Budget Travel: Beijing Capsule Hotel Roundup
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, many of us operate on a budget. While it is important to, on occasion, treat yourself to a taste of the high life, all we actually need while on the road is a safe space, a clean bed and access to a hot shower.
In China, the first capsule hotel was opened in 2011 near the Shanghai Railway Station, a foothold from which the phenomenon spread to the rest of the country. Thanks to the influence of Japanese efficiency capsule hotels (カプセルホテル) and rising real estate prices, there are now many capsule hotels with cheap, clean and safe accommodations in Beijing to save us all (and our money).
Mini Me Capsule Hotel, RMB 88
Mini Me has three sections: a public area with TV, internet bar, bar, and common area for card games (think hostel-style); four public bathrooms and two toilets; and the sleeping area with personal storage and a small dressing table. It is a ten-minute drive from Beijing Railway Station. The staff can speak English and can assist with bicycle rental.
Bldg 10, Guanghe Nanli Ertiao, Chaoyang District (6773 8258)
Mini Me特色太空舱主题酒店：朝阳区广和南里二条10号楼
Dajingyu Capsule Hotel, RMB 78
Whatever dreary decor low-cost hotels normally provide, Dajingyu is far from it. Located in the southeast of the second ring road, it provides two different options for accommodations — a “high-tech spaceship” style (think neon lights and touchscreen LCDs), and a “rainbow retro vintage” style (more conservative and traditional.) Both include 100M internet, a mirror, storage, and a hot shower.
2/F, Caiyuan Jie, Bldg 3, Jiangong Beili Wuqu, Xicheng District (8349 5005)
北京大鲸鱼太空舱青年旅舍: 西城区建功北里五区三号楼菜园街二层
Simple Capsule Hotel, RMB 79
Opened in 2016, the new Simple Capsule Hotel is around 700m away from Chedaogou subway station (Line 10) near the third ring road in Haidian District. Belonging to a company in Xi’an, this chain hotel features hot showers, small TVs, WiFi, independent bathrooms, hair-dryers, and an internet bar.
Chedaogou location: 2/F, 59 Banjing Lu, Haidian District (177 7818 0120)
尚俭太空舱酒店（车道沟店）：海淀区板井路59号二楼
Jingsong location: 2/F, Unit 6, Ducheng Xinyu, 229 Jingsong Erqu, Chaoyang District (5904 3508)
尚俭太空舱酒店(劲松地铁站店)：朝阳区劲松二区229号都城心屿6单元2楼
Youjia Capsule Hotel Beijing, RMB 79
The only capsule hotel that can be booked through booking.com, Youjia opened in January of 2017, and is located at Chengshousi, 5 km from the Temple of Heaven. The hotel provides slippers, hot showers, storage, and free WiFi, but only serves mainland Chinese citizens.
134-3-102, Zhonghaicheng Zixinge Residence, Chengshousi Road, Chaoyang District (180 0120 3488)
有家太空舱酒店：朝阳区成寿寺路中海城紫鑫阁3号楼134-3-102
Galaxystars Capsule Hotel, RMB 69-79
Located at Songjiazhaung, Yuhaixingguang is just about 200 m from Songjiazhuang Subway station. Opened in 2014, it provides the basics, such as WiFi, AC, bedding, power sockets, and even a small TV.
2/F, Bldg 5.6, Zhengxinyuan Sanqu, Songjiazhuang ( 8768 7321)
御海星光太空舱酒店：宋家庄政馨园三区5.6号楼二层
Some of these hotels may remind you of the small, cozy blanket forts built in your youth, only now they're the stuff of childhood dreams with TVs and Wifi access. Aside from these pod hotels, you can always look for hostels on hostelworld.com and booking.com. They may be slightly more expensive, but provide a friendly service at convenient locations all over town. Beijing is a safe city, but keep your wits about you in these tourist-heavy locales. Make good choices, kids, and have fun!
Photos: Dianping.com
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