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0 pointsGuB-422y ago0 comments

I spent a few nights in capsule hotels, I was surprised at how not claustrophobic it was.

What most people don't realize is everything there is around the capsules. Usually, when you enter the hotel, you start by going to the locker room. There you put in all the stuff you won't need for the night, that is, essentially everything. You may even get a yukata robe, a towel and some toiletries, so it can be literally everything, including your clothes.

Then you can take advantage of the amities and relax. You may find showers, hot baths, massage chairs, etc... Only when it is time to sleep you go to your capsule, which is essentially like a bunk bed with privacy, maybe with a bit of equipment like a TV, alarm clock, charging plug...

Now, I probably wouldn't stay in a capsule hotel for 3 weeks, but I could definitely spend 3 weeks backpacking, stopping in capsule hotels for the night. It is not really designed as a place to stay, more like a place to spend the night with no preparation. Also, while it is cheaper than regular hotels, it is not that cheap, and if you really want cheap, there are other options.

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7 comments · 2 top-level

TulliusCicero2y ago· 4 in thread

I'd be down for capsule hotels if there was a locked door/screen with some real heft, but apparently they're basically just curtains?

avianlyric2y ago

Curtain is still a step up from a bed in shared room at a hostel. Personally I’ve never felt unsafe in a hostel, a little exposed at times, and annoyed when people turn up drunk and make noise getting into bed, but not unsafe.

esrauch2y ago

I was at a hotel in the UK in a big shared bunk room and some French dudes got into a drunken fist fight in the room at 3am and after it was settled proceeded to snore the loudest I've ever heard anyone snore. Most people left at 5am. Do not recommend that experience.

TulliusCicero2y ago

I realize it's extremely unlikely that anything actually bad will happen, it's just a psychological thing for me.

weberer2y ago

It depends on the place. Most of them just have curtains, but some have plastic doors that your can close and lock.

ehnto2y ago· 1 in thread

I stayed in APA business hotels for two weeks, often the same price as the capsule hotels even when I booked them the same day and you get a very acceptable room and bathroom.

Often when I say that people tell me not to support the big hotelier chains and offer some independent options, which I might try next trip. I do think people might be a bit misguided though, independent or not they are still faceless hotel chains. Which one gets my $60 is hardly a matter of social responsibility.

If you are like me and are there for the urbanism, staying in a businesd hotel fits the atmosphere honestly. They're commoditized hotels, perfectly serviceable, pragmatic like much of urban life there.

GuB-42OP2y ago

Things may have changed, but I remember capsule hotels being more around $30 than $60, so, about half of what you pay for in a business hotel. Ballpark numbers.

It brings me to my other point. Capsule hotels are best when you are travelling alone. As a couple, they don't really make sense. In fact, some capsule hotels are for men only, or have men and women in separate areas. This is because they often feature public baths and there is some nudity involved, which is normal in Japan.

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