Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff
C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
From Colombia’s upcycled sewer pipes to floating spheres in Canada, capsule hotels are evolving, offering more than just a cheap place to sleep. Originally launched in Osaka, Japan, in 1979, the world’s first capsule hotel catered mostly to late-night businessmen, offering an efficient solution to avoid long commutes. Tourists soon embraced the trend, intrigued by this unique slice of Japanese culture.
Today, capsule hotels have adapted to meet the demands of budget travelers, solo adventurers, and the TikTok generation. With rising hotel prices, capsules offer a balance of affordability, privacy, and comfort that appeals to those who don’t mind small spaces. With the global capsule hotel market expected to hit $327 million by 2031, new and creative designs continue to pop up across the world.
Here’s a look at some of the most extraordinary capsule hotels redefining the concept for today’s travelers:
A Sleep Laboratory in Japan
Nine Hours, a chain of capsule hotels in Japan, adds a unique twist with its sleep-tracking service. At select locations, guests can opt for a sleep scan, tracking everything from breathing to snoring. The hotel’s minimalist, futuristic design aligns with its data-driven approach, offering a sterile, sci-fi sleep experience. The name reflects the hotel's concept: seven hours of sleep, with an hour before and after for washing and dressing.
Cliffside Sleeping Pods in Peru
For adrenaline seekers, Skylodge Adventure Suites offers sleeping capsules clinging to the cliff face above Peru’s Sacred Valley. Reaching the pods requires a near-vertical 400-meter climb, but the breathtaking 300-degree mountain views make it worth the effort. Guests can enjoy tea on their private deck and even use the bathroom in these high-altitude capsules. For extra luxury, Starlodge, further down the Urubamba River, offers hillside hot tubs.
Upcycled Sewer Pipes in Colombia
In Colombia’s La Tatacoa Desert, Tubo Hotel provides an eco-friendly retreat. Made from upcycled sewer pipes painted in vibrant colors, these small air-conditioned rooms offer basic comforts, including double beds. With shared swimming pools, gardens, and a bar, this affordable oasis is perfect for stargazing after a day of exploring the desert’s unique landscape.
Floating Spheres in Canada
The Free Spirit Spheres on Vancouver Island, Canada, are suspended among towering conifers, offering guests a treehouse-like experience. Designed with nature in mind, each pod features a small dining area and a cozy bed. Crafted with eco-tourism in mind, these spherical capsules are available for rent even in winter months, providing a tranquil retreat in the forest.
Zen Minimalism in Singapore
KINN Capsule in Singapore’s Chinatown offers a soothing escape from the city’s hustle. With its calming peach tones and minimalist design, this capsule hotel promotes relaxation. The capsules are equipped with crisp white bedding, blackout blinds, and a special house fragrance that evokes the Nordic wilderness. The 72 capsules are arranged in a boutique-style layout, offering a peaceful, restorative stay.
Bookstore Capsule Hostel in China
In China’s Zhejiang Province, a traditional farmhouse has been transformed into a capsule hostel and bookstore. This eco-conscious stay features 20 bed-sized capsules nestled among bookshelves made of local bamboo. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the surrounding forest, this hostel provides both a serene and intellectual experience.
Cupboard Beds in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s De Bedstee Hotel reimagines the 17th-century Dutch tradition of bedstee (box beds) with cozy sleeping nooks behind cupboard doors. Nestled in the upscale Oud Zuid neighborhood, this quirky capsule hotel features vintage décor and a charming terrace garden. It’s a perfect blend of history and modern comfort, with easy access to Amsterdam’s cultural landmarks.
Luxury Capsules in Tokyo
In Tokyo’s Asakusa district, the Resol Poshtel adds a touch of luxury to capsule living. Guests enjoy soothing scents of orange, chamomile, and neroli in a space that blends Edo-era design with modern amenities. Despite the communal sleeping setup, the hotel offers high-end touches like complimentary toiletries, slippers, and traditional Japanese murals, just steps away from the iconic Sensō-ji Temple.
Capsule hotels have come a long way from their beginnings in Japan. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly stay, a minimalist retreat, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, there’s a capsule hotel to suit every type of traveler. The next generation of these innovative spaces is designed not only for rest but for creating unforgettable experiences.
