Anand Mahindra fascinated by Noida capsule hotel after woman shares review. What the billionaire thinks

After a woman shared her experience of staying at a pod-style hotel in Noida, it gained significant attention, including from Mahindra Group chief Anand Mahindra. Mahindra expressed his interest in the concept, noting that capsule hotels, first popularized in Japan, could be a great addition to India’s budget travel scene. He questioned his followers, asking if they would feel claustrophobic in such a small space, sparking a discussion about the idea’s viability in India.

The woman, Somya, founder of The Modern Nomads, described her stay as a perfect solution for layovers in the NCR region. Living in Dehradun, Somya frequently travels internationally from Delhi, often arriving the night before her flight. She explained that staying with friends can be a distraction due to socializing, and hotels in the area are either too expensive or some budget hotels being of questionable quality. For her, the pod hotel was a more practical option, offering a private and affordable place to sleep before long international flights.

Somya reviews Noida capsule hotel
Somya admitted that she was initially skeptical about trying a pod hotel but was pleasantly surprised. She mentioned that despite its small size, the pod did not feel claustrophobic or unsafe. Instead, it provided a comfortable and secure space for rest. She found it especially convenient because the hotel charged on an hourly basis, making it cost-effective. On a Saturday, she paid Rs 1,000 for an eight-hour stay, which she noted is even cheaper on weekdays. The hotel also offered dedicated women’s washrooms, which were clean and well-maintained.

That looks pretty cool.

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 filip to budget travel.

But how many of you agree? Would you find this claustrophobic? https://t.co/00Uq9E8mXh

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) September 24, 2024

However, Somya did point out a few drawbacks. The pods were not soundproof, and while her fellow guests were generally quiet, any movement in the surrounding pods could be felt, much like a dormitory experience. Nevertheless, she emphasized that the benefits outweighed these minor issues. For her, the pod hotel was a great alternative to the often shady, unclean, and potentially unsafe budget hotels that are common in some areas of India, especially for solo women travelers.


Somya’s review and Anand Mahindra's post sparked a lot of reactions online. Some users highlighted that similar pod hotels already exist in places like the LTT railway station in Mumbai. Others agreed that capsule hotels are a fantastic concept for budget travelers, offering a unique and efficient use of space without compromising cleanliness. While some might find the compact design claustrophobic, many netizens were excited about the idea and appreciated the privacy and functionality these pods offer. Many saw potential for this concept to reshape budget travel in India.