CAPSULE HOTEL IN LONDON | Quirky Stays 06

A quirky stay weekend in London: from luxury at the Waldorf Hilton on The Strand to cocoon living at the Zedwell Capsule Hotel at Piccadilly Circus.

This quirky stay was all about contrasts. I’d planned a trip to London with family to see a show, but of course I couldn’t resist turning it into an excuse to seek out something unusual in the capital. And rather than settling on one quirky option, I decided to split the adventure into two very different experiences.

The first stop was the Waldorf Hilton on The Strand, somewhat swanky-for-me, and a definite step into the world of luxury I don’t usually inhabit. From the grand lobby to the huge bed, it was a chance to indulge in a little glamour and make the most of a setting that felt far removed from my usual quirky stay choices.

Then came the real quirky in this quirky stay weekend: my first ever capsule hotel stay. Reasonably new to the London scene, the Zedwell Capsule Hotel offers windowless pods designed purely for rest. Minimalist, cocoon-like, and a complete contrast to the Waldorf’s stateliness, it was quirky in its simplicity and fascinating to experience right in the heart of Piccadilly Circus.

This wasn’t a nature-filled escape or a peaceful woodland retreat, but I enjoyed leaning into the energy of the big smoke with some quirkiness as my backdrop. Between shows, walking tours, a bit of shopping, and some time with family, I managed to weave in accommodation that was as much a part of the adventure as the city itself.

Watch the Quirky Stay Video…

Before I dive into any more detail, let me tell you about the video that accompanies this blog post…

This one’s a fast‑paced little snapshot of my London adventure, capturing both nights of accommodation and a glimpse of what I got up to in between. You’ll see the swanky‑for‑me Waldorf Hilton, my first taste of the Zedwell Capsule Hotel, and flashes of shows, tours and London mooching between. I won’t be lingering much on the Hilton or the London wandering in this article, the real focus of this blog is the capsule hotel experience – but the video gives you the full flavour of the contrasts.

Do give it a watch to see the whole quirky story in motion, then read on for more words. (And click that like button – thanks!!)

One Night at The Waldorf Hilton

The Waldorf Hilton is one of those grand old hotels that sits proudly on The Strand, with its sweeping facade and elegant lobby reminding you that you’re right in the thick of London’s history and theatreland. It’s the kind of place that feels a little bit special the moment you arrive. I mean, the welcome set the tone: the doorman was outside with a leaf blower, making sure guests didn’t have to step through fallen leaves on the pavement to reach their home from home.

Now, I know it’s not one of London’s top‑tier five‑star hotels (I did get to stay in The Berkeley once thanks to a competition win…), but it was certainly luxurious compared to the Premier Inns I’m more used to. Not the quirkiest, but definitely unusual for me. I spent a little more than I normally would, though not quite as much as I would have inagined, and it turned out to be worth it.

My room was spacious, with a big, comfortable bed and a bathroom that felt huge. All the classic hotel touches were there — bath robe, bottled water, toiletries, tea‑making facilities – even a teapot. How very British. And how very me! I could even open my room door with my phone, which felt like a neat modern twist.

The staff were pleasant and helpful, and I was happy the hotel didn’t feel stuffy or intimidating. I fitted in just fine. And the biggest plus? Location. The Lyceum was three minutes away, the Fortune Theatre was four, and everything I wanted to do was right on the doorstep. I can absolutely see why people pay for central hotels: it made the whole trip easier. For that reason alone, I’d happily stay here again.

Zedwell Capsule Hotel Living

If the Waldorf Hilton was my dip into luxury, then the Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus (this one) was my plunge into something altogether different – unusual, pared back, and fun. And you won’t be surprised to learn this will be the focus on this blog; it was the quirky stay part of the weekend, after all.

