Bobobox Capsule Hotels: Modern Stay & Aminities At Hostel Price

Hostels are not a stranger to me. I like to stay in hostels whenever I want to socialize, scrimp, and save on my budget. Some of them though are not that convenient and I know it is not for everyone. They are typically filled with younger people and I rarely met older people in hostels. They are often small, sometimes not too convenient and come with a shared bathroom. However in recent years, hostels have evolved offering more conveniences. One of the advancements in hostels is the rise of capsule hostels offering high-tech experience and more conveniences while the prices remain low.For some reason, I don't know why Bobobox called themselves a hotel. Anyway, at the same time, unlike most hostels these places are more individualized and certainly not a place to socialize. That's why, for me, I like to stay at these places when my energy to socialize is pretty low.

I first came across this high-tech hostel last year when I was hanging out at a nearby Starbucks in my city. I ended up getting curious and stayed at a place called Bobobox, a capsule hotel chain for budget conscious travelers. The place offers about 2 types of rooms with several options, the sky and the earth which translates as the upper bunk and the lower bunk. As you can see how small the room is, the single type of room is not recommended for anyone who is claustrophobic. I also already mentioned that in my previous review about them. The double room that I stayed previously was much bigger than this one.

Now, after staying in their other location, I think they are certainly choosing a location that is easy to access and nearby popular tourist attractions. I certainly have to give them 5 stars for choosing the perfect location. If you are the type of traveler who enjoys a closer location, you might like staying in their place. I also stayed with them during my trip to Lombok during MotoGP. They have the best tent and view compared to others but certainly it was a bit more overpriced.

For some people, staying at bobobox might come with some extra hassle. The guests have check-in through the app. If you are familiar with the KYC process, it’s exactly like that but if not, basically you have to take a picture of your ID card and a selfie of yourself holding the card. That is only done one time and next time you are staying at another branch, you are not required to do them anymore. When I was staying in their branch in Semarang, my check-in experience was seamless. Although one thing I don’t like is that they are pretty on time and won’t ever let you in before the check-in time. So, at the time I was mostly waiting until they let me in.

The room is certainly small like its name. In each pod, it is equipped with IOT technology that lets you control the lock of the room with the application and the light too. Not to mention, you can also play speakers in the room as well. There are two outlets but that’s about it. Sadly though, it’s not soundproof at all and you can hear the people above you or the people above can hear you talk. If you are frequent hostel visitors you can certainly know that it’s just part of hostel living. That’s why I bring noisecancelling headphone whenever I am on adventurous mode otherwise it’s going to be difficult to sleep. Although often, I am the one who potentially make more noises than others 😂. If you come to Indonesia and look for modern alternative to stay, these pods hostels are so convenient. Also, if you're bit antisocial like me, then it's perfect.

I honestly think that staying in this hostel gives me the convenience of a hotel but at a much cheaper price. It has everything I need from a warm shower, clean toilet and bathroom. Although if you want to eat, you have to get out of the pod since that would stain the sheets pretty easily. Now, after staying at hostels like this, I certainly hope this type of service is available in another country. They have modern tech, convenience, and also cleanliness that I rarely see at hostels and sometimes even hotels.

They also provide towels and soap & shampoo at their showers but I tend not to use them. Another thing that I probably don't like about this place is that you have to get on to the table just to adjust the air conditioner. It can get pretty cold at night and because I can't adjust it, I had to sleep like that. When I was staying inside, I would imagine if there was a spaceship with boxes like this. It would be pretty fun. The place itself is just good for sleeping but to do any other activities then you certainly have to go outside. I think pods like this are meant to be sleeping and sleeping only.

Let me know if these modern hotels and hostels are also available in your country!!