The Zedwell Capsule Hotel has opened in London’s Piccadilly Circus – the largest of its kind in the world – but it’s not for the faint-hearted …
Staying in London for £30stg? There must be a catch. The idea behind the sleep-centric Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus is to provide affordable accommodation in a prime location. Located in the former Trocadero building in the heart of London, it claims to be the world’s largest capsule hotel, comprising almost 1,000 individual sleep “cocoons” spanning five floors.
WHAT For those new to the concept, a capsule hotel offers guests a small, self-contained sleeping pod with just enough room for a bed and essential features, designed for privacy. Each natural oak capsule is decorated with a single Hypnos mattress, Egyptian cotton bedding, individual ventilation, smart climate control, noise reduction and ambient lighting.
HOW Dormitories range in size from eight to 100 capsules, with female-only options available. Guests have access to shared amenities including lounges and co-working spaces, secure storage for larger bags and communal bathrooms. Guests can also receive padlocks and towels at reception for a small charge.
WHO The hotel caters to both solo travellers and groups, from commuter layovers to educational trips, tour groups and (Millennial or Gen Z) friends exploring the city together. Accessibility and hospitality are a priority according to Halima Aziz, Head of Hotels at Criterion Hospitality. “London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but it can also be overwhelming and expensive. We’re taking the capsule hotel concept to the next level, one that combines an exceptional location with a focus on simplicity, thoughtful design and the highest quality of sleep.”
VERDICT At best, it’s giving Below Deck vibes, at worst coffin chic. I’m not sure the hotel would appeal to those with anxiety about communal facilities or claustrophobia as the capsules are windowless by design. I suspect over packers like myself would also be challenged – I could get my make-up bag in the pod, but not the rest of my luggage!
That said, this design-led approach is in keeping with the current trend for snug and cosy rooms in new hotels – as seen in the recent Citizen M opening in Dublin for instance. Devotees of Zedwell Hotels will already be aware of their focus on affordability and minimalism. If so, you’re probably in their target audience of “purposeful travellers” and are familiar with other locations in London. These include the Zedwell Hotel Greenwich, Zedwell Underground Hotel Tottenham Court Road (England’s only fully underground hotel) and Zedwell Hotel Knightsbridge. Look out for the Zedwell Park Lane which will open before the end of the year.
Bottom line: No-one can argue about the price; saving on accommodation means more to spend on experiences and the retail therapy you might need!
SEE MORE: A Chic Guide To Cambridge
