PODs The Backpackers Home & Cafe, Kuala Lumpur
This property is not a capsule hotel, offering standard bunk beds without the privacy features expected of a pod or capsule. It functions as a basic hostel, best suited for budget travellers prioritising location for short stays or transit.
PODs The Backpackers Home & Cafe in Kuala Lumpur positions itself as a budget-friendly hostel, particularly appealing for its exceptional proximity to KL Sentral, offering convenient access to transport links for the airport and city sights. While the name suggests capsule accommodation, guests describe open bunk beds, often without privacy curtains, rather than enclosed pods. The property features a comfortable ground-floor cafe and a rooftop area, providing social spaces for guests. However, shared bathrooms are limited and can experience cleanliness issues, and noise from other rooms is a common complaint. Staff are generally praised for their kindness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
♀ Reviews mention shared bathrooms with male and female guests, with no indication of female-only sections.
Stations & airport.
Distances measured from the hotel. Walking times assume a gentle pace with a backpack.
- A111 m1 min walk
- C113 m1 min walk
- A336 m4 min walk
- 297 m4 min walk
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 417 reviews.
Noise & sleep
Noise from other rooms, particularly doors opening and closing, is a significant issue, disturbing sleep. There are also instances of inconsiderate guests affecting others' rest.
“the others room were so loud when they opened or closed their doors...woke me up all night even I had my own room but it really bad”
“Someone turned all the lights on at 5am to check out, and left them on!, a sign to be considerate of that would be great.”
Pod comfort
Reviews are mixed on bed comfort, with some finding them cosy and clean, while others describe pillows as old and ugly, and mattresses as thin. The lack of privacy screens is also noted.
“The pillow looks so old and ugly, I felt itchy all night from the blanket or bedsheet I wasn't sure”
“The bed is cosy and clean.”
“The beds are a little basic, and don't have privacy screens, but that's only a minor issue.”
Privacy
Privacy is a recurring concern, with guests noting the lack of curtains or privacy screens on dorm beds and semi-opaque glass doors reducing the feeling of personal space.
“No curtains on dorms”
“The semi opaque glass in the door reduced the feeling of privacy and needed clothes hanging up to cover it.”
“Would have appreciated curtains on the bottom bunk - there was a bit of ambient light thru the door I am sensitive to.”
Cleanliness
Cleanliness receives mixed reviews; some guests praise the impeccable cleanliness of the property and modern bathrooms, while others report dirty pillows, bedsheets, toilets, and old towels.
“The pillow looks so old and ugly, I felt itchy all night from the blanket or bedsheet I wasn't sure”
“Bathrooms were clean and modern.”
“The cleanliness of the property was impeccable,ensuring a pleasant environment”
Shared bathrooms
Shared bathrooms are a significant drawback, with complaints about limited facilities (only one sink, two toilets/showers for many rooms), leading to queues and cleanliness issues. Some guests also experienced cold shower water and felt uncomfortable due to inappropriate behaviour in mixed-gender facilities.
“There's only one sink and there are so many rooms on one floor”
“In the shared bathroom, these people give inappropriate looks and seem lost...”
“Share bathroom with male & female. If you separate by floor, maybe more better.”
Luggage storage
The property offers secure, easy, and reliable luggage storage, which is appreciated by guests.
“Secure luggage storage available.”
“Luggage storage service was easy and reliable.”
Staff & check-in
Staff service is generally praised for kindness, friendliness, and helpfulness, with some guests feeling truly at home. However, one review mentioned staff not being very kind.
“The staff's kindness It truly feels like home. Plus, there's a great playlist and some very interesting books. Sometimes the receptionist even brings his cat, which is lovely! The staff is really very welcoming and loves giving advice!”
“the staff who works in reception,they are friendly,hospitality and kind they helped me everything what I need.”
“Staff is not very kind.”
Location & access
The location is consistently highlighted as excellent, being very close to KL Sentral, offering easy access to metro stations, the airport, and plenty of food options. It's particularly convenient for transit and short stays.
“Good location.”
“The location that close to KL sentral and lot of food around”
“Very close to KL Sentral so convenient for metro stations to sights. Also easy access from here to/from airport.”
Wifi & working
While there's a comfortable cafe space suitable for laptop use, the internet quality is described as only 'so/so'.
“Ground floor cafe was very chic and a comfortable place to chill or access laptop.”
“the internet is so/so”
Atmosphere
The hostel has a generally positive atmosphere, with a chic ground floor cafe, a great rooftop area for socialising and views, and spacious common areas. The staff contribute to a welcoming, home-like feel, sometimes even bringing a cat.
“The staff's kindness It truly feels like home. Plus, there's a great playlist and some very interesting books. Sometimes the receptionist even brings his cat, which is lovely! The staff is really very welcoming and loves giving advice! The rooftop is great, and the location is close to a shop and the train station.”
“Ground floor cafe was very chic and a comfortable place to chill or access laptop.”
“I liked the rooftop area, spectacular view of KL high-rise lights. Mozzies tho. I liked meeting people, especially the young man I kissed on the rooftop :)”
Value for money
Guests generally consider it good value for money, acknowledging it as a budget stay that delivers on its price point, though some note it feels basic.
“Value for money and good location”
“overall ok with their price”
“A budget stay that felt like it”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- no privacy curtains on bunks
- limited shared bathroom facilities
- noise from other rooms
- some cleanliness issues
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