So all of us have seen and heard of those crazy pod hotels (mostly in Tokyo) where you actually pay to sleep in a coffin-like enclosure.
Well I’ve always been curious about this idea AND thanks to an awkward and unfortunate layover in Mexico City’s International Airport, for $48 I actually got to do it.
It was more like a cryogenic spaceship really.
I didn’t feel claustrophobic.
I was hoping I'd emerge bionic
or with super powers or at least in the future.
THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN.
BUT I DID FEEL REFRESHED, WELL RESTED AND EXCITED ABOUT THE JOURNEY ONWARD TO EL SALVADOR!
I had just come off an insane six weeks of damage control and problem solving. I had just a 24hour stop in Montreal before it was on to the next gig. In fact, it was the most hectic and stressful six weeks I could remember. I was utterly exhausted. I was also pretty peeved when I realized that the resort flying me in booked me on a redeye with a 7 hour layover. Just short enough not to warrant a hotel stay but long enough that trying to get cozy on those cold hard airport chairs under fluorescent lights and being woken up to security announcements every 15 minutes would be brutal.
I’m also beginning to come to terms with the fact that I’m not a 25-year old backpacker anymore and I don’t feel like it makes me more of a badass, intrepid, hardcore traveler to sleep awkwardly in transit Been to that filthy, cheap hostel. Done the sleeping on the terminal floor… so many times. These days, I love sleep. Comfortable sleep.
I decided NO MAS. I’m not sure what excited me more, the novelty of the pod or the napping opportunity. I rented a space in the iZZZleep capsules in Terminal 1.
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Pod life: 1st impressions...
When I got to the pod which by the way was in the same terminal I arrived and departed from, I was greeted by a compassionate and kind staff. They were obviously well aware that most pod hotel sleepers would arrive in one of the following conditions: exhausted, agitated, aggravated.
The concierge handed me a kit that contained socks, ear plugs, a remote control for the television, a key to my locker/pod and a panic button.
She explained how the pod worked on a plastic mockup of the control panel and then off I went.
The first thing to do was find my locker, I deposited my bags in it, took off my shoes, put on the socks they gave me and brushed me teeth. The bathroom when I arrived wasn’t the cleanest, but this was probably due to all of the foot traffic and my 4am check in. By the time I awoke at 8:30 the toilets and showers were spotless. Inside my locker was a towel as well.
The sheets were uncomfortable as they were of the disposable variety but the cozy blankets and spaciousness of the pod made up for this.
There were 2 USB ports in the pod for charging electronics. This pleased me considerably and the free wifi was super rapido.
After hours on a plane and so much transit, it was a delight. The mattress was comfy and the whole thing was just neato.
Pod hotel etiquette
As I quickly learned there is a certain etiquette pod goers should adhere to.
1. Be quiet!
No matter how cool and spaceship-ish the place looks, people are there to sleep. This is NOT a spot to talk on the phone or party. Just go to bed.
2. Put your phone on DO NOT DISTURB
Not silent, DO NOT DISTURB. Phone vibrations buzz through the pod. Highly unpleasant. This will affect everyone’s sleep. I silently cursed my neighbor every time.a text came in that vibrated my little capsule. Don’t be that person. He was that person. It was annoying.
3. Bring sleepy clothes or Pyjamas.
I’m a naked sleeper. I didn’t. When I had to pee mid-stay, I walked out in lace panties to the common space where the bathrooms were only to (very embarrassingly) be met by a well-dressed businessman checking in or out. I don’t know why I assumed that there wouldn’t be anyone in the locker area, or why I had forgotten that most people are not nearly as nude-positive as I am. For the record, and perhaps to your surprise, I was FAR more embarrassed than he was.
4. Wear the socks.
There are no shoes allowed in the pods. This is why they give you the socks! It keeps everything cleaner, cozier, sleepier and quieter.
Pod hotel success practices:
Here are some ideas of how to insure your Pod hotel stay is as restful and successful as possible
1. Bring a sleeping mask
The knobs and buttons on the pods are lit even in the darkness. (Duh. So you can see them). Bring something to fully black the space out and you’ll feel way better.
2. Don’t forget to pack pyjamas in your carry-on
Note that part about naked sleeping.
3. Take advantage of the amenities.
The shower stalls had a little nook/alcove area where you could wheel in your suitcase and change. I brushed my teeth 3 times, did my makeup in the vanity and took a hot shower in addition to the 5 hours of sleep I got in the pod. Why? Because I could. Most layovers don’t have such luxury.
4. Enjoy the novelty
I’m weighing it in. Pod hotel sleeping is AWESOME! It’s fun and dignified and not as much like staying in a hostel dorm as you’d think. The showers and bathrooms were super nice, the products in them of good quality. It’s a great way to get some rest and a hot shower on a layover, rather than browse the duty free or crappy airport restaurants for the dozenth time. I’m sure I’ve spent $50 on stupider things.
Pod essentials:
Here are my pod must-haves. Click on the item to see it on amazon.com
Pajamas, like these stylish ones.
Or these fancy pajamas
Or these cozy pajamas
Or these classic pajamas
Sleep Mask
Moleskine Classic. THE notebook I can’t live without. Make sure to journal your experience!
