It’s no secret that hotel accommodations in Israel are on the pricey side. But never fear — capsule hotels are here!
This Japanese concept in affordable vacationing skimps on space so you can skimp on the budget.
Capsule rooms (also called “pods”) are modular chambers holding not much more than a bed. If you want to save money, don’t mind sharing a restroom — and aren’t claustrophobic — capsule hotels could be just the ticket.
Pod hotels have only just arrived in Israel. We predict many more will pop up in the near future.
CAPSULE INN, Jerusalem
Capsule Inn opened in 2019 to answer a need for affordable accommodation in the Jerusalem city center. The small building holds 12 single and six double pods. Each single capsule can be closed, providing complete privacy.
Each pod contains a mattress, satellite TV, mirror, hangers, safe, lighting and ventilation system. The hotel offers four restrooms and three showers. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout.
A single capsule costs ₪99 (about $28) per day; double costs ₪179. You can’t beat that, especially in the middle of town.
Address: 35 Jaffa St.
Amenities: Available extras include a towel or bathing kit for ₪5, a toothbrush or flipflops for ₪10, Nespresso coffee capsules for ₪4 each, and luggage storage for ₪20.
THE SPOT HOSTEL, Tel Aviv
Located at the entrance to Tel Aviv Port, The Spot Hostel offers 90 rooms accommodating up to 300 travelers.
In addition to pods, the hostel offers dorms that sleep from four to 12 people and an indoor tent complex.
Capsule rooms cost ₪164 per night including breakfast.
Address: 3 Hata’arucha St. near the Tel Aviv Port
Amenities: Cinema room, laundry room, bar and restaurant, kitchens for personal use, lounges, performance space, game room, computers, bicycle rental, tourist info service, free Wi-Fi
TSAVTA TUBE HOSTEL, Ramat HaNegev
Tsavta Tube Hostel is made up of 10 individual air-conditioned pods – made from (new) giant concrete water-conducting pipes — set in the middle of the pastoral Naot Goat Farm near Sde Boker. Three bathrooms pods with showers, colorfully decorated, are available to guests.
Naot Farm also offers sleeping cabins and a communal lounge area for all visitors. A basic breakfast is included in the price; you can pay more to upgrade.
Address: Naot Farm, Ramat Hanegev
Amenities: Pool, hammocks, fire pit, library, lounge/dining room, piano, free Wi-Fi, self-catering kitchen, porch
WOM ALLENBY, Tel Aviv
Opening in January 2020, WOM Allenby is the newest property in the Brown chain and is planned as its first in a series of pod-style hotels.
The downtown location is a block away from Tel Aviv’s beach promenade. The style is “hybrid,” geared to contemporary urban travelers who value design but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Single, twin or king pods – 48 in all — each has free international TV, Netflix, and Spotify, a safe, sink, towels, bathrobe and slippers.
WOM Allenby guests will use an app to check-in/out; unlock their door; adjust A/C, light, sound, Wi-Fi and TV; check availability of toilets and showers; chat with fellow guests and staff; share experiences and activities; and book tours.
Address: 21 Allenby St.
Amenities: Lobby, shared kitchen, bar, working areas, lounge, and storage at no extra charge