This was my first ever capsule hotel experience, and while I can’t compare it to the Japanese versions I’ve heard so much about, I can compare it to hostels and bunkhouses here in the UK. That’s exactly what it felt like: not a hotel in the traditional sense, but a communal space where people of all ages – mostly young travellers, but not exclusively – came together for a night’s rest. I did wonder if I’d feel out of place as a middle‑aged woman, but I needn’t have worried. The mix was super varied, and I felt perfectly comfortable.

Check‑in and check‑out were online, with a self‑service system to collect my dorm key. It wasn’t personal, but it was simple and efficient. The place was busy, with lots of people arriving at once, and while I took the lift initially, I quickly switched to the stairs after realising the online reviews saying the lift just couldn’t cope with the number of people were absolutely spot on.

Security on the door was a bit inconsistent, sometimes someone checked my key, sometimes not, but I suspect that’s down to the main entrance still being unfinished. External signage was poor, and the foyer and stairwell felt temporary, but once inside the dorm area things improved dramatically.

My Cocoon at the Zedwell Capsule Hotel

The bedroom spaces are striking – moody even: all black walls, floors, and ceilings in the dorm area, I assume to encourage calm and quiet. Triple-height cocoons line the dark corridors, each with a roller shutter for a door, perhaps not the most inviting at first glance, but functional and straightforward.

Step inside the cocoon itself, though, and the atmosphere changes again. Zedwell describe their capsules as “crafted from warm, sustainable wood, softly lit, and perfectly simple”, and that’s exactly how mine felt. The interior is light wood, a welcome contrast to the dark corridors, and the space is wider and longer than the mattress, giving a little room for bits and bobs. At one end there’s a large mirror, which cleverly makes the cocoon feel bigger than it is, and a dimmable light so you can set the mood to your liking.

It was clean, with bed linen provided and set up ready for sleep. It felt surprisingly spacious compared to any bunk room I’ve stayed in before, and genuinely felt like my own little retreat in the middle of Piccadilly Circus.

Practical touches include a power socket for charging devices, a couple of coat hooks, and the shutter door that closes you off from the dorm. The door is lockable from the inside thanks to a simple catch, and has somewhere for a padlock on the outside so you can safely leave belongings when you’re out.

I’d travelled light, with just a normal everyday rucksack, and that meant I could keep my luggage inside my capsule. There are lockers for hire, but I could see not many people bothered with those, as the corridors were lined with suitcases.

The Atmosphere of a Capsule Hotel

Noise was my biggest concern beforehand, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’d gone to the effort of packing ear plugs just in case (always do for hostel stays), but I didn’t need them. Yes, there were comings and goings, and some kind of alarm went off at 2am, but once my shutter was down and the cocoon’s fan was humming, I barely heard a thing. No snoring, no music, no chatter: the place seemed full of respectful fellow travellers who valued the quiet as much as I did. In fact, I slept really well, finding the mattress very comfortable.

I would say the capsule was very hot, though. The built-in fan didn’t do much other than make white noise, so I was glad I’d thought to bring my little portable fan with me. I really am so very middle-aged!

I’d read reviews online warning the place was dirty, but while it was certainly cluttered communal living – suitcases lining corridors, rubbish piled up in corners and around full bins, an un-mopped bathroom floor (I always pack flip flops!) – it didn’t feel dirty.

The large courtesy notice on the wall in the dorm seemed to promise luggage shelves and a lounge, neither of which I found. The absence of a lounge tied in with the atmosphere: other than nods and polite greetings in the corridors, I didn’t interact with anyone. People kept to themselves. There were definitely friends and small groups dotted around, but there was zero chatter, and I’d suggest quite a lot of guests were solo travellers like me.

Capsule Hotel Practicalities

A shelf or a few more hooks inside the cocoon would have been useful, and the addition of a coat hook outside each pod is an absolute must in my opinion. You really do need somewhere to put a wet coat on rainy days and a damp towel after showering; no-one wants damp things inside a room that’s only a mattress.

