Zedwell’s Capsule Cocoons in Piccadilly Circus start from £35.82 per night, offering budget accommodation in central London – but it won’t be to everyone’s taste
People with claustrophobia might want to look away now.
A hotel in central London is offering beds from just £35.82 a night, but there’s a catch. Instead of a room, you’ll be sleeping in a capsule or ‘Cocoon’ as they’re named. But does the location and low price make up for the cramped accommodations?
Reporter Christopher Sharp went to stay at the Zedwell Piccadilly Circus, and his first impressions of the space were a little morbid. Writing for the Express, he said: “One thing I do know, is that at some point after dying, I may well find myself in a coffin of some sorts.
“This isn’t my last will and testament, but one of my first thoughts after entering one of Zedwell’s Capsule Cocoons at their Piccadilly Circus venue earlier this month. The ‘Cocoons’ are effectively small windowless boxes that can be yours for as little as £36 a night.
“Stacked in columns of two, they’re an option for someone looking to spend not very much money for a room in the heart of London.”
He was impressed by the location, saying: “The room is located in just a stone’s throw from the likes of Soho, Covent Garden, Regent’s Street, Leicester Square, and a short walk from Hyde Park, Green Park, and the Serpentine.”
He described the experience of checking in, which was straightforward: “Once you’ve found the entrance to the hotel, currently located underneath a lot of scaffolding, it’s easy to check in using your booking number and email address. With your key card, you receive a small lock and key to secure your belongings, along with some compostable slippers. The check-in is 24 hours a day, so whenever you show up, you’ll be fine. If you want to check out at 3am, you can do that as well.
“Once you’ve got your key, it’s off to find your cocoon, which you’ll discover in one of several dorms stretched across several floors. Each set of cocoons is behind a locked door that can only be accessed with your key.”
However, his impressions of the hotel could be summed up by the words: “unfinished and tired”. Christopher said: “I spoke to one regular user of the Zedwell venue, and he explained that building works were still continuing. The bathrooms were not in a very good state when I was there, and the fact that an open lift shaft was visible behind a small hole in the wall didn’t fill me with much confidence.”
He felt, even for the cheap price, it didn’t represent the best value for money: “You might very well argue that for the price one pays, one shouldn’t expect high quality, but ragged toilets, an unfinished building, and an open lift shaft? I expected more.”
Zedwell’s spokesperson said: “Our targeted completion timeline is Q2 2026. When we opened a few months ago, we did so as a soft launch, with a couple of floors still in preparation. These floors have now opened and we’re finalising certain construction elements to better serve guests and optimise the way the spaces are used. This approach allows us to adapt quickly to guest feedback and ensure the hotel meets evolving needs.”
But what was the pod itself like? Christopher described the unusual accommodation: “Looking past the human safe store coffin simulation aspects, the cocoon itself was very roomy, thanks to a light at the end of the room that bounced off a full-length and full-width mirror.
“This sat in front of a ledge on which sat a three-pin socket, a USB-A and USB-C plugs, as well as a dial for the light and a switch for the fan. That fan is quite important as it’s one way of circulating air through the box after the small grills at the entrance.
“Next to said entrance are a couple of hooks for your bag and coat, and all in it’s quite an accommodating place to be and an easy enough space to crawl into. You get a much better sense of the logistical mortality of it all once you pull the shutter door down and turn out the lights and fan. It’s dark enough that you can’t see your hand in front of your face, which, given the shape of the space, is quite unnerving.
“Sleeping was difficult, but not as bad as expected. I got a couple of two or three-hour stretches before my 6am alarm the next morning. The moment the alarm went off I was out of the venue quicker than you can say Lando Norris (Max Verstappen takes a little longer to say).”
Christopher said the cheap price was clearly bringing in the crowds, writing: “The venue is clearly popular. One member of staff told me that businesspeople use it as well as tourists, theatergoers, and members of the military. I still felt there must be better options out there, even if the price is incredibly low.
“The hotel itself doesn’t claim to be the cheapest in London, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anything for less. (If you do, please email webtravel@reachplc.com and let us know). It suits travellers and tourists on a budget, but unless you’re comfortable in such a small space or value your privacy more than dealing with a night of claustrophobia, I would avoid it.
“Was it an interesting experience? Definitely. But that doesn’t mean that I would go again or that I’d recommend it, unless you only want to be in that part of central London and have no more than £40 to spend.”
A spokeperson for the hotel told us: “Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus is the first hotel of its kind on this scale, not only in the UK but globally. It’s been incredibly valuable to see how guests interact with the space and to understand what features and amenities enhance their experience. We actively encourage guest feedback, especially during these early stages, as it helps us refine the experience and ensure every stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We’re excited about the improvements we’re rolling out and have some exciting announcements planned in the new year.”
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Price and booking
Prices vary by date, with the cheapest rooms currently showing at £35.82. Towel hire is an extra £5. There are also women’s dorms which cost slightly more but include a towel, and have hairdryers in the bathrooms and dedicated female housekeeping staff. Check prices and book a room on Zedwell’s official site.
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