If you ever have a short stay in Mumbai or a long layover at the airport, pod hotels (also called capsule hotels) are a perfect option. They are modern, affordable, clean, and very cool! I once had to stay in Mumbai for just one night between two flights, and I decided to try a pod hotel. I was surprised at how fun, safe, and peaceful the experience was. Below, I’m sharing four great pod hotels near Mumbai Airport, including my personal experience at each one.
1. Qubestay Capsule Hotel
Location: Near Phoenix Marketcity Mall, Kurla West, Mumbai
Overview:
Qubestay is a fun and colorful pod hotel located in Kurla, just 20–25 minutes away from Mumbai Airport. I first heard about it from a friend who stayed there on a business trip. When I arrived, I was surprised at how stylish the place was. The walls had bright colors and artistic patterns. It felt young and vibrant!
What I liked the most was how friendly the staff were. They greeted me with a smile and helped me check in smoothly. The hotel is also very close to one of Mumbai’s biggest malls so you can shop or eat nearby.
Accommodations:
- Single Pods:
These are comfortable sleeping capsules with mood lighting, a foldable desk, reading light, and curtains instead of a door. The curtain gave enough privacy, and the bed was very soft. - Double Pods:
I saw a couple staying in a double pod. It looked spacious enough for two people and had extra pillows and soft lighting. - Dormitory Option:
If you’re traveling with friends or a group, you can also choose dormitory-style sleeping. The capsules are placed in rows, and it looks like a sleeping train from the future!
Amenities:
- Common Lounge Area:
I sat in the lounge and read a book while sipping tea. It was quiet and peaceful. - Free Wi-Fi:
Fast and smooth connection perfect for checking flight timings or watching YouTube. - Self-service Kitchen:
You can make yourself tea, coffee, or simple snacks. I made a quick cup of coffee in the evening and felt at home. - Laundry and Locker Facilities:
Clean lockers are available for your luggage, and there’s laundry service too.
Note: Qubestay is just a short taxi ride from Mumbai Airport and close to Kurla Station.
Website: Qubestay Capsule Hotel
2. The Hosteller Mumbai
Location: Andheri West, Mumbai
Overview:
The Hosteller is a popular backpacker-style hotel in Mumbai. It has capsule beds and dormitories and is great for young travelers or students. I stayed here during my college trip, and it was a fun and social experience.
This hotel is not just about sleep it’s about meeting new people, chatting in the lounge, and sharing travel stories. It takes about 30–35 minutes from the airport, but it’s well-connected by metro and taxis.
Accommodations:
- Capsule Beds in Dorms:
These are small, cozy beds with privacy curtains, charging points, and reading lamps. Each bed has its own locker underneath. The room had eight capsule beds, but it still felt private and quiet. - Common Room & Rooftop:
The rooftop space was beautiful in the evening. Some guests were playing guitar, others were watching the sunset. I joined a game of Uno and had a great time!
Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations:
Super useful when you want to work on your phone or laptop. - Games, Books, and Lounge Music:
I enjoyed the peaceful vibe in the common area. People were reading books, playing board games, and sharing travel tips. - Shared Bathrooms:
Neat and well-maintained bathrooms. You get towels and soap, so don’t worry about carrying extras. - Café & Tea Area:
I had a light sandwich and some cold coffee from their café. Prices were affordable and the food was fresh.
Note: Slightly far from the airport, but good if you want a social and relaxed place to stay.
Website: The Hosteller India
3. Hexa Pod Capsule Hotel
Location: Near Sakinaka Metro Station, Andheri East, Mumbai.
Overview:
Hexa Pod is a new and clean capsule hotel located just 15 minutes away from Mumbai Airport. I discovered it when I searched online for affordable hotels near the airport. What caught my eye were the glowing capsule pods in the photos they looked futuristic!
The hotel is in a quiet lane, and check-in was very smooth. I was also happy that it was so close to the Sakinaka Metro Station, which makes traveling easier.
Accommodations:
- Capsule Rooms:
The pods are designed with a white and blue light theme. You feel like you’re inside a spaceship. My capsule had a soft mattress, touch-control lights, a mirror, USB chargers, and a small fan. - Bigger Pods for Couples:
I peeked into one of the couple capsules. It was spacious and looked very cozy.
