Why I love this capsule hotel in Kuala Lumpur

I have a confession to make. I am not a hostel person. Much more staying in dorm type rooms is out of the question. But last month, during a budget travel to Malaysia and Thailand, I tried an exception. It looks like a hostel, its arranged like a dorm type accommodation but provides you the privacy of a hotel room. Yes, the Sim Capsule Hotel in Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang.

I’m no stranger to hostels. In fact, when I was in Singapore for ten days almost a decade ago, I stayed in one. But I just don’t like it. I still prefer the privacy of a hotel room. As for capsules, the first time I visited Japan, in Tokyo, I actually stayed at a capsule hotel for the experience and stayed at one for the second time in Osaka for a few hours before my flight. Again, not really fond of these too. But the Sim Capsule Hotel in Kuala Lumpur was just different.

I first saw some of these capsule hotel types while looking for accommodations in Taipei and Singapore. These are futuristically designed pods with its own door that can only be opened with your keycard. It’s unlike the typical ones found in Japan and other cities wherein you pull a cover at the entrance, or some curtains for that semblance of privacy. At Sim Capsule Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, although they have small lockers where one can place one’s bag, you can leave some of our things inside and not worry of losing these.

Comfy pods

The inside is spacious with a comfortable mattress. A pillow and a roll of blanket is supplied. Opposite the retractable door is a mirror surrounded with LED lights that when turned on can be very bright. Below it is the control panel for the TV, earphone (you can only use this for the TV sounds), a single electric outlet, a USB port to charge your devices, ‘Don’t Disturb’ switch (displayed outside of the pod) and controls for the reading lights located above. There’s a foldable plastic bed table that you can use too. A small safe is inside too.

Keycards control access not only to the pods but also the room and to the hotel. Although sound is not totally eliminated, at least, it is minimized. Shared bathroom and toilets at the farther end of the hotel. There is also a small dining space for breakfast which comes free (typical hostel food), and an open area for smoking. Wifi is fast too. What other than the comfy pods and amenities? I love the location which is in Bukit Bintang which is just a short walk to shopping malls and restaurants. Around the area are several Indian, Malay and Chinese local restaurants too. The Monorail is also a few minutes walk.

Would I book here again? Definitely. It’s cheap, clean and has good location. And is a good option than a hotel in Kuala Lumpur