[Review] CapsuleTransit Max, Malaysian airport hotel at KLIA2

Claudia Khaw

October 30, 2024

Long layovers, delays, or God forbid, missed flights. These are things that are unfortunately part and parcel of the flying experience.

While you could opt to loaf around in the public waiting areas (I know I’ve done that a multitude of times), there’s also an option to check into an airport hotel and lounge in a slightly comfier environment.

In the case of CapsuleTransit MAX, though, I’d say it’s a