CODE The Loft: Edinburgh hostel unveils major revamp with UK's first 'Japanese capsule beds'

Capsule hostels, popularised in Tokyo, typically offer tiny rooms which guests have to crawl into to enter and are only big enough to sit inside.

CODE The Loft, on the city’s Rose Street, launched as the Scottish capital’s first capsule-style accommodation in 2014 but had temporarily closed for refurbishment.

The hostel’s director said the latest makeover has been inspired by a research trip to Japan and promises to make the capsule-experience more comfortable for guests.

The new pods, which are part of a new “penthouse” female-only dorm overlooking the city centre, are said to be more like “micro-rooms” with more space, built in storage, phone holders, charging ports, custom mattresses and noise reducing technology.

As well as the new capsules, the other dorms have also had a refresh and the bathrooms have been upgraded.

“Visiting Tokyo’s capsule hotels was genuinely transformative,” said Andrew Landsburgh, the hostel’s managing director.

“We loved the feeling of the full height capsules, it was like having your own small room, private and peaceful, without sacrificing quality or comfort.

“That trip made it clear that we could bring something truly special back to Edinburgh.

“These new capsules blend Japanese inspiration with everything we’ve learned from running capsule accommodation for more than a decade.”

Jamie Greig, Head of Projects and Design at CODE, said: “We designed these capsules to feel like a true home from home,

“Every detail came from real experience, staying in capsules of every shape and size over the years and asking ourselves what we always wished they had.

“From the acoustic insulation to the storage lighting, to the custom mattress and the extra hooks, it’s all about making travel feel easier, calmer and more personal.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created.”

Capsule hotels are becoming increasingly popular in major European cities including London, Paris and Amsterdam and have been driving substantial growth in the sector in recent years.

Last year, development plans were announced for a 242-pod Japanese-inspired capsule hotel on Edinburgh’s South St Andrew Street, near St Andrew Square.

Developers said the scheme would transform a six-storey vacant property comprising more than 18,000 square feet into a “tech-enabled” capsule hostel with a rooftop bar and restaurant.