Practicalities like that were a little lacking. For example, I couldn’t find anywhere to fill a water bottle, and I didn’t fancy using the bathroom taps, so I bought bottled water from one of the small shops on the corner. Tea wasn’t an option either, with no facilities in the building, so I popped to a café down the street for my morning fix.

For one night, it was perfect: central, quiet, and comfortable enough. If you’re basing yourself here for two nights or more, though, make plans for where you’ll relax between activities, as there’s no seating other than your bed. And unlike most hostels, there’s no shared kitchen, so you’ll need to factor in eating out. There were a couple of vending machines in the check‑in area, but there was nothing close to the common room you’d normally find in a hostel.

Other than the occasional person checking room keys at the door, I didn’t interact with any Zedwell Capsule Hotel staff either. I’m sure they were around somewhere, but the whole idea seems to be that you keep yourself to yourself. That worked fine for me, but it does mean this probably isn’t the place to go if you’re hoping to make travelling friends.

The Cost of a Capsule

And the price? A little over £35 for a Sunday night in a mixed dorm, right in the heart of Piccadilly Circus. That’s great value for such a central location, especially when you consider the privacy of the cocoon compared to a standard bunk bed. I booked direct via the Zedwell website, and the email communication was spot on – clear instructions, reminders, and encouragement to complete check‑in and check‑out online, which kept things simple.

I do wonder whether the price will creep up once the building is finished, or even how much Zedwell plan to do to complete the entrance and communal spaces. Maybe I should add that at £35, it’s at the top end of what you’d pay for a bunk room in London. A central YHA, for example, would have been around £20 to £30 for the same night. The Zedwell offers more in terms of space and privacy, but you’re not getting the other facilities hostels usually offer, like kitchens or lounges.

What surprised me was that a female‑only floor would have been £20 extra. This felt unfair, especially as there was no extra amenities – just a price on feeling comfortable. I’ve seen plenty of other travellers comment on this online, so it’s not just me who noticed. That said, I never felt unsafe in the mixed dorm, and the atmosphere was respectful and quiet throughout. For me, the extra charge is unnecessary and should be reconsidered, but it didn’t detract from my overall experience of staying at Zedwell.

A London Interlude

I’ve spent a lot of time in London over the years, so this trip wasn’t about ticking off the usual tourist sights. Instead, it came about as a chance to meet family and enjoy some theatre together. The Lion King was the main event, a real spectacle of a show, full of colour and energy. I also managed to squeeze in Operation Mincemeat, the comedy musical on at the Fortune Theatre, the same day. Two shows in one day felt indulgent, and if you’re curious for more detail, I’ve shared mini reviews in my recent journal post.

Beyond the theatre, I added in a couple of walking tours. One was an app‑based audio tour from VoiceMap, which I’ve been using a lot lately as a way to explore places on foot at my own pace. The other was the Haunted London walk with London Walks, which brought a different kind of atmosphere to the evening. Both gave me fresh perspectives on a city I already know well.

Food is always part of the fun, and I’d happily recommend a few stops: dinner at Flat Iron (book ahead if you’re not dining solo), Humble Crumble at Seven Dials for a comforting apple crumble, Ole & Steen on The Strand for their cardamom bun, and Shake Shack in Covent Garden for a milkshake treat

All in all, it was a busy but rewarding couple of days with a mix of family, theatre, walking, and food, with the Zedwell Capsule Hotel adding the quirky twist to the experience.

Reflections on my Capsule Hotel Quirky Stay

This really was a weekend of contrasts, but don’t worry, I’m not about to compare the Waldorf Hilton with the Zedwell Capsule Hotel – they’re worlds apart. Both gave me what I needed over this weekend, just in different ways.

The first night offered a touch of indulgence, while the capsule hotel gave me the novelty of something completely different. Luxury and minimalism, side by side, each with their own charm; and that’s exactly what makes this a quirky stay worth writing about. Together, they made the trip feel richer, and gave me places to retreat between shows, tours, and family time.

What struck me most was how each stay shaped the rhythm of my weekend. At the Waldorf Hilton, I felt cocooned in luxury, slipping into crisp sheets after a busy day. At the Zedwell Capsule Hotel, I was cocooned in a different way — tucked into my pod with the shutter down, listening to the hum of the fan and feeling oddly content in my little wooden capsule. It wasn’t perfect, but it was fun, and I slept well. That sense of originality, of trying something new, is exactly what I look for in a quirky stay.

Final Thoughts on the Zedwell Capsule Hotel

I’m so glad I tried the Zedwell Capsule Hotel, not least because such places are not common in the UK, and it felt like a small adventure in itself. My overall impression is that it works best for a short, one‑night stop: the cocoon is comfortable and cleverly designed, but the lack of communal facilities means it’s not somewhere to linger. Still, for the price and location, it delivered exactly what I hoped for – a quirky, different, and fun experience right in the heart of London.

I’d very much like to try a capsule hotel in Japan someday, to see how the experience compares. And while I’d happily consider both the Hilton and the Zedwell Capsule Hotel again, given the right kind of weekend, I suspect I’ll return to something a little more standard than either option I chose this time.

And even if this quirky stay wasn’t full of nature (apart from my walk through Hyde Park on my way to get the train home), it still ticked the boxes I was looking for when I booked that first one back in June – something gently different, that encouraged me to step outside my routine and into a space that offered a fresh way to experience life for a couple of days. It makes me wonder what quirky stays might come next…

Have you ever tried a capsule hotel, or would you stick with something more luxurious?

Note to Future Guests

If you’re considering a stay at the Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus, here are a few things you might find useful to know based on my experience:

• Mixed dorms are fine. I stayed in one and found it respectful, quiet, and safe. The female‑only floor costs extra, but I never felt uncomfortable in the mixed space.
• Pack like you’re heading to a hostel. Bring a towel, ear plugs, flip flops, padlock, and maybe a small portable fan. Travelling light helps – I had just a standard-sized rucksack and could keep it in my capsule without issue.
• Finding the entrance can be tricky. At the time of my stay, the door was tucked behind scaffolding with poor signage. To add to the confusion, there’s another Zedwell hotel (not a capsule hotel) around the corner with much clearer signs, so double‑check you’re at the right one.
• Don’t expect communal facilities. I didn’t find a lounge, kitchen, shared seating area, or even a drinking water tap – just vending machines in the check‑in space. If you’re staying more than one night, plan where you’ll relax between activities, as your bed is the only seating.
• Comfort is the highlight. The cocoon itself is private, clean, and surprisingly spacious, with thoughtful touches like a dimmable light, mirror, and charging point. It’s a genuinely fun and quirky way to spend a night in central London.

Overall, the Zedwell Capsule Hotel is a great option if you know what to expect: minimal facilities in an excellent location with an unusual yet comfortable sleeping space. For one night in the heart of the city, it’s hard to beat.

Feel free to ask me questions about either of these London stays in the comments – I’ll happily share more detail if you’re curious.

Quirky Stay at the Zedwell Capsule Hotel: Fact File

Name: Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus

Location: Piccadilly Circus, Central London.

Type of Stay: Capsule hotel – a dorm with triple-height private sleeping pods.

Features: Cocoon‑style capsules with shutter door, dimmable light, mirror, charging point, and privacy in a busy city setting.

Facilities: Self‑service check‑in/out, vending machines in foyer, shared bathrooms, security presence at entrance. No kitchen or lounge facilities.

Best For: Budget‑friendly central London stay, solo travellers, quirky one‑night experience.

Sleeps: One adult per capsule.

Cost: From around £35 per night in a mixed dorm (female‑only floor approx. £20 extra).

Booking: Direct – I haven’t seen it listed anywhere else.