Zedwell Capsule Hotel, Piccadilly Circus

The reception staff were excellent once I got past the somewhat hidden, off-putting entrance. My capsule was as expected after I found one that locked and had its mattress the right way up. It was extremely hot, even with the noisy fan, although the night was very quiet, which was a plus. Cleaning was the main problem. There was hair, dust and bits of rubbish around and under the mattress, so the capsules need a thorough vacuum and wipe down, and the bedding should be changed between guests. The toilets and showers were a bigger letdown. Many toilets were blocked or disgusting, with urine around the seats and floor and faeces around the bowl. The showers were cramped and smelled a bit musty, and the wash stands didn’t seem cared for either. With so many visitors and a 24-hour operation, they need to clean much more proactively. I’ve used capsule hotels in other countries and would call this one mid-range, but the lack of cleaning brings it down. It’ll probably stop me coming back.

The bed was comfortable, and being able to lock the pod from inside made me feel safe. The sleeping dorms were clean and tidy, as were the capsules and shared bathrooms. Sharing a bathroom was new for me, but it worked well. Some parts of the building, especially the corridors, look rough. For the price, it was worth every penny and much cheaper than a regular hotel. I’d absolutely stay again. It’s close to the theatre district, handy if you’re seeing a show and don’t want to travel home the same day. You can only book one person per capsule, so a group needs to reserve several. You aren’t guaranteed to be placed together, though staff can move you if there’s space. If you’re leaving belongings after checking in, bring a padlock or buy one at reception.

The location was great, and the pods are mostly well designed. Mine got very hot even with the fan on. I stayed in a women-only room, and the padlocks sold in the hotel vending machine didn’t properly secure the pod: I could still unlock and open the shutter with one in place. The larger lock I’d brought from home wouldn’t fit, so I had to trust that nobody would take my things. That was the most concerning part of the stay. There are cameras everywhere, though. I paid for early check-in, but the computer system hadn’t registered it automatically, so a staff member had to check me in manually. The signs were confusing: the instructions mentioned “reception,” but at the entrance only “check-in” was marked. Inside and the hallways could use a paint job. The shower had hot water and worked well, but the washrooms didn’t seem to be cleaned often enough. The shower I used smelled of vomit, and the soap dispenser was empty. A bin in the room or hallway would help, since I had to go to the washroom just to throw something away. It was serviceable for one night while travelling, but I probably wouldn’t use the shower again.

For the price in central London, I’d stay again. The bed was comfortable, I liked the darkness inside the pod, and the showers were hot and powerful. The pod had two sturdy hooks that held my rain backpack and coat, a working phone socket, and a good light. You can lock it from the inside. There were no hairdryers, but there are bathroom plugs if you bring a travel one. I was in a full dorm of around 24 pods on the first floor, nearly at the far end. It was quiet, though the occasional person moved around, so light sleepers like me should bring earplugs. I appreciated that the female dorm included a towel. Flip-flops are useful for the bathroom, and a padlock for securing the pod from outside, though you may not need it for a quick bathroom trip. I’m a 50-year-old woman who was curious to try a capsule stay after a theatre visit. The location is fabulous, but I initially got confused and went into the other Zedwell hotel right opposite. The entrance here first struck me as a bit like a dark nightclub, then I spotted the reception sign; inside it has a cave-like feel. Someone helpful sorted out a check-in mix-up about whether a towel was included. I’d read a lot beforehand, so knew what to expect. There are no windows inside the building, and the pod won’t suit everyone who’s claustrophobic. It was very warm, and the air conditioning in the pod wasn’t strong enough. Staff suggested asking for a smaller dorm next time, though I’m not sure that would help because the dorm itself felt cooler. Guests ranged from about 18 to 60, with commuters as well as travellers.