When you’re traveling, there are times when all you’re looking for is just the basics, as you won’t be spending much time there other than to sleep and freshen up. If you’re not particular about space and don’t mind a no-frills experience, then you should definitely try a container/capsule hotel.
And by “no-frills”, we don’t mean totally ‘blah’ and boring, by the way. Here are some of Malaysia’s trendiest container hotels that are all about maximizing small spaces so that you can have a cozy and enjoyable stay:
If you love anything related to outer space, then Time Capsule Hotel is the hotel for you! Put yourself in the shoes of your favorite intergalactic heroes with the hotel’s futuristic pods designed like spaceships, complete with free Wi-Fi, a safe box, and personal entertainment system. Located on Lebuh Chulia, right in the heart of Penang’s capital, George Town, all the must-see sights in town are nearby, with most within walking distance.
Rooms start from: RM60++
*****
Stationed at the end of Cenang Beach off a man-made jetty, the rainbow-hued concrete tubes that Tubotel gets its name from are an unmissable sight. The hotel is whimsical from head to toe and invites you to take it easy, as seen from its brightly-colored Lepak Lounge, daybeds, and hammock area, all for your relaxing pleasure. The Tubes, each fitted with a comfy King-sized bed, come with either sea view or garden view.
Rooms start from: RM30++
*****
Stuck at the airport for several hours mid-transit? If you want a comfortable place to nap rather than camping out in the transit lounge, drop by Capsule by Container Hotel at KLIA 2. You can choose to stay in a male-only, female-only, or a mixed capsule room for a maximum of six hours. Pull down the blinder and you’ll be in your own little world, complete with a foldable desk with a mirror, a reading light, and enough power points to juice up your electronic devices.
Rooms start from: RM90++
*****
The Cabin Langkawi just a three-minute walk away from the island resort’s popular Cenang Beach, so you’ll get the chance to enjoy the sea breeze and catch a beautiful sunset. It’s also strategically located near tourist attractions such as the Rice Garden Museum and Underwater World, dubbed as Malaysia’s largest aquarium. The cabins are stylishly decorated, with more than enough room for two.
Rooms start from: RM160++
*****
Set in Kuala Lumpur’s exciting Golden Triangle, Container Hotel Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a staycation. There are a number of room types available: the Container Room (depicted above) comes with its own ensuite bathroom; the Concrete Room (depicted below) is housed in a cement tube; and the Camp Site is for those who want the glamping experience minus mosquitos and the Great Outdoors – you’ll get to sleep in a nifty cabana tent in a private room.
Rooms start from: RM110++
*****
You won’t have any trouble finding this hotel, as its front is adorned with an impressive cascade of green vines, standing out from all the other shophouses. Located centrally, popular hipster cafes, the quaint Concubine Lane, and the Old Town street murals are all within walking distance. There’s even a giant indoor slide to bring out your inner child!
Rooms start from: RM40++
*****
This quirky hotel incorporates a modern steampunk and pop art theme, offering a variety of rooms, from the Dash Twin with two single beds to the Dash Deluxe with a spacious super king bed. Work up a sweat at the hotel’s fully-equipped gym or rent one of its bicycles and take a leisurely ride around. Putrajaya is only 10 minutes away by car, so you’ll have easy access to the administrative hub’s beautifully-kept gardens and lake.
Rooms start from: RM110++
*****
If you’re a budget traveler looking for a value-for-money stay, then check out M Qube Hotel. This boutique capsule hotel is located in the southeast part of Penang Island in Bayan Baru, not far from the airport. Each capsule unit, reminiscent of the spacecraft in the movie ‘Passengers’, is equipped with Android TV, so you’ll never get bored with such a wide range of entertainment options.
Rooms start from: RM50++
With such a wide range of accommodation options across the country, it can be a challenge to pick the one that’s best for you. To be in the know when it comes to Malaysia’s stand-out stays, keep your eyes peeled for Traveloka’s ‘Super Stays’ posts, a bi-weekly hotel special featuring our top picks!