Could you sleep in a windowless pod for under £40 a night in the heart of London? A new hotel concept has arrived in Piccadilly Circus, offering some of the capital's most affordable beds, but the experience is not for the faint-hearted.
A First Look at the 'Cocoon' Experience
Zedwell's Capsule Hotel at Piccadilly Circus offers accommodation in what it calls 'Cocoons' from just £35.82 per night. Reporter Christopher Sharp stayed in one earlier this month, describing his immediate impression as morbidly similar to a coffin. The capsules are small, windowless boxes stacked in columns of two, designed as a ultra-budget option for visitors wanting a central location without the typical London price tag.
The check-in process is straightforward and operates 24 hours a day. Guests receive a key card, a small lock and key for their belongings, and a pair of compostable slippers. The cocoons are located in single-sex dormitories spread across several floors, each accessed via a locked door.
Location Versus Livability
The hotel's prime selling point is its unbeatable location. It is situated just a stone's throw from Soho, Covent Garden, Regent's Street, and Leicester Square, with Hyde Park and Green Park also within easy walking distance. This makes it potentially attractive for tourists, theatregoers, and even business travellers on a tight budget.
However, the overall state of the hotel left much to be desired. Sharp found the venue felt "unfinished and tired." He noted poor bathroom conditions and was alarmed to see an open lift shaft visible through a hole in a wall. Speaking to a regular guest, he learned that building works were still ongoing, a point confirmed by the hotel's management.
Inside the Pod: Dark, Quiet, and Unnerving
The capsule itself was surprisingly roomy, an effect amplified by a full-length mirror. It is equipped with essential amenities:
- A three-pin socket and USB charging ports.
- A dial for the light and a switch for a fan, crucial for air circulation.
- A small ledge and hooks for bags and coats.
The true test came at night. Once the shutter door was closed and the lights turned off, the space became pitch black. Sharp described the sensation as "quite unnerving," akin to the "logistical mortality" of the coffin-like design. Sleep was fragmented, though he managed a few short stretches before a 6am alarm.
Value for Money or a Step Too Far?
Despite the rock-bottom price, the reporter questioned whether it represented good value. "You might very well argue that for the price one pays, one shouldn't expect high quality," he wrote, "but ragged toilets, an unfinished building, and an open lift shaft? I expected more."
A spokesperson for Zedwell stated the hotel is currently in a soft launch phase, with a targeted completion timeline of Q2 2026. They explained that opening gradually allows them to adapt to guest feedback and finalise construction. The hotel claims to be the first of its kind on this scale globally and is using initial guest reactions to refine the experience.
The hotel is proving popular with a mix of businesspeople, tourists, and military personnel. For those who prioritise location and cost above all else, and who don't suffer from claustrophobia, it provides a unique solution. Women's dorms, which cost slightly more, include a towel and have hairdryers.
Christopher Sharp's final verdict was mixed. While he found it an interesting experience, he wouldn't necessarily return or recommend it, unless your budget is strictly under £40 and you must stay in that exact part of central London.
