Plans approved for 568-room London capsule hotel

A “capsule” hotel that will offer “stylish, affordable, and environmentally conscious” accommodation for up to 568 guests in London’s Elephant and Castle has gained planning consent.

The property will be built and operated by CoDE Concepts, which has already converted unused spaces including a warehouse and former courtroom and jail into hybrid capsule hotels, hostels and co-living spaces.

The London project will be the fifth undertaken by the group following developments in Edinburgh and Dublin.

The hotel, which will be called the NeST and constructed to achieve a BREEAM rating of excellent, is expected to open in 2027.

Accommodation will be provided in capsule pods, with the hotel also featuring a rooftop co-working lounge, gym and space for a local arts charity.

Andrew Landsburgh, founder and chief executive of CoDE Concepts, said: “This planning approval is a momentous milestone for CoDE Concepts and a testament to our vision for the future of hospitality.

“We are incredibly excited to bring our innovative capsule hotel concept to London, offering travellers a stylish, affordable, and environmentally conscious accommodation option in the heart of the city.

“This project is more than just a hotel; it’s a community hub that will support local artists, foster collaboration in our co-working space, and promote wellness with our rooftop gym. We believe this unique blend of offerings will create a truly vibrant and engaging experience for our guests.”

Creating stylish and affordable rooms in compact spaces has become something of an artform for hoteliers such as Z Hotels and Zedwell in recent years.

And, a number of pod hotel operators have been eyeing London developments, including Australian budget hotel group LyLo, which has said it is searching for sites.