Capsule Hotels

Picture a library with beds in it. That is roughly the idea. Thousands of manga fill the shelves, chosen by staff and sorted so newcomers can find a way in.

Guests sleep in capsule-style bunks tucked among the books, each with a curtain, a light and a place to plug in. Bathrooms are shared. Quiet is expected, which suits the reading.

The Kanda and Jimbocho area nearby is Tokyo's old book district, full of second-hand shops. For anyone who loves comics, it is a stay with a clear point of view.

Location does a lot of the work. The hotel is a short walk from Ueno Station, which puts the park, the national museums and the Keisei line to Narita Airport all close at hand.

Inside, the format is classic Japanese capsule. Shoes off at the door, luggage in a locker, then a numbered capsule with a light, a socket and a blind. Showers, washrooms and a lounge are shared, and the floors are kept strictly quiet.

It fits travellers who plan to spend the day out and need a clean, well-run bed at night. First nights in Tokyo and last nights before a flight are its natural use.

MET A Space Pod occupies a shophouse on Boat Quay, facing the Singapore River. Old façades outside, rows of sleek pods inside.

Each pod is enclosed, with its own lighting, storage and a door or screen for privacy. Showers and lounge areas are shared and kept neat. The design leans modern and clean.

The setting is the bonus. The river walk, the financial district and Chinatown are all nearby, and the MRT is within easy reach. It suits solo travellers who want a central address and need little more than a good bed.