Capsule hotels were conceived in Japan as cheap and convenient accommodation for guests in need of basic overnight lodging and nothing more – the cabin-like rooms are only large enough to sleep in and often come stacked one atop the other.

Today, many different variations of the capsule hotel exist around the world; some offer a purely functional experience, while others go all out to impress with trendy, well-designed interiors.

Singapore has its own share of capsule hotels, but the latest kid on the block, The Pod, aims to offer the traveller something a little different.

Located in the top three levels of a five-storey building on Beach Road – in close proximity to the central business district and the hip shopping destination Haji Lane – The Pod looks to ‘fill the gap’ between budget hostels and conventional hotels.

The Pod is designed for communal living and for travellers on a budget, yet emphasises “the comfort, premium services, and the style and feel of a boutique hotel,” explains co-founder Alan Tay (also one of the founders of Formwerkz Architects).

During a recent media tour, we were shown how user-friendly, functional features have been incorporated into the Pods, such as personal lockers (located beneath each pod and accessed via a keycard), a personal reading light, and a fold-down table. Comfort is also considered – the beds are covered in soft 300 thread-count cotton sateen sheets and each ‘room’ has a pull-down blind for added privacy.

“Comfort was top on our priority,” says Tay. “We wanted the space to be welcoming and fuss-free, and we have tried to eliminate or ease the lack of privacy and discomfort that one commonly associates with communal style accommodation.”

The contemporary interiors, says Tay, also draws subtle references from its Kampong Glam locale.

“We wanted an environment that was comfortable and intimate, so our guests would feel right at home when they checked in,” Tay continues.

As such, the interior feature lots of timber, natural stone and grey tones, with soft, indirect lighting to enhance the welcoming ambience.

The Pod has 83 capsules. Guests can choose between single Pods (front-entry pods for more privacy or side-entry pods for more locker space) or couple Pods. There are also female-only Pods for those desiring added privacy.

In addition, The Pod offers a range of services such as personalised concierge service, complimentary dry-cleaning and laundry service, the use of business suites, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Pod
thepod.sg

Formwerkz Architects
formwerkz.com