Trying Out A Capsule Hotel

Going to Patong from Phuket Town is quite expensive as there is a limited number of bus going to and from the places. These buses run from 6am until 4pm only and it takes a long time for them to come because there are only a few buses. Most of the time, taxis are hired for faster transport and cost would range from 300-600THB. Yesterday, I decided to meet 2 colleagues from my previous workplace as they were having their holiday in Patong, Phuket. Since I wanted to take my time in being with them and I do not want to spend a huge amount of transport cost from Patong back to where I reside in Phuket town, I decided to stay in a cheap hotel for a night. 

As I was looking at Agoda the day before I was to meet my friends, I stumbled upon Capsule Hotel and Sauna, Patong. They were advertising their Korean style mixed dormitory bed which was basically a mattress laid out in the huge lounge. I am not fond of dormitory beds anymore due to the terrifying experience I previously had but I am curious with their offered deluxe single capsule. Reading the reviews made me feel more confident that this option won't be that bad. I booked one single capsule bed and paid 350THB via my credit card.

photo of a Korean Style dormitory bed. Photo taken from www.spanish.hostelworld.com

When I checked in on the next day, the staff was very courteous and speaks good English. Check in was a breeze and they gave me a towel and a comforter for my bed and a locker key. I was asked for a 500THB deposit for the locker key. I have observed that hotel staffs in Thailand really do take time to accompany and instruct guests about their hotels. The lady who checked me in, led me to the lockers, to where I can leave my slippers, pointed the shower area, toilet area and to my single capsule.

I just surveyed the place and went out to meet my friends for dinner. I went back to the hotel at around 10pm. This place was situated in Bangla Road where all the party's at. Surprisingly, when I came in and on my capsule, I cannot hear the blaring noise of the street music. Though the wooden walls are thin and I can hear the people in the other capsule or in the lounge, it didn't bother me anyway because they were not that loud.  

I sought to prepare my bed by laying out my comforter. There were 2 personal reading lights, a mirror and place to hang my towel. The roller blind helps to give me privacy inside as well as a way for some light to enter my capsule if I turn off my reading lights. An outlet is also beside the light switch making it convenient to charge my phone. They turned off the Hallway Lights at around 11pm but left a night light which all the more made my area conducive to sleeping. 

I was able to sleep well with the privacy and dimness of the place. When I woke up, it surprised me that it was already 9am. My booking included breakfast which consisted of juice and bread. 

When it was time for me to shower, I headed to the locker to safely place my valuables and straight to the shower area which is just adjacent to it. I was the only person to use the women's shower room as maybe the other guests are still sleeping. I find it very spacious and with about 7 shower cubicles. Some guests were hanging their wet clothes but I didn't mind. Toiletries such as shampoo, body soap and hand soap were provided as well as a  hair dryer.

image taken from tripadvisor.com

Upon check out, I gave back the locker key and dropped my towel and comforter to their laundry hamper.  The lady staff made sure to remind me to check that I haven't left anything. I just smiled and said I did. I got my deposit back and bade goodbye to my comfortable 1 night stay. 

For those solo backpackers planning to come to Patong and wanting to stay in a good and clean location, you can try Capsule Hotel and Sauna. I believe they are changing their name to WHY-NOT?! Backpackers. It's cheap, convenient, clean and a place to socialize with other travelers. The capsule is really not that claustrophobia inducing as it offered me ample space. I am not paid by the hotel to write this but I am just sharing my wonderful experience. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!