From Colombia’s upcycled sewer pipes to spheres suspended in the sky in Canada, capsule hotels have evolved into innovative spaces for today’s adventurous travelers.

Back in 1979, the world’s first capsule hotel opened in Osaka, Japan, designed primarily for businessmen working late hours. At night, it resembled a morgue, with rows of narrow sleeping pods, each housing a single occupant. By morning, the guests would wake up, refreshed and ready to return to work, appreciating this compact solution that spared them from a long commute.

As the concept spread, travelers began to embrace the practicality of sleeping in a capsule, eager to experience this unique facet of Japanese culture. Today, capsule hotels have undergone a transformation, driven by skyrocketing hotel prices and the increasing demand for affordable, privacy-driven accommodations. These single-occupancy capsules offer more privacy than a hostel dorm and more comfort than camping. The rise of solo travel has also fueled the demand for such spaces, with many capsule hotels now offering gender-segregated rooms for added security.

The global capsule hotel market is expected to reach $327 million by 2031, and to keep up with demand, a variety of creative, eye-catching designs have emerged. From colorful, upcycled sewer pipes in Colombia’s desert to futuristic pods in Australia, capsule hotels are now catering to the TikTok generation with Instagram-worthy experiences. Whether you’re sleeping among books in a capsule bookstore or luxuriating in a boutique capsule hotel with fluffy duck-feather duvets, there’s a version for every kind of traveler.

Here are eight of the most remarkable capsule hotels that are pushing the envelope:

1. Nine Hours – A Sleep Laboratory

Nine Hours is a chain of capsule hotels across Japan, including locations in Fukuoka and Hokkaido. This brand stands out with its focus on sleep quality: guests can sign up for a “9h sleep fitscan” service, where sensors track heart rate, sleep apnea, and snoring. With minimalist white décor and sleek pods, Nine Hours feels more like a futuristic sleep lab than a traditional hotel. The name reflects the hotel’s cost-efficient concept of renting a capsule for exactly nine hours, offering a perfect balance between sleep, washing, and dressing time.

2. Natura Vive – Climb to the Sky

For those who love a thrill, Natura Vive in Peru offers an unforgettable experience. Suspended high above the Sacred Valley, these transparent sleeping pods provide 300-degree views of the surrounding mountains and condors. Guests can reach the Skylodge Adventure Suites by climbing a near-vertical cliff or descending by zip line. Each capsule is equipped with a private bathroom and a deck where you can sip tea while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

3. Tubo Hotel La Tatacoa – A Desert Oasis

Located near Colombia’s Tatacoa Desert, known for its clear starry skies, the Tubo Hotel offers 37 colorful capsules made from upcycled sewer pipes. These air-conditioned capsules are small but cozy, perfect for a peaceful night under the stars. With shared bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant, Tubo Hotel provides a quirky and affordable escape in a stunning desert landscape.

4. Free Spirit Spheres – Immerse in Nature

Suspended like oversized Christmas ornaments in the forests of Vancouver Island, Canada, the Free Spirit Spheres offer a unique way to sleep among the trees. These spherical pods are designed to mimic natural seed pods and offer an ecotourism experience like no other. Inside, you’ll find cozy, custom-made furniture and the chance to enjoy the tranquility of nature, all while surrounded by the forest canopy.

5. KINN Capsule – Small but Soothing

Located in Singapore’s Chinatown, KINN Capsule combines modern minimalist design with a calming, Zen-inspired atmosphere. The peach-colored walls and wood-paneled sleeping pods are a soothing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its attention to detail, including a signature house fragrance that evokes wildflowers, KINN Capsule offers a boutique hotel experience in a small but serene space.

6. Suschengliang – A Book at Bedtime

For book lovers, a capsule hotel in China’s Zhejiang Province offers a unique twist: sleep inside a tiny capsule nestled between bookshelves. The capsule hostel, bookstore, and library combine reading and resting in one cozy package. The building’s transparent walls allow you to take in the lush mountain scenery, making for an even more peaceful and immersive experience.

7. De Bedstee Hotel – Cupboard Love

In Amsterdam’s upscale Oud Zuid district, guests can sleep in charming wooden capsules that evoke the historic Dutch bedstee. Inspired by 17th-century traditions, these cozy sleeping nooks are hidden behind cupboard doors, offering a quirky and intimate stay. The hotel’s vintage decor adds to the charm, and guests can enjoy a small garden terrace or explore nearby cultural landmarks like the Rembrandt House Museum.

8. Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa – Pristine and Poshtel

The Resol Poshtel in Tokyo’s Asakusa district offers a modern take on the capsule experience. The hotel’s cleanliness and attention to detail make it stand out in a sea of budget options. Featuring a soothing aroma of orange, chamomile, and neroli, the hotel creates a calm environment despite its communal sleeping arrangements. With sleek, Edo-era-inspired design and proximity to the iconic Sensō-ji Temple, it’s the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Capsule hotels are far from the no-frills budget options they once were. Today’s innovative designs are offering travelers both unique experiences and affordable accommodations, all while capitalizing on the latest trends in sustainability, luxury, and Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you’re sleeping in a book-filled capsule or suspended in a tree, these hotels promise more than just a bed—they offer a one-of-a-kind experience for the modern traveler.