Toronto just opened a new hotel where you literally sleep in the wall

Toronto has just added a unique hotel to its roster of short-term lodges: the Pod-Inn Hotel, designed specifically for solo travellers and students on a budget.

But this is not your typical hotel experience. Each Pod-Inn Hotel room comes with a bed, a smart television, power outlets, and comfortable lighting — that's it. Before you assume this is a bare-bones stay with only the essentials to get you through the night, think again. The concept is carefully curated to serve a specific purpose.

"Pod-Inn is designed around smart, efficient comfort. Each pod is thoughtfully built to give guests privacy within a shared environment," Walid Elsayed, owner and hotel manager, tells blogTO. "Our focus is on simplicity, functionality, cleanliness, and a calm atmosphere rather than unnecessary extras." 

Picture a long hallway lined with built-in bunk beds, each enclosed by sliding doors for added privacy.

While the small pods are only large enough to accommodate one guest, the Pod-Inn does offer alternatives for those travelling in pairs. Guests can choose a Large Pod for two, a Single Pod Room for one, or a Double Pod Room, which comfortably fits two.

Now, the most important question: where does one use the bathroom?

Elsayed explains that "we offer very clean, well-maintained shared washrooms and showers." While shared facilities may not be everyone's cup of tea — mine included — he guarantees that cleanliness is a top priority for the Pod-Inn staff.

The hotel's unique layout certainly turns heads, and that's exactly what Elsayed enjoys most about it.

"My favourite part is meeting guests from all over the world and seeing their reactions when they realize how comfortable and thoughtfully designed the space is. Many guests arrive curious or unsure about pod hotels, and it's very rewarding to hear them say they were pleasantly surprised," he says.

Beyond the pods, guests can enjoy the study room, complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast, and relax in shared common areas designed for socializing and unwinding.

With the Pod-Inn Hotel standing out as a novel experience in Toronto and meeting the growing demand for more budget-friendly lodging, would Elsayed consider expanding the concept?

"We're always open to growing thoughtfully," he confirms. "Toronto is a city with diverse travellers and evolving accommodation needs, so we're exploring ways to improve and possibly expand while staying true to our core concept [of] affordable, clean, and well-designed shared accommodation."

Any growth, however, won't come at the expense of the hotel's defining elements, as Elsayed is committed to preserving the inn's signature style. For now, all he asks is that guests "come with an open mind and embrace the experience." 

A single night at the Pod-Inn Hotel starts at $49, and bookings can be made directly through the hotel's official website.

The Pod-Inn Hotel is located at 237 Simcoe St.