Anand Mahindra. Mahindra expressed his interest in the concept, noting that capsule hotels, first popularized in Japan, could be a great addition to India’s budget travel scene. He questioned his followers, asking if they would feel claustrophobic in such a small space, sparking a discussion about the idea’s viability in India.
The woman, Somya, founder of The Modern Nomads, described her stay as a perfect solution for layovers in the NCR region. Living in Dehradun, Somya frequently travels internationally from Delhi, often arriving the night before her flight. She explained that staying with friends can be a distraction due to socializing, and hotels in the area are either too expensive or some budget hotels being of questionable quality. For her, the pod hotel was a more practical option, offering a private and affordable place to sleep before long international flights.
Somya admitted that she was initially skeptical about trying a pod hotel but was pleasantly surprised. She mentioned that despite its small size, the pod did not feel claustrophobic or unsafe. Instead, it provided a comfortable and secure space for rest. She found it especially convenient because the hotel charged on an hourly basis, making it cost-effective. On a Saturday, she paid Rs 1,000 for an eight-hour stay, which she noted is even cheaper on weekdays. The hotel also offered dedicated women’s washrooms, which were clean and well-maintained.
However, Somya did point out a few drawbacks. The pods were