Anand Mahindra reacts to viral pics and videos of Japanese-style pod hotel in Noida: 'Pretty cool'

Sharing Somya’s post, Anand Mahindra expressed his interest in the potential for capsule hotels to address the need for functional and clean budget accommodation in India.

The capsule hotel concept, originally introduced in Japan in 1979 by architect Kisho Kurokawa, is steadily making its way across the globe, with India being one of the latest countries to adopt this unique accommodation style. Designed to provide efficient and affordable lodging, capsule hotels have become popular among professionals and travellers seeking a compact, budget-friendly option. Recently, the NapTapGo pod hotel in Noida’s Sector 62 caught the attention of travellers, with one vlogger sharing her experience on social media.

Travel vlogger Somya, who posts under the handle @Somya_Crazy on X (formerly Twitter), documented her stay at NapTapGo through a series of posts. Sharing images and details, she described her experience at the pod-style hotel, which offers both individual capsules and private pod suites. Each capsule is equipped with basic amenities, including a single bed, a mirror, a control panel, charging points, manual and centralised locks, and an entertainment screen.

In addition to the capsules, the hotel provides a women’s washroom, a shared common washroom, and a communal area for all guests. While Somya noted that the common washroom was well-maintained, she pointed out that the capsule itself was not soundproof, which led to disturbances from neighbouring pods. She likened the experience to staying in a dormitory, though she acknowledged that private room options may offer better soundproofing and more privacy.

For her 8-hour stay, from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. on a Saturday, Somya paid Rs 1,000, commenting that weekday rates are lower. NapTapGo operates on an hourly basis, with bookings for a 12-hour stay priced at approximately Rs 1,000. The hotel offers two main options for accommodation: Private Pods for single occupants and Private Pod Room Suites, which can accommodate one adult and one child.

The post quickly gained traction online, with many users intrigued by the novel concept. Industrialist Anand Mahindra, known for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, also weighed in. Sharing Somya’s post, Mahindra expressed his interest in the potential for capsule hotels to address the need for functional and clean budget accommodation in India.

“That looks pretty cool,” Mahindra wrote in a tweet. “I've always thought that the capsule hotel concept (first seen in Japan) would be ideal for the expansion of functional & clean hotel rooms in India, giving a flip to budget travel. But how many of you agree? Would you find this claustrophobic?"

"I was also skeptical at first. Surprisingly, it did not feel claustrophobic at all. In fact, it turned out to be great since I could get a private space to sleep at the cost of budget accommodation. As someone who’s always travelling, I feel it is perfect for cities where budget hotels are shady, not clean & can feel unsafe for solo women," travel vlogger Somya  wrote while replying to Mahindra.

"Definitely interesting. Operating these at the right kind of places can be very interesting & lucrative. Airports & railway stations to begin with, for passengers with long transits. Priced right, they'll sell like hot cakes," a user wrote.

Another user remarked, "Tried it in Mumbai, nearly had a panic attack. It's like sleeping in a coffin , not for everyone."