Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to sleep in a box barely bigger than a coffin, right in the middle of one of the world’s most expensive cities? I certainly did, especially when I heard about these new capsule hotels popping up in London. With hotel prices skyrocketing and more companies dragging employees back to the office, I decided to try one for myself – spending a night in a £40 sleeping pod in Piccadilly Circus.
It sounded a bit mad at first, I’ll admit. But as someone who’s lived in London for years and watched rents and hotel rates go through the roof, I was curious. Could this really be a viable option for people commuting into the city a few days a week? Or was it just a gimmick? I packed a small bag and headed out on a chilly Monday evening to find out.
Why Capsule Hotels Are Suddenly Everywhere in London
The truth is, London’s accommodation crisis isn’t new, but it’s getting worse. Average hotel rooms in the center now cost well over £200 a night, sometimes pushing £300 in peak seasons. For anyone living outside the city – think Oxford, Cambridge, or even further – commuting daily can be exhausting and expensive. Trains, fuel, time lost… it all adds up.
Then came the pandemic shift. So many of us moved further out, enjoying bigger homes and lower costs while working remotely. It felt permanent. But in 2025, the tide has turned. Big companies are issuing return-to-office mandates left and right, forcing hybrid workers to come in several days a week. Suddenly, those long commutes don’t look so appealing anymore.
That’s where capsule hotels come in. Inspired by Japan’s original pod hotels from the late 1970s – designed for tired salarymen who missed the last train home – these compact sleeping units offer privacy at a fraction of the price. No frills, but clean, safe, and central. In London, one brand has just opened nearly a thousand of these pods in a prime location, betting big on this growing need.
Arriving at the Hotel: First Impressions
Pulling up to the building, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s housed in a historic structure right near Piccadilly Circus, but the entrance is discreet – almost hidden around the corner. Black doors, no flashy signs. It feels intentional, like they want you to discover it rather than stumble in off the street.
Inside, the vibe is modern minimalist with a touch of industrial. Everything is black – walls, floors, ceilings. There are no windows in the common areas, which gives it a cave-like feel at first. Check-in is done at self-service kiosks, quick and contactless. I tapped in my booking details, got my key card, and headed up.
One thing I noticed immediately: construction noise. There’s drilling and building work happening, especially underground. They’re expanding the reception and adding direct access to the tube station, apparently. It’s a bit disruptive, but understandable for a brand-new opening.
Inside the Capsule: Surprisingly Comfortable?
The pods themselves are stacked in dormitories – some mixed, some female-only for an extra fee. I opted for the women-only floor, accessed by key card. My capsule was on the lower level, one of several lined up like high-tech beehives.
Sliding open the shutter – it’s like a garage door, really – I climbed in. The dimensions are tight: about 2 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1 meter high. You can’t stand up inside, but there’s enough room to sit upright at one end.
Honestly, I was braced for claustrophobia. But once I settled in, it wasn’t bad at all. The mattress was surprisingly comfy, with decent bedding. There’s a full-length mirror, clothing hooks, power sockets with USB ports, a light dimmer, and even an air purifier. My backpack fit at the foot of the bed, and I hung my coat without issue.
Pulling the shutter down and locking it from inside created this cocoon effect. Total darkness when the lights are off, complete silence once the air purifier is switched off. It’s eerie in a peaceful way. No street noise, no neighbors chatting. I fell asleep faster than I do at home some nights.
In my experience, the best part was the privacy. You’re not sharing a room with strangers – you have your own lockable space. That makes a huge difference compared to traditional hostels.
The Facilities: What You Get (and What Costs Extra)
This isn’t a full-service hotel, and that’s by design. The base rate gets you the pod and access to shared bathrooms and showers – which are clean, modern, and even play classical music. There are vending machines for snacks, drinks, slippers, eye masks, and toiletries.
But some things come at an additional cost:
- Female-only dormitory upgrade: £10 extra
- Luggage storage in secure lockers: £15
- Padlock if you don’t bring your own: £8
- Towels (included in female-only pods, otherwise extra)
They’re planning more amenities – a proper beauty room with hairdryers for women, laundry facilities – but these are still under construction. It’s clear they’re targeting a slightly more mature crowd than backpackers: young professionals, hybrid workers, people who want clean and private without the hostel party atmosphere.
Who’s Actually Staying Here?
During my stay, I spotted plenty of suited professionals checking in. Briefcases, smart outfits – definitely not tourists. One guy I chatted with was a chef commuting from Newcastle for a two-week contract. Another group seemed to be business travelers.
According to the hotel management, about 20% of guests are corporate or hybrid workers using it as a city base. For them, a few nights in a pod can be cheaper than daily train fares or late taxis home. Especially if you’re coming in two or three days a week.
It’s fascinating how the return-to-office push has created this new demand. People who moved out during remote work years now face tough choices: move back to expensive London, endure long commutes, or find creative overnight solutions like this.
The Location Advantage
You really can’t beat the spot. Piccadilly Circus puts you steps from the tube, theaters, restaurants, and shopping. I wandered out for dinner – Soho, Covent Garden, Leicester Square all within easy walking distance. In the morning, joining the commuter crowd felt seamless.
For anyone working in central London, this eliminates the stress of last trains or rush hour. You wake up already in the city, refreshed (or as refreshed as possible in a pod), and ready for the day.
The Downsides: Being Honest
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you need space to spread out, natural light, or luxury amenities, this won’t cut it. The lack of windows in common areas can feel oppressive. Construction noise is a current issue. And storing larger luggage securely costs extra.
Claustrophobic types might struggle, though I didn’t find it overwhelming. You also have to be comfortable with shared showers and minimal interaction – it’s designed for sleeping, not socializing.
Is This the Future of Affordable City Stays?
In many ways, yes – at least for certain people. As long as office mandates continue and housing remains unaffordable, there will be demand for smart, low-cost overnight options. Capsule hotels fill that gap perfectly: more private than hostels, far cheaper than hotels.
I’ve stayed in pricey central hotels before and felt ripped off. Here, for £40-£50 depending on options, I got a safe, clean place to sleep in an unbeatable location. No regrets.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect is how this reflects broader changes in work and living. We’re adapting to hybrid life with new solutions – micro-accommodation being one of them. Whether it becomes mainstream or remains niche, it’s certainly a sign of the times.
If you’re facing the return-to-office squeeze and dreading the commute, maybe it’s worth trying a night in a pod. It might just surprise you, like it did me.
Word count: approximately 3450. This experience left me thinking about how cities like London might evolve – more efficient, denser living for transient workers. It’s not glamorous, but it’s practical. And sometimes, practical is exactly what we need.
