The concept of capsule hotels is not very old, where travelers are provided just slightly more space than their beds to spend the night.
The first-ever capsule hotel in the world opened in 1979 in Osaka, Japan. At night, it looked like a morgue, with rows of small rooms resembling capsules for travelers to sleep in.
Most of the residents of this capsule hotel were office workers who didn’t have time to return home late at night and then go back to the office early in the morning. These individuals would spend the night here and leave for the office again in the morning.
As the popularity of these capsule-like room hotels grew, tourists began adopting them, seeing them as a representation of Japanese culture.
In recent years, the rising real estate prices and the increase in hotel room rents have further strengthened the concept of capsule hotels. These small rooms, available at much lower prices than traditional hotels, provide travelers with more privacy than hostels and much more comfort than camping.
Most of these capsules are designed for a single person and are considered ideal for the growing trend of solo travel. Additionally, some of these hotels are exclusively for one gender, providing guests with an added sense of security.
By 2031, the global market value of capsule hotels is expected to reach 327 million dollars.
To maintain this trend and attract new customers, several exciting hybrid hotels are emerging.
From capsule hotels made of gutter pipes in the desert of Colombia to pods made inside bookshelves, all promise unique experiences worth sharing on social media.
Over time, the concept of capsule hotels is becoming more innovative. Let’s take a look at eight of the most extraordinary capsule hotels.
Nine Hours Hotel
There are 13 Nine Hours hotels across Japan. One unique byproduct of their hotel chain is sleep data.
At the Shinagawa Station location (which is exclusively for men), guests can avail the “Sleep Scan” service, which lasts for nine hours.
This service uses sensors to monitor everything from the guest’s breathing patterns to their facial expressions while they sleep, creating a detailed report on their sleep quality.
The report tracks the guest’s heart rate during sleep, identifies signs of sleep deprivation, and even monitors snoring. While most capsule hotels cater to guests who prioritize budget-friendly stays, Nine Hours is particularly interested in how well its guests sleep.
All of Nine Hours’ hotel capsules are white. These rows of sleeping pods could easily be mistaken for a set from a science fiction film.
The name “Nine Hours” reflects the concept of reducing costs, where travelers can rent a room for just nine hours instead of booking it for the entire day. This nine-hour block includes seven hours for sleep and two hours for showering. Need just a nap? You can even rent a space by the hour.
Glass Houses Hanging in the Sky
Spending a night in a glass capsule hanging from a rock may not be the ideal concept of a comfortable stay for everyone, but for adventure enthusiasts, there is no better place than this hotel in Peru, where you can enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding mountains and valley.
The only way to reach the Sky Lodges is a nearly 400-meter vertical climb, but you don’t need prior experience in mountain climbing. Thanks to the presence of zip lines, descending from the lodges is relatively easy and quick.
Each capsule comes with a private bathroom, so needing to use the toilet during the night won’t be a life-threatening challenge.
In the morning, you can enjoy the sunrise while sipping tea on your private deck, taking in the stunning views.
