the door, and you’ve got a budget stay that’s rich in experience.
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Singapore City, Singapore
Known for its efficiency and high cost of living, Singapore has become a hotspot for capsule hotels that strike a balance between price and polish. The Pod @ Beach Road is a boutique-style capsule hotel offering breakfast, laundry facilities, and business amenities for about SGD (Singapore Dollar) 45 a night. K Space Inn 14, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and affordability, with neat pods from as little as SGD30. Both are located in vibrant neighbourhoods, perfect for solo travellers looking to explore without breaking the bank.
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Seoul, South Korea
In Seoul, capsule hotels have a futuristic edge. The Star Hostel Dongdaemun offers pods fitted with ambient lighting and personal TVs, while Darakhyu by Walkerhill, located inside Incheon International Airport, is ideal for travellers on overnight layovers. Prices range from USD 25-50, and the emphasis is on clean design and technology, reflecting Korea’s modern urban lifestyle.
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Europe has also adopted the pod concept, though at slightly higher prices. CityHub Amsterdam is one of the best-known, offering private sleeping hubs with app-controlled lighting, a 24-hour self-service bar, and stylish common spaces. Stays start at around EUR 60 per night which is not cheap compared to Asia, but still excellent value for a city where hotel rooms often cost double or triple that. For solo travellers in Europe, it’s an accessible and sociable alternative to both hotels and hostels.
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London, United Kingdom
London, one of the most expensive cities in the world, has also seen a rise in capsule-style stays. St Christopher’s Inn has introduced pod dorms with privacy screens, charging points, and under-bed storage in central locations, with prices from around GBP 20–30 depending on the season. These pod options make it possible for solo travellers to sleep affordably in the heart of London without giving up too much comfort.
For anyone who wants to travel light, stretch their budget, and still feel secure, pods are a perfect place to call home for the night.
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