DORMITORIES have been a huge help for both students and workers, especially to those who study or work far from their homes.

These quarters give them their own easily accessible space where they could focus on their schoolwork or tasks, and have the freedom to do things on their own. More importantly, these save them from long hours of travel, so that they can use their time more productively. 

Thanks to modernization and technology, dorms, which have been around for decades, have also upgraded to suit the needs of the new generation.

A new kind of dormitory in the Philippines has been attracting students and workers because of its unique facilities. 

At the commercial heart of Quezon City is Dormitos — a Japanese-style capsule hotel that offers Filipinos innovative private rooms at an affordable price.

The concept of capsule pods was introduced in Japan in 1979. These rooms can be designed with different themes, but the one that many young individuals are interested in are the spaceship-like pods that can be seen in science-fiction films or series.

These can be seen in Dormitos. 

Upgraded dormitory

Built in January 2019, Dormitos is the first premium Japanese-style capsule dormitory in the Philippines. It has a total of 100 pods that are separated for male and female customers.

“Ang mga capsule pods, actually, they originated from Japan and we wanted to adopt or bring this concept here in the Philippines, so that Filipinos can also experience this type of accommodation, even without having to go to Japan and spend too much,” Lizette Bondoc, manager of Dormitos, told republicasia.

Dormitos’ pods are modernized versions of dormitories in the country, which are private and secure yet budget-friendly for the students and the working class.

In a typical dormitory, there are instances when a group of four people has to share bunk beds in one room. Sometimes, noise is inevitable in a shared room, and it could  disturb the other roommates.

But in Dormitos, visitors can have their own private pods that only them can access, said Bondoc.

“Tahimik, makakatulog sila comfortably. And everything that they need is within their reach kasi doon sa loob ng pod marami pa tayong features,” she said.

Unique, futuristic pods

Of the 100 pods that Dormitos has, 60 are for male while 40 pods are for female customers.

The pod area for females is located on the third floor of the capsule hotel, while the pod area for males is on the fifth floor. 

This area is secured with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in every corner, to make sure that there will be no blind spot. 

To add to the security, visitors are given access cards that they have to use to enter the main lobby, the pod area, and their own capsule pods. Dormitos also provides keys for their lockers and mini-vaults.

Security personnel also guard the building 24/7.

Created using fireproof materials, each pod has a size of 3×6 feet and can actually fit two persons. But the hotel only allows one individual per pod.

The only exception are customers who bring their children with them. But Bondoc said Dormitos only allows kids who are at least five years old to stay in the pods. 

The capsule pods have a unique, futuristic design that will give an individual that main character feeling in a sci-fi movie or series, as if they are aboard a spaceship. 

Many guests find the futuristic design Instagram-worthy.

Inside, guests will find interchangeable mood lights that they can adjust depending to their preference. 

There is a mirror inside the pod with ambient light that can be changed to colors white, yellow, green, purple, and blue. There is also an adjustable ceiling light and reading light.

If they want to read or use their laptop inside the pod, a small table can be found and detached from behind the pod’s door. Padded walls on both sides will also support their back in case they want to slouch. 

A pod also has two USB charging ports. But if they need to charge their laptop, there is an outlet located just in front of their pod. Unlimited use of internet connection is also included in the package.

Their valuables, such as money and gadgets, can be placed inside the mini-vault beside the bed.

Guests won’t get suffocated inside the pods as there are two exhaust fans and even a smoke detector. 

“There’s nothing more you could ask for. Napaka-comfortable na. You can work there inside, pwede kang gumamit ng laptop, pwede kang mag-review,” Bondoc said.

“Whatever it is that you need to do, magagawa mo talaga sa pod,” she added.

Aside from the pod’s features, Dormitos also provides towels and amenity kits that include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap.

Perfect place to sleep, study, work

Bondoc said Dormitos’ guests are usually workers, especially call center agents and those who are in a work-from-home setup. Backpackers and foreign solo travelers also frequent the capsule hotel.

“Sa call center agent, ‘di ba they work in different shifts? Sometimes, medyo mahirap matulog kapag medyo wala sa oras or medyo alanganin sa oras. Here in Dormitos, they can sleep anytime because it’s so quiet,” she said.

Students also visit Dormitos since the location of the capsule hotel is near schools, public transportation, and malls. It  also has a convenience store downstairs, so guests won’t have to go far to buy their food.

“For a student, it’s a perfect place for them to review since the area is so quiet. They can focus on their review,” the manager said.

“We have a pod that’s perfect for their sleep, and we also have a lobby where they can make their assignments, do their work,” she added.

Other facilities

The pod area has a shared sofa where guests can rest. There are also racks for their luggage and clothing.

Guests will have to eat their meals and snacks in the lobby, since eating is prohibited inside the pod area.

They are provided with tables and chairs at the lobby, as well as a pantry that has a microwave and water dispenser.

Dormitos also has air-conditioned shower rooms, separated from the toilets. There is also a locker area with a shoe rack.

Worried about power outages and water supply shortage? Bondoc said their guests have never experienced these since the hotel has its own power generator and water tank for backup.

Dormitos also has balconies where visitors can hang out or smoke.

Rates

The capsule hotel offers short-term and long-term rates. The rate for a short-term stay or per night costs P800, while the rate for a long-term stay or per month is at P8,800.

Guests can actually save more if they avail themselves of the long-term rate as it will only cost them P295 per day.

“You’ll get all the amenities like free WiFi, free na yung utilities, free na rin yung locker use. We’re also providing free drinking water, and also we have 24/7 security — all for just P293 per day for long-term rent,” Bondoc said.

They also offer a P1,200 promo for parents who have kids along with them.

Check in time is at 2 p.m., and check out time is at 11 a.m. the next day.

Future plans

Bondoc shared that Dormitos is planning to have pods for couples.

“Marami ring nag-i-inquire sa’min na gusto nila couple. Maybe in the future, we’ll build a pod na for couples. Mas bigger,” she said. 

The capsule hotel is also planning to expand to different tourist destinations in the country. 

Where will it be? That’s the update we have to wait for.