POD HOTELS: FIVE OF THE BEST

1

NINE HOURS, KYOTO

Opened at the end of 2009, this is the brainchild of Fumie Shibata and her Design Studio S. Today the chain has branches in ten cities across Japan and is perfectly suited to both business travelers and backpackers on a budget. The Nine Hours Kyoto branch has a spaceship-like design of clean lines and calm spaces in a monochrome palette and is located within walking distance of Kawaramachi train station and Kyoto’s renowned Yasaka shrine. The hotel has separate floors for men and women, and each custom-designed capsule includes an alarm clock that wakes you through the use of light rather than sound; specialized pillows designed to maximize the space available; and high-quality Japanese woven linen sheets for comfort.

From ¥4,900 ($44); ninehours.co.jp

2

GALAXY POD HOSTEL, REYKJAVIK

Located in central Reykjavik, the Galaxy Pod Hostel opened in 2015, offering 42 sleeping capsules in a bright and futuristic space inspired by Tokyo’s pod hotels. The open-plan lobby has striking views across the mountains, while pods are decorated in a minimal blackand-white color palette with a comfortable mattress, reading light, mirror and shelf, television, light alarm clock and separate storage locker. Guests can use a self-service kitchen, while the hostel’s location on Laugavegur, the city’s main street, ensures you aren’t far from plentiful restaurants and bars, as well as the downtown business hub.

Pods from ISK6,850 ($57); galaxypodhostel.is

3

YOTEL GATWICK AIRPORT Conveniently located within the South Terminal building of Gatwick airport, and with 24-hour access, this accommodation is a boon for weary travelers, with simple, effective cabins in standard and premium categories, bookable by the hour. All rooms have desks, rain showers and free WiFi, while premium cabins work the 100-square-foot space hard, featuring an adjustable bed that can also be used as a sofa. Yotel has sister hotels at Heathrow inside Terminal 4, Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

From £130 ($171); yotel.com →