Amenities:
- Smart Keycard Entry:
You get a card that opens both your capsule and the front door. It felt very safe and secure. - Free Wi-Fi:
I watched a movie inside my pod using their Wi-Fi. It worked perfectly. - Luggage Storage:
There are lockers for your bags, and the front desk will store larger suitcases. - Tea & Snacks Counter:
They don’t have a full restaurant, but you can grab tea, coffee, or packed snacks. - Helpful Staff:
The staff was polite and quick to help. They helped me order a taxi using their phone app.
Note: A very affordable and futuristic option near Sakinaka Metro and Mumbai Airport.
Website: Hexa Pod Hotels
4. Pod Hotel by Niranta – Terminal 2, Mumbai Airport
Location: Level 1, Arrival Hall, Terminal 2 (T2), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
Overview:
This pod hotel is inside Mumbai Airport itself yes, right inside Terminal 2! It is perfect for people who have early morning flights, layovers, or delays. When I had a late-night arrival from Delhi and an early flight to Goa, I stayed here and saved myself the trouble of going into the city.
The moment I walked in, I felt like I had entered a calm, private world, far away from the airport noise. It was clean, quiet, and smelled fresh. The staff helped me check in very quickly, and within minutes I was inside my pod, lying down comfortably.
Accommodations:
- Single Classic Pods:
These are cozy and clean, with a mattress, pillow, charging port, reading light, and sliding door for privacy. It was so quiet inside, I forgot I was still in the airport! - Double Pods:
I saw a couple staying in one of the double pods. It had a bit more space and looked very comfortable. - Day Use or Hourly Stay Options:
You can stay for a few hours or a full night. I booked for just 6 hours, which was perfect between flights.
Amenities:
- In-Airport Location:
No need for taxi rides or metro. You can literally walk from your gate to the hotel! - Shower & Bathroom Access:
They offer clean, private shower rooms with hot water and toiletries. It was refreshing after my flight. - Free Wi-Fi:
I video-called my family from inside the pod, and the internet speed was great. - Wake-Up Call Service:
I asked for a wake-up call at 4:30 AM and the staff was right on time!
Note: This is the most convenient place to stay if you don’t want to leave the airport at all.
Website: Niranta Transit Hotel & Lounge
5. Backpack Stay
Location: Near Airport Road Metro Station, Andheri East, Mumbai.
Overview:
Backpack Stay is a budget-friendly capsule hotel that’s just 10–12 minutes from the airport. It’s also only a short walk from Airport Road Metro Station, so getting there is easy. When I was backpacking across India, I stayed here for one night. I met travelers from different countries and had great conversations.
The hotel has a chilled-out vibe, with a common lounge, indoor plants, and small decorations that make it feel homey.
Accommodations:
- Capsule Beds in Shared Dorms:
These are small pods with curtains for privacy, reading lights, fans, and charging sockets. Each pod has clean bedding, and I found it very comfortable after a long day. - Female-Only Dormitories:
My friend stayed in the ladies’ dorm and felt safe and relaxed. There were also separate bathrooms for women. - Air-Conditioned Rooms:
The dorms and pods are fully air-conditioned, which was a relief in Mumbai’s humid weather!
Amenities:
- Free Breakfast & Tea:
The breakfast was simple toast, jam, and tea. But it was fresh and served with a smile. - Luggage Storage:
I left my heavy backpack at the front desk for a few hours after check-out, and it was kept safe. - Common Kitchen:
You can make your own noodles or tea. It’s great for budget travelers. - Helpful Staff:
The staff gave me tips on how to take the metro to my next destination and helped me book a cab.
Note: A great choice for backpackers and students traveling through Mumbai on a budget.
Website: Backpack Stay Mumbai – Hostelworld
6. StayBird
Location: Santacruz East, near Domestic Terminal 1, Mumbai Airport.
Overview:
StayBird’s Urban Capsule is a hidden gem near the domestic terminal (Terminal 1) of Mumbai Airport. I stayed here once when I had a short domestic trip from Pune to Mumbai and back. The location is ideal only 7–8 minutes from Terminal 1 by auto.
The hotel has a modern and peaceful design. The capsule area is soundproof and private. I liked how clean and organized everything was.
Accommodations:
- Urban Capsule Pods:
These pods have cool blue lighting, adjustable fans, personal TVs, and charging points. I watched a short film on the pod screen and felt like I was in a mini-theatre! - Private Rooms with Pod Beds:
If you don’t want to stay in a shared room, you can book a private room with pods inside — best of both worlds! - Ladies-Only Zone:
A separate zone for women made my sister feel very secure when she stayed here alone.
Amenities:
- Mini Breakfast & Snacks Counter:
They offer light breakfast, plus snacks like cookies, chips, and soft drinks. - Digital Lockers & Cards:
Everything is operated with a smart card your pod, locker, and even the main door. - Self Check-in Kiosk:
You can check in yourself using a touchscreen. It felt like the future! - Clean Bathrooms & Toiletries:
Bathrooms had good lighting and were cleaned regularly. They gave me free soap, shampoo, and towels.
Note: Ideal for travelers flying from Terminal 1, and great for quick overnight stops.
Website: StayBird Hotels
Conclusion
Staying in a pod hotel near Mumbai Airport is not just about saving money it’s about having a smooth and relaxing experience during travel. Each of these hotels offers something different:
- Urbanpod is perfect for first-time capsule users.
- Qubestay is full of color and energy.
- Hosteller is great for young and social travelers.
- Hexa Pod feels like sleeping in a spaceship.
- Niranta is for airport comfort without leaving the terminal.
- Backpack Stay is ideal for budget travelers and students.
- StayBird is excellent for domestic flyers and solo women.
So, next time you’re flying from or into Mumbai and need a short stay, try a pod hotel — it’s clean, private, and surprisingly fun!
FAQs
Q1: What is a pod hotel?
A pod hotel (also called a capsule hotel) is a special type of hotel where you sleep inside a small, private space called a pod or capsule. Each pod has a bed, light, charging point, and curtain or door for privacy. It’s clean, modern, and great for short stays.
Q2: Why should I stay in a pod hotel near Mumbai Airport?
If your flight is late at night, early in the morning, or you have a layover, staying in a pod hotel near the airport saves time, money, and travel stress. You don’t need to go far just rest, refresh, and fly again!
Q3: Are pod hotels safe for solo travelers and girls?
Yes! Many pod hotels have ladies-only pods or separate female dorms. The staff are polite, and the buildings have CCTV cameras and keycard locks. My female friends felt very safe when they stayed at Urbanpod and StayBird.
Q4: Can I stay in a pod hotel for just a few hours?
Yes. Some pod hotels like Niranta and Hexa Pod offer hourly bookings. You can stay for 3, 6, or 9 hours depending on your flight time. It’s perfect for short layovers.
Q5: Are the bathrooms inside the pods?
Usually, no. Most pod hotels have shared bathrooms, but they are very clean and separate for men and women. You’ll find hot water, fresh towels, and soap.
Q6: Do pod hotels provide food?
Many pod hotels offer simple breakfast like toast, poha, or tea. Some also have snack corners or let you use a common kitchen. At Qubestay and Backpack Stay, I even made my own coffee!
Q7: How much does it cost to stay in a pod hotel near Mumbai Airport?
Prices can start from ₹800 to ₹2500 per night, depending on the hotel and pod type (single or double). Hourly stays are cheaper — for example, a 6-hour stay may cost around ₹1000.
Q8: Can I use Wi-Fi in a pod hotel?
Yes! Almost all pod hotels near Mumbai Airport have free Wi-Fi. I used it to watch YouTube, video call my family, and even write this travel note!
Q9: Do I need to bring my own towel or blanket?
No. The hotel gives you clean bedding, a pillow, a blanket, and a towel. You only need to bring your clothes and toothbrush.
Q10: Can families stay in pod hotels?
Yes, some pod hotels like Urbanpod and StayBird have double pods or private rooms. It’s best for small families or two people traveling together.