3 coolest capsule hotels in Asia
PUBLISHED ONOctober 01, 2017 7:00 AMByDenise Bay
This article was originally on GET.com at: 3 Coolest Capsule Hotels In Asia
Did you know that capsule hotels can be found in Singapore as well? For those of you who have only heard of traditional hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, Airbnb and backpackers' hostels, you might want to check out capsule hotels if you aren't ready for couchsurfing just yet.
In general, capsule hotels offer travellers their own sleeping quarters, shared facilities and amenities, as well as the opportunity to interact and socialise with other like-minded travellers.
What started out as a basic, no-frills accommodation for business travellers in Japan decades ago has morphed into a hit for price-conscious and/or experiential travellers looking for quirkier alternatives. If you have plans to travel in the months ahead, why not consider trying out capsule hotels for a change?
Fret not if you don't know where to begin, below, we at GET.com share with you our top three coolest capsule hotel finds in Asia. Psst, all of them have won the hearts of travellers around the world!
3 COOLEST CAPSULE HOTELS IN ASIA
1. HEY BEAR CAPSULE HOTEL, XINBEI, TAIWAN
A mix of cuteness and futurism, Hey Bear Capsule Hotel is a top pick for travellers to Taipei in search of a superb capsule experience complete with comfortable lodging in a space pod-esque capsule, top marks in cleanliness and approachable, helpful staff.
There is ample space, a personal 32-inch LED TV, security box, speedy Wi-Fi and more. Its excellent location across from a train station is a definite plus point, too.
Besides making time to visit some of the best night markets in Taiwan, make sure you go on a food hunt nearby Hey Bear Capsule Hotel. They've thoughtfully created a food map you can refer to on their website.
Rating on Booking.com: 8.9/10
Rating on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Address: 8F, No.1, Sec. 2, ChongXin Rd., SanChong Dist. New Taipei City, Taiwan
Website: https://heybear-hotel.com/?lang=en
2. THE PRIME POD GINZA TOKYO, TOKYO, JAPAN
The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO is a great accommodation option for travellers with a preference for something more upscale, with more finesse. The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO is a luxuriously stylish pod-type hotel that won't break the bank despite being in the heart of ritzy Ginza.
Staying connected is easy as there's free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO is also a good option for women as this capsule hotel prioritises guests' safety and security by only allowing access to the pod areas on each level via a security card.
Pick the standard pod if you're pinching pennies, or the grand pod if you want to up the luxe factor, for the latter promises a priceless view of the Ginza landmark Wako Clock Tower as well as more atas touches.
Those who have stayed at the Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO couldn't stop raving about their extremely comfortable beds and how spacious the pods are! This definitely sounds like an amazing accommodation option for anyone who's going to be travelling to Tokyo.
Located a mere minute by foot away from the Higashi-Ginza station, its convenient location makes it ideal for travellers as the Kabuki-Za Theatre and famous Tsukiji Fish Market are nestled close by.
Rating on Booking.com: 8.9/10
Rating on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Address: 5-13-19 Ginza | 13F Duplex Ginza Tower, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo Prefecture
Website: https://theprimepod.jp/en/
3. BOOK AND BED TOKYO, TOKYO, JAPAN
With capsules hidden behind rows and rows of wooden bookshelves, BOOK and BED TOKYO is an absolute dream come true for any book lover. At this cosy bookshop-themed capsule hotel, travellers can choose to sleep behind the bookshelves or on a compact bunk bed.
For a more unconventional experience, I'd definitely pick the former.
Free Wi-Fi is available, and you will, of course, have reading lights at your disposal. Though, keep in mind the books there are mainly in Japanese texts since it's Tokyo we're talking about here. You'll find books in English over there, as well.
Its location is spot-on as it will only take you 4 minutes to walk to JR Ikebukuro Station from the capsule hotel. Getting to the Shinjuku and Shibuya district will only take you 10 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line. How awesome is that?
Rating on Booking.com: 8.5/10
Rating on TripAdvisor: 4/5
Address: 1-17-7, Lumiere Building 7th floor,Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo, Japan 171-0021