Guide · Amsterdam

Capsule hotel or hostel?

Sleep in Amsterdam in your own pod, with a light-blocking curtain and a locker that fits your trolley. For a price close to a hostel.

Explained

What is a capsule hotel?

A capsule hotel is a hotel where you sleep in a pod, a compact sleeping space with a bed, power and a curtain. The pods sit side by side and on top of each other in a shared dormitory. You share the bathrooms and the lounge with other guests.

The concept comes from Japan, where the first capsule hotel opened in Osaka in 1979. Cabins brings that smart layout to Amsterdam, with quiet hours, a lounge with fresh bean coffee and a host who is there day and night.

Comparison

Hostel, capsule hotel or hotel?

Three ways to sleep in Amsterdam, side by side. See at a glance what suits you.

Hosteldormitory Cabinscapsule hotel Hotelprivate room
Where you sleep A bed in a shared dorm, often an open bunk bed Your own pod in a shared dorm, in two-level units Your own room
Privacy Little, your bed is open Close your pod with a light-blocking, lightly insulating curtain Plenty
Your luggage Often a small locker, sometimes with your own padlock Digital locker for a medium trolley, large safes and a secure luggage room In your room
At night Varies, it depends on the hostel Quiet hours from 22:00 to 08:00 Quiet
Bathrooms Usually shared Luxury shared bathroom with enclosed rain shower cabins, enclosed toilets and shared washbasins Private bathroom
Atmosphere Social and lively Calm, with a lounge where fresh bean coffee and snacks are ready 24/7 On your own
Age Often all ages Adults only (18+) All ages
Price Usually the cheapest Affordable, close to a hostel Usually the most expensive

What guests say

Quiet, clean and comfortable

This is the true concept of a capsule hotel. I was beyond impressed.

CristinaMarch 2026

It was quiet, the bed space was still large enough, everything felt very clean which is really important.

HanneFebruary 2026

Rather quiet in the sleeping area, so one can sleep without issues. The bathroom is also large and very clean.

ZanJuly 2026

A shared dormitory. Your own space.

Your own pod at Cabins with a light-blocking curtain

Your pod

Sleeping area with two-level pods at Cabins Hotel Amsterdam

Sleeping area

Bathrooms at Cabins Hotel Amsterdam

Bathrooms

Your pod

What comes with your pod?

  • Light-blocking curtainLightly insulating. Close it and you have your own calm little space.
  • Dimmable LED lightingSet the mood yourself: bright for reading, soft for winding down.
  • Digital lockerEvery pod has its own digital locker, right underneath or next to it, with room for a mid-size trolley and a few extra bits.
  • Power and USBA socket with several USB ports. Your phone charges while you sleep.
  • WifiAlso in your pod, to plan your next day in Amsterdam at ease.
  • Fresh airAn advanced system ventilates every pod individually. Used air is drawn out and fresh air keeps flowing in, day and night.
  • Extra-large mattressHigh quality, and made up with fresh bed linen when you arrive.
  • Storage netFor your phone, glasses or book, always within reach.

Location

Where is Cabins?

Cabins is in Amsterdam, just across the IJ river. The free ferry takes you to the city centre, day and night.

  • Central StationFree ferry F3, day and night. A 5-minute crossing, then about a 15-minute walk.
  • Western city centreFree ferry F6 between Distelweg and Pontsteiger, every 15 minutes until about 23:00. From the ferry it is a 450-metre walk to Cabins.
  • A'DAM Lookout and Eye FilmmuseumAbout a 15-minute walk along the IJ.
  • Food and groceriesCafés, restaurants, a supermarket and a shopping centre within a 5 to 10-minute walk.

Who it suits

Is Cabins right for you?

Cabins suits you if you

  • travel solo or with a friend
  • want privacy at a friendly price
  • spend your days in the city and want a good night's sleep
  • arrive late or leave early, because the host is there 24/7 and ferry F3 runs day and night

Good to know

  • Cabins is for guests aged 18 and over only.
  • There is no kitchen and we do not serve breakfast. Fresh bean coffee and snacks are available day and night.
  • You can rent a towel for a small fee.
  • Looking for a private room with a private bathroom? Then a classic hotel will suit you better.

Tip: book direct

On cabinshotels.com you always book at the best price. Choose the lowest rate, or book flexibly and cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before arrival.

See prices for your dates

Frequently asked questions

Any questions?

Is a capsule hotel the same as a hostel?

Not quite. In both you sleep in a shared dormitory. In a hostel that usually means an open bunk bed. At Cabins you sleep in your own pod, in two-level units, and you close your pod with a light-blocking, lightly insulating curtain. You share the bathroom and the lounge with other guests, and you shower and use the toilet in an enclosed cabin.

How much privacy do I have in a pod?

Your pod is your own space in a mixed dormitory. Close your curtain and you have it to yourself, to sleep or to read. Each enclosed shower cabin has a little dry corner with hooks for your clothes, so you can get changed in peace.

Where do I leave my luggage?

Your own digital locker fits a medium trolley plus a few small things. For big suitcases there is a secure luggage room, and there is a limited number of large safes. On your check-in day and your check-out day, the host stores your luggage free of charge and securely.

Is a capsule hotel cheaper than a hotel?

Usually, yes. You pay for a pod instead of a whole room, so the price is close to that of a hostel. Prices change daily. On cabinshotels.com you instantly see the best price for your dates.

Are towels included?

No, you can rent one for a small fee, paid in advance. That way we keep our prices as friendly as possible for everyone. Earplugs are free at reception.

Is Cabins good for solo travellers?

Yes, many of our guests travel alone. You have your own pod and a host is there day and night. Free ferry F3 runs day and night to Central Station, and free ferry F6 takes you to the western part of the city centre.

Ready for your own pod?

Book direct and sleep in vibrant Amsterdam.

Your pod awaits Book