Capsule Hotels for Budget & Food-Focused Travelers (Global Roundup)
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If you’re the kind of traveler who prefers to splurge on food and experiences rather than accommodation, capsule hotels can be one of the best ways to stretch your travel budget.
These compact stays give you a clean, comfortable place to shower and sleep without paying full hotel prices, and they’re often located in the best parts of the city near public transport, restaurants, and conference venues.
Over the years I’ve tried capsule hotels across Japan, Spain, and expensive cities in the United States like New York City and Honolulu, along with a few hostels that aren’t technically capsule-style but offer similar perks. Below is a roundup of places I’ve personally stayed, what to expect, and tips to make your first capsule stay smooth and stress-free.
If you’ve stayed in one you loved, drop it in the comments — I always love discovering new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a capsule hotel, a pod hotel, a cabin hotel and regular hostels?
All of these terms have been used somewhat interchangeably so you might see them called either a capsule hotel, a pod hotel, a cabin hotel and sometimes even a hostel. For me, the difference with these types of hotels vs a traditional hostel is that there’s a bit more privacy in your own little space rather than an open dorm space.
Where can I store my luggage? What about my valuables?
You will generally not be able to lock your “pod” (NowNow Noho’s sleeping cabins are an exception!) but there will be a locker or storage area assigned to you, sometimes under or nearby the bed or pod and sometimes in a separate hallway, room, or floor.
In Hawaii and in Japan, at times bags were kept out in the open in one area, with a rail that you could lock your bag to, but you will usually need to bring a lock with you. Sometimes they can be bought or rented for a fee at the hotel. For this reason I usually carry one that is smaller for locking my zippers closed and one that’s longer (I’ve even seen people use a bike lock) for when you need to lock it to a rail.
What’s it like inside the capsule, pod or cabin?
It can vary widely from hotel to hotel, sometimes you will have pods stacked on top of each other so there will be less headroom. Other times they can be quite spacious! I’ve also stayed in some where the cube itself is quite large.
Many come with electronic gadgets like TVs, ipads, headphones or personal sound machines. If you are going to watch TV or listen to music, please use headphones as a courtesy to other travelers. If you need to take a phone call, it’s polite to go into a common area like a lounge for it, to keep a silent environment for those who are trying to get some sleep.
Tips for first time guests in a capsule or pod hotel?
My biggest tip is to keep an open mind, pack light and also to use packing cubes or pouches to keep things within your bag organized so it’s easy to grab only the items you need and to lock away valuables. I have a pouch with items I keep near my bed (with my kindle, eye mask, and ear plugs) and one for my toiletries, one for makeup, etc.
Prepare the clothing you’ll wear the following day and keep it with your toilettries bag before you go to bed so you don’t need to fumble around in the morning or disturb others.
My Favorite Capsule Hotels in Japan
Japan is often credited with being the place where capsule hotels started, and they are definitely still popular especially in an expensive city like Tokyo. For solo travelers, it can be a great alternative to hotels and many of the capsules are very advanced.
You really just need a place to sleep and shower since you should be out exploring during the day anyway, plus it’s more money to put towards the excellent food! I usually choose hotels near train stations and on lines that connect to the airport, when I need access to flights. These are some of my favorites where I’d stay gladly stay again:
My Cube by MYSTAYS — Kurumae, Tokyo
⭐ Rating: 9.0 (Booking.com)
Price Range: $40-60
Address: 2 Chome-6-7 Kuramae, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0051 (map)
Closest train stations: Kurumae, Asakusa
>> Check availability and prices
Overview: This is a great introduction to capsule-style travel, with spacious single-level cubes (not stacked) that have a TV with headphones and a locking area underneath.
- The location is excellent — just steps from Kuramae Station, making airport connections (Narita or Haneda) incredibly convenient.
- Showers and shared spaces are spotless and come with a fresh change of towel, pajamas and toothbrush each day. (In the past they used to also give free facial cleansing products in the bathroom, but now they are available for a small fee of 150 yen from the front desk.)
- One of the best things about the hostel is the lounge on the 2nd floor. There are so many spaces to work, eat or relax, comfy chairs and work stations and a manga library for you to borrow from.
- The area has tons of restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance, even a McDonald’s next door. (I don’t eat McDonald’s in the US, but when I’m abroad I like to see what regional items they have – in December 2025 a few of the things I got to try were: a cheese & beef stew pie, “shaka shaka potato” (fries that come with a seasoning garlic butter seasoning that you shake in a bag).
9h Nine Hours Ningyocho — Tokyo
⭐ Rating: 9.0 (Booking.com)
Price Range: $35-65
Address: 3 Chome-6-1 Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013 (map)
Closest train stations: Ningyocho
>> Check availability and prices
Overview: A sleek, minimalist capsule experience with the classic 9h aesthetic: sleek futuristic pods, soft lighting, and ultra-clean shower areas with half a dozen shower stalls complete with rain showers.
- It’s right on the Asakusa Line (Ningyocho station) for easy airport access, as well as the Hibiya line.
- The Ningyocho neighborhood has a ton of great eateries within walking distance. There are numerous cafes to work from and even a Starbucks on the same block.
- One major downside: You will not have access to the sleeping pods, lockers or shower area each day between 11am-3pm for cleaning.
- Although the whole facility is cleaned top to bottom each day, there’s an inescapable part of staying in a neighborhood with great restaurants – some evenings the smell of yakiniku can make it all the way up to the 8th floor!
My Favorite Capsule Hotels in Spain
Colo Colo Hostel — San Sebastián
- Not a traditional capsule hotel, but some of their rooms offer casita-style pods with a pull-down privacy shade.
- The casitas come with a tablet and headphones, and a calm minimalist interior.
- The downstairs common area featured large lockers was one of the quietest I’ve ever been in, and the showers were bright and spotless.
- There are also partnerships with neighboring businesses for discounts.
- An excellent option if you prefer a hybrid: more privacy than a dorm but a bit of a warmer social atmosphere than a hotel.
Capsule Hotels in the United States
Now Now NoHo — New York City
- A swanky design-forward capsule-style hotel with full doors on each pod (though the walls don’t reach the ceiling, which means some noise travels).
- Pods include a mirror and mini-vanity, a top platform for luggage storage, and high-quality bedding.
- The hotel offers a sleep sound machine in each cabin that you can purchase and even “wellness rentals” with things like a Theragun for rent.
- Showers are beautifully maintained, and luxury amenities (including a plush robe!) feel a step above most NYC budget stays.
- I chose it for the excellent NoHo location and the chance to see how a capsule concept translates to the US.
First Cabin International — Waikiki
- More like mini-cabins than pods, the smaller/cheapest option are stacked in two rows of 25 cabins, which close with an accordion-style door that snaps shut with a magnet.
- Larger cabins have a pull down shade and are in a single row and have a fewer number per room, but there is still no space on the side of the bed.
- A standout feature is the four private sauna cabins you can reserve.
- Discount offer at nearby businesses like Iyasume Musubi, where you can pre-order a breakfast set.
- The property is on the 14th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza, located directly across from the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center and above H&M, with easy access to restaurants and shops
- The bus to/from Honolulu Airport goes right to Kuhio Ave (one block away).
- I also loved the lounge which has a partial ocean view over the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Not a Capsule, But Hostels Worth Considering
Sometimes a traditional dorm isn’t a bad option, especially when the property offers great communal spaces. These can be excellent alternatives if capsule hotels are booked out or you want more room to spread out.
- Barcelona Hostel: The Central House Barcelona Gracia — Beautiful terrace, warm social atmosphere with activities and tours available, and stylish common areas that make it a great value if you’re prioritizing comfort and connection over privacy. The dorm rooms are pretty standard with squeaky lockers and high ladders, definitely not my favorite. But I loved the price, the location and the relaxing atmosphere.
What’s your Foodie Travel Style?
Tips for First-Time Capsule Hotel Guests
Organize your items with bags-within-bags
This makes a huge difference in shared spaces. I pack:
- A nightstand pouch for my Kindle, chapstick, eye mask, and earplugs
- A shower bag with toiletries and a change of clothes
- A valuables pouch that’s easy to lock up immediately
Bring your own lock
Some properties will sell or rent them, but I prefer bringing my own lightweight lock that has a slightly longer closure.
Keep your pod clutter-free
Only bring in what you need until morning. Everything else can stay in lockers or storage.
Flip-flops are your friend
Great for late-night bathroom trips or shared shower rooms. In Asia, these are usually provided and it’s often mandatory to remove your shoes.
Expect minimal talking
Most guests observe quiet hours out of respect, and properties enforce noise rules. Step out to the common areas if you need to make a call and use headphones rather than speakers for watching videos or listening to music.
Have You Stayed in a Capsule Hotel You Loved?
I’d love to hear your recommendations — share your favorite capsule or pod hotel in the comments!
