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I spent 3 hours in a capsule hostel in an airport for $55, and getting to nap and shower before traveling was worth every penny

I spent 3 hours in a capsule hostel in an airport for $55, and getting to nap and shower before traveling was worth every penny
The lounge in the capsule hostel.Marielle Descalsota/Insider
  • I spent a night in CapsuleTransit, a hostel located in an airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • A three-hour stay cost $55, and the hostel was clean, quiet, and comfortable.

CapsuleTransit is an airport hostel in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.

CapsuleTransit is an airport hostel in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.
An ad for the capsule hostel at KLIA2.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

CapsuleTransit has some eye-catching advertisements, including a large, bright yellow box that's been plunked down in the middle of a hallway in the Kuala Lumpur airport. My editor spotted the ad during a trip a couple months ago and recommended I test out the experience myself.

I flew from Singapore to KL for a reporting trip at the end of November, so I booked myself a short, three-hour stay in the capsule hotel right after I landed.

CapsuleTransit did not reply to my requests for comment for this story.

CapsuleTransit has two locations in the airport: landside, in the adjacent mall, and airside, in the departure hall.

CapsuleTransit has two locations in the airport: landside, in the adjacent mall, and airside, in the departure hall.
Entrance to the capsule hostel.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I booked a bed in the landside hostel.

The hostel has a 4-star average rating on Google Reviews from over 1,600 votes. One couple who stayed at the hostel three months ago said it was a "great spot" if your flight is delayed, and another user said her stay was comfortable and clean.

The hostel's check-in counter looked more like a Starbucks than a hotel desk.

The hostel
The check-in counter.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Only two people were at the check-in counter when I arrived.

Checking in was a breeze. I got my passport details taken, and then paid a deposit of 50 Malaysia ringgit, or around $11.

Insider paid for my stay in full.

Suitcases could be kept in storage areas like this one. The hostel also offers storage services for between three and 24 hours.

Suitcases could be kept in storage areas like this one. The hostel also offers storage services for between three and 24 hours.
The locker for the luggage.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The inside of the hostel looked like crossover between a warehouse and shipping containers.

The inside of the hostel looked like crossover between a warehouse and shipping containers.
The entrance to the hostel.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

There were three types of accommodations: single bed in male, female, and mixed areas; a double bed in the mixed area; and a suite, which was a small private room.

The hostel had a industrial aesthetic, which made for some cool Instagram photos.

I chose the double bed and paid around 244 Malaysia ringgit, or $55, for a three-hour stay.

I chose the double bed and paid around 244 Malaysia ringgit, or $55, for a three-hour stay.
My bed for the three hours.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

According to travel site Budget Your Trip, accommodation in Malaysia costs 164 ringgit on average per night. That means the hostel's rates are on the expensive side, considering I could only use the amenities for a few hours.

Every additional hour stayed beyond the booked duration incurred a 20 ringgit charge.

While it's an affordable option if you're only staying for a few hours, the price comes out to about $150 for a 24-hour stay. For some price reference, if you're looking for an entire night's stay, five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur cost around that much.

The bed was clean, cozy, and comfortable.

The bed was clean, cozy, and comfortable.
Double bed in the hostel.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Hostels aren't especially known for their cleanliness, but this one was cleaner than some three-star hotels I've been at.

I only saw one other person inside the hostel. He packed his stuff and quickly left, which made it feel like I had the whole place to myself.

I only saw one other person inside the hostel. He packed his stuff and quickly left, which made it feel like I had the whole place to myself.
The beds inside the hostel.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

While hostels can be cramped and noisy, this one was the exact opposite. As the upper bunk wasn't in use, I couldn't feel or hear any movement from above.

It was late afternoon when I settled into the hostel, and I didn't see the space getting any busier as the night fell.

The bathroom was the biggest surprise. It was made out of concrete and stainless steel, and had the cleanest toilet and shower out of any hostel I've been to.

The bathroom was the biggest surprise. It was made out of concrete and stainless steel, and had the cleanest toilet and shower out of any hostel I
The bathroom in the hostel.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The shower's water heater and pressure were strong, and the toilet had a bidet. Soaps and a hair dryer were provided.

As I explored the hostel, I found a lounge area that reminded me more of a business cafe than an airport hostel.

As I explored the hostel, I found a lounge area that reminded me more of a business cafe than an airport hostel.
Lounge area in the hostel.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The lounge was spacious and allowed natural light to stream in. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a coffee vending machine or counter, but food and drinks aren't allowed to be consumed inside the hostel.

Overall, CapsuleTransit is a well-maintained hostel that surpassed all my expectations. It's a little pricey, but if you want to splurge for comfort traveling, it's worth visiting.

Overall, CapsuleTransit is a well-maintained hostel that surpassed all my expectations. It
The lounge in the capsule hostel.      Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The best part about the hostel was how few guests there were — I could relax without being disturbed by noises or having to wait for my turn to use the bathroom.


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