Space Hotel KL: What You Need to Know Before Booking a Stay
In this article by Johan Chairil, where he writes about his stay at Space Hotel, a capsule hotel in central Kuala Lumpur, we bring you a review of the cost and why you should try it.
One night cost me RM 62 (USD$15). The accommodation was comfortable enough to rest. The hotel was separated by gender, and the capsules looked like you are in the space ship.
I’m a digital nomad living in Malaysia and I paid RM 62 for one-night stay at a capsule hotel.
As a freelance journalist and travel writer, I frequently travel for work and often stay at hostels or capsule hotels, also known as pod hotels, to save money on lodging.
My stay at the Space Hotel KL
I recently stayed at the Space Hotel Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I paid just $15 for a one-night stay. While I did have to sacrifice some of the comforts of a traditional hotel, the Space Hotel was conveniently located in the Chinatown area of the city, close to Petaling Street and the Central Market, as well as amenities like 7-Eleven and local food stalls.
These buildings are filled with small, cuboidal sleeping capsules that were originally designed to mimic the look and feel of a spacecraft. While capsule-style living is not as popular among locals, capsule hotels remain a popular choice for budget-conscious solo travelers.
Space Hotel offers a unique experience, allowing guests to live like an astronaut. Renting space suits and having a family-friendly capsule hotel make it perfect for all demographics. Upon arrival, I found people watching Netflix on the big screen TV and playing board games in the common area.
The men’s and family’s capsules are located on the third floor, while mixed-gender capsules are usually situated on the second. Each floor has its own shared bathroom with shower stalls, sinks and water closets provided with towels and sandals.
Laundry is also available at just two US Dollars per wash or dryer load – a rare amenity among Malaysian capsule hotels! It is customary to remove shoes in this type of accommodation; lockers are also provided so that you can store small items securely using an access card received upon check-in. Overall, I felt safe during my stay but travelers should always be mindful of their surroundings when staying in any hotel or guesthouse.
My Capsule in Chinatown
My capsule at the Space Hotel Chinatown had a futuristic interior and resembled a Japanese capsule on a space flight. Despite its small size, it had all the basic amenities I needed, including two USB charging ports, light control buttons, and a safe box for my valuables.
At 5 feet 5 inches tall, I found the capsule to be fairly comfortable, though taller individuals may need to bend their knees. This wasn’t surprising, as many capsule hotels have standard sizes for their capsules. However, I did feel safe sleeping in the locked capsule.
Your experience at a capsule hotel can vary depending on your tolerance for the behavior of your fellow guests. While some travelers may be uncomfortable sacrificing privacy for the sense of community often found in capsule hotels, others may have no qualms about it, having stayed in several overseas.
If your primary concern is budget and you want to stay close to attractions and local amenities, the Space Hotel is worth considering for a unique and affordable experience. While it may not offer the same level of comfort as a traditional hotel, it is still a memorable and different option for travelers.