Capsule hotels have expanded far beyond their Japanese origins, appearing in cities across Europe, North America, and Australia. These compact, bed-sized pods offer a budget-friendly alternative to traditional hotels, with prices starting around $39 per night in parts of Europe, according to Expedia. This guide breaks down what to expect from capsule hotels, how pricing varies by region, and which properties stand out for different types of travelers.
Last checked: 2026-08-09
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Price Range: Average $39+ per night in Europe · Popular Locations: Dublin, London, Tokyo, Osaka · Notable Property: Zedwell Piccadilly (1,000 pods) · Booking Platforms: Expedia, Booking.com, Trip.com
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-08-09.
Sources reviewed: official property websites, Booking.com listings, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia travel guides, Tokyo Cheapo editorial content, Business Insider review, Remitly travel blog.
No on-site visits or staff interviews were conducted. Price data comes from aggregator listings and may not reflect real-time availability or seasonal fluctuations.
Capsule hotel snapshot: key findings
- $39 per night, per Expedia
- Zedwell Piccadilly with 1,000 pods, per Booking.com
- The Devlin offers pod rooms with Netflix, per Booking.com
- Expedia lists 6 capsule properties in the U.S., starting at $62/night, per Expedia
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price range (Europe) | From $39 per night (Expedia) |
| Popular locations | Dublin, London, Tokyo, Osaka, Sydney, Montreal |
| Notable property | Zedwell Piccadilly (London) with 1,000 pods |
| Booking platforms | Expedia, Booking.com, Trip.com |
| U.S. inventory | 6 capsule hotels listed (Expedia) |
| Montreal capsule rating | 6.0/10 (Expedia), 4.3/5 bubbles (TripAdvisor) |
| Sydney capsule rooms | 70 rooms, C$45–C$140 range (TripAdvisor) |
| First capsule hotel | Opened in Osaka, Japan, in 1979 (Remitly) |
Is there a capsule hotel in Dublin?
Yes. The Devlin in Dublin offers pod-style rooms that include Netflix access, positioning itself as a hybrid between a hostel and a hotel. Booking.com lists The Devlin as a capsule hotel with private pod units rather than shared dormitory bunks. The hotel sits in the Ranelagh neighborhood, about 2.5 km from Dublin city center, making it a practical option for travelers who want proximity to the city without a central price tag.
Dublin Airport also features sleep pods in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, operated by a company called SleepBox. These are hourly-use pods designed for layovers rather than overnight stays. The airport pods include a bed, charging ports, and a privacy curtain, but they are not bookable as hotel rooms. The bottom line: Dublin has both a proper capsule hotel (The Devlin) and transit-friendly sleep pods at the airport, covering different traveler needs.
Do capsule hotels still exist?
Yes, and they are expanding beyond their original market in Japan. According to travel blog Remitly, the first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979. The concept has since spread to major cities worldwide. London’s Zedwell Piccadilly opened with 1,000 pods, making it one of the largest capsule properties outside Japan. Booking.com lists capsule hotels in the United States, including properties in Washington, Joplin (Missouri), and Oceanside (California), demonstrating that the format has taken root in North America.
Australia and Canada have also adopted the model. According to TripAdvisor, The Capsule Hotel in Sydney opened in May 2017 with 70 rooms and ranks on TripAdvisor with a price range of C$45–C$140 per night. Capsule Hotel Montreal shows 58 rooms with free in-room WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. These examples confirm that capsule hotels are not a passing trend but a growing accommodation category.
Japan still leads the market in density and variety. Tokyo Cheapo notes that capsule hotels there typically include a mattress, pillow, shelf or table, charging port, and sometimes a TV with earphones. Privacy is provided by curtains or sliding doors rather than locking doors, which is standard across most markets. The pattern: capsule hotels have become a global budget accommodation category, with Japan offering the widest range and most standardized experiences.
Which countries have capsule hotels?
Japan: the birthplace
The first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979. Tokyo remains the global hub, with Booking.com reporting an average weekend price of $46 per night for Tokyo-to capsule hotels. Tokyo Cheapo notes that prices can vary by ¥10,000 or more depending on when you book, so advance reservations often yield better rates.
United Kingdom: London and beyond
London’s Zedwell Piccadilly operates 1,000 pods in a central location near Piccadilly Circus. Booking.com lists additional capsule and pod-style properties in Manchester and Edinburgh, though London has the highest concentration. Prices in London start around $50–$70 per night for basic pods, comparable to budget hostel dormitories.
Europe: Spain, Germany, and others
Expedia’s capsule hotel category includes properties in Spain, Germany, and France, with prices starting at $39 per night. These European capsule hotels often combine pod sleeping with shared communal areas, kitchenettes, and lounges. The format appeals to solo travelers and backpackers who want private sleeping space without paying for a full hotel room.
United States: Washington DC and beyond
Expedia’s U.S. capsule-hotel guide lists 6 properties, with the lowest price at $62 and the highest at $218 per night. U Street Capsule Hostel in Washington DC is one example, located 1.2 miles from the Phillips Collection. Booking.com shows capsule hotels in Washington, Joplin, and Oceanside, indicating that the concept is still niche but available in select cities.
Canada and Australia
Montreal’s Capsule Hotel operates 58 rooms with a breakfast fee of about CAD 10 for adults, per Expedia Canada. Sydney’s The Capsule Hotel offers 70 rooms with safety deposit box, locker, LCD Smart TV, USB plugs, headphone jack, adjustable lights, climate control, and alarm clock. The trade-off: North American and Australian capsule hotels tend to include more amenities (kitchenettes, smart TVs, lockers) than basic Japanese pods, but also cost more per night.
How much does it cost to stay in a capsule hotel?
Pricing depends on location, amenities, and booking timing. Here is a breakdown based on verified data from travel platforms:
- Europe (general): From $39 per night, per Expedia.
- Tokyo (weekend average): $46 per night, per Booking.com.
- United States: Range of $62–$218 per night, per Expedia.
- Montreal: C$45–C$124 per night, per TripAdvisor.
- Sydney: C$45–C$140 per night, per TripAdvisor.
- Business Insider reviewer: Paid $26 for one night at Nine Hours Otemachi in Tokyo, a specific example of budget pricing.
Tokyo Cheapo reports that capsule hotel prices in Tokyo can vary by ¥10,000 or more depending on the time of booking. Evening walk-in rates are sometimes lower than advance reservations, but availability is unreliable. The cheapest capsule hotels in Japan run $20–$30 per night, while luxury pods with double beds, private bathrooms, and lounge access can reach $100+.
Expedia characterizes capsule hotels as “among the most affordable hotel options you’ll find just about anywhere they’re available,” noting that prices rise during busy seasons. What to watch: Capsule hotels in high-demand areas (central London, Shibuya) may cost nearly as much as a budget private room at a hostel, but offer better privacy and dedicated sleeping space.
Budget vs luxury capsule hotels
Basic capsule hotels provide a mattress, pillow, shelf, and charging port with curtain privacy. Higher-end listings add climate control, lockers, smart TVs, communal kitchenettes, lounges, and laundry access. The Capsule Hotel in Sydney exemplifies the premium end, with LCD smart TVs, USB plugs, adjustable lights, alarm clocks, and full climate control included in the pod rate.
Pros and cons of capsule hotels
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower price than standard hotel rooms | Less privacy than a private hotel room |
| Good for solo travelers | Noise from neighboring pods |
| Compact design saves space | Limited luggage storage (lockers vary) |
| Often in central locations | No full bathroom in pod; shared facilities |
| Flexible booking (hourly in some airports) | Not suitable for couples or tall travelers |
One reviewer on Business Insider described their $26 stay at Nine Hours Otemachi, noting a common area with desks, chairs, Wi-Fi, and a USB charging port inside the capsule. These features are typical of purpose-built capsule hotels, as opposed to adapted hostel dormitories. The catch: Capsule hotels work best for short stays (1–3 nights) where the primary need is a clean, private place to sleep.
Best capsule hotels for different traveler types
Budget travelers
Tokyo capsule hotels offer the best value globally, with weekend averages of $46 per night. The Nine Hours chain, reviewed by Business Insider, provides a consistent experience across multiple locations in Tokyo and Kyoto. Europe’s $39 starting price also suits budget travelers, particularly in cities like Madrid, Berlin, and Barcelona where capsule hotels have opened in recent years.
Luxury seekers
Zedwell Piccadilly in London offers premium amenities including climate control, soundproofed pods, and a central location near Piccadilly Circus. With 1,000 pods, it operates more like a large hotel than a hostel. Capsule Hotel Montreal provides kitchenette and microwave access, free in-room WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk at C$45–C$124 per night.
Transit passengers
Dublin Airport’s SleepBox pods are designed for layovers, offering hourly rates. Capsule hotels near major transit hubs (London King’s Cross, Shinjuku Station) also cater to travelers with early departures or late arrivals. These properties typically offer luggage storage and late check-in.
Solo travelers
Capsule hotels suit solo travelers who want privacy without paying for an entire hotel room. The Capsule Hotel in Sydney, with 70 rooms, includes safety deposit boxes, lockers, and luggage storage, addressing solo traveler security concerns. Booking.com’s U.S. inventory includes properties in Washington, Joplin, and Oceanside that follow a similar model.
Comparison: capsule hotel options in Dublin, London, and Washington DC
| Property | Location | Price (starting from) | Highlights | Booking platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Devlin | Dublin, Ireland | ~$70/night | Pod rooms with Netflix, near city center | Booking.com |
| Zedwell Piccadilly | London, UK | ~$50/night | 1,000 pods, soundproofing, central location | Booking.com |
| U Street Capsule Hostel | Washington DC, USA | ~$62/night | 1.2 mi from Phillips Collection, budget option | Expedia |
Our pick: Best capsule hotel for most travelers
For budget-conscious travelers and solo adventurers, the Nine Hours chain in Japan offers the best combination of price ($26–$46/night), consistent quality, and convenient locations near transit hubs. Transit passengers and city explorers will find Zedwell Piccadilly in London a strong European alternative, with 1,000 pods in a central location. For travelers in North America, Capsule Hotel Montreal provides a reliable option with kitchenette access and 24-hour front desk service.
“The average price per night for a capsule hotel in Tokyo-to for this weekend is $46.”
– Booking.com, travel booking platform
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FAQ: capsule hotels answered
Are there any capsule hotels in the UK?
Yes. Zedwell Piccadilly in London operates 1,000 pods. Additional capsule and pod-style properties are listed on Booking.com in Manchester and Edinburgh.
How cheap are capsule hotels?
Prices start at $39 per night in Europe (Expedia), $46 per night weekend average in Tokyo (Booking.com), and $62 per night in the United States (Expedia). The lowest specific verified price is $26 for a night at Nine Hours Otemachi in Tokyo (Business Insider).
Are there POD hotels in Europe?
Yes. Expedia lists capsule hotels in Spain, Germany, and France starting at $39 per night. London’s Zedwell Piccadilly is the largest European pod property with 1,000 units.
Why do capsule hotels work in Japan?
Japan has a long history with capsule hotels since 1979, a culture of compact living, and high demand for affordable accommodation in dense urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. Tokyo Cheapo notes that standard amenities and consistent pricing across chains make them predictable for travelers.
Best capsule hotel near me?
Use Booking.com or Expedia to search for capsule hotels in your specific city. Both platforms allow filtering by capsule/pod hotel category and sorting by price, rating, and distance.
Sources cited
- Expedia — Capsule hotel definition and pricing
- Booking.com — Tokyo capsule hotel weekend prices
- Tokyo Cheapo — Capsule hotel features and pricing
- TripAdvisor — Capsule Hotel Montreal
- TripAdvisor — The Capsule Hotel Sydney
- Business Insider — Nine Hours Otemachi review
- Expedia Canada — Capsule Hotel Montreal
- Remitly — History of capsule hotels