I stayed in APA business hotels for two weeks, often the same price as the capsule hotels even when I booked them the same day and you get a very acceptable room and bathroom.
Often when I say that people tell me not to support the big hotelier chains and offer some independent options, which I might try next trip. I do think people might be a bit misguided though, independent or not they are still faceless hotel chains. Which one gets my $60 is hardly a matter of social responsibility.
If you are like me and are there for the urbanism, staying in a businesd hotel fits the atmosphere honestly. They're commoditized hotels, perfectly serviceable, pragmatic like much of urban life there.
Things may have changed, but I remember capsule hotels being more around $30 than $60, so, about half of what you pay for in a business hotel. Ballpark numbers.
It brings me to my other point. Capsule hotels are best when you are travelling alone. As a couple, they don't really make sense. In fact, some capsule hotels are for men only, or have men and women in separate areas. This is because they often feature public baths and there is some nudity involved, which is normal in Japan.
Often when I say that people tell me not to support the big hotelier chains and offer some independent options, which I might try next trip. I do think people might be a bit misguided though, independent or not they are still faceless hotel chains. Which one gets my $60 is hardly a matter of social responsibility.
If you are like me and are there for the urbanism, staying in a businesd hotel fits the atmosphere honestly. They're commoditized hotels, perfectly serviceable, pragmatic like much of urban life there.