Additional Coverage:
- I stayed in a pod at an airport for $50. It was tiny and a bit awkward, but I slept surprisingly well between my flights. (businessinsider.com)
Sweet Dreams (and Slippers) in a Bangkok Airport Pod
BANGKOK, THAILAND – For travelers facing those dreaded “too long to suffer, too short to splurge” overnight layovers, a unique solution might just be nestled within the bustling corridors of an international airport. One recent globetrotter, navigating an eight-hour gap between flights in Bangkok, discovered the surprising comfort of a capsule hotel, turning a potential misery into a memorable, and surprisingly restful, experience.
The traveler, flying from Phuket to Bhutan with a 9:30 p.m. arrival and a 5:30 a.m. departure, found the $50 Avagard Capsule Hotel in the Bangkok airport’s international terminal to be an ideal compromise. A traditional hotel would have cost double, and airport chairs simply wouldn’t cut it for a decent night’s sleep.
Upon booking, the individual admitted to some skepticism about the quality of rest a “sleeping pod” could offer. However, the reality proved more inviting than anticipated. Capsule hotels, a concept originating in Japan and now found in airports worldwide, offer compact, individual sleeping spaces.
The Avagard Capsule Hotel featured eight pods stacked in bunk-bed fashion within a busy walkway. To the traveler’s surprise, a staff member was present for check-in, efficiently explaining the door codes and luggage locker system before directing them to their capsule.
Measuring approximately seven feet long and three feet wide, the capsule provided ample space for a 5’9″ individual. The act of closing the door instantly transformed the environment from airport chaos to a dark, cozy haven. Inside, thoughtful amenities such as bottled water, tissues, earplugs, and multiple USB ports were provided, along with slippers – a crucial detail, as shoes are not permitted inside the capsules.
Despite the initial challenge of being a light sleeper in a busy airport, with conversations and announcements audible, the comfortable bed and the eventual onset of jetlag allowed for much-needed rest. A humorous moment arose when a passing couple pondered aloud who would stay in such a “hotel,” prompting the traveler to briefly consider a witty reveal before prioritizing sleep.
A midnight call of nature led to a minor adventure. With no private restrooms, a five-minute walk to public facilities was required.
This trek, undertaken barefoot in a sleepy haze, highlighted the importance of remembering the provided slippers for future excursions. The “walk of shame” in disheveled sleepwear and disposable footwear, though witnessed by few at that hour, served as a notable anecdote.
The ultimate convenience, however, proved to be the capsule hotel’s biggest selling point. Waking at 4 a.m., the traveler was at their gate within ten minutes, feeling recharged and unstressed.
The ease of not needing to recheck bags or go through security again, combined with the quick access to their flight, made the lack of a full shower a minor inconvenience. A quick freshen-up at the public restrooms, this time with slippers firmly on, sufficed.
While acknowledging that this option might not suit family travel, the individual enthusiastically recommended it for solo trips with awkward layovers. Despite having experienced hundreds of hotels, including five-star luxury accommodations, the stay in the seven-by-three-foot airport pod was deemed “one of the coolest experiences,” even providing a memorable midnight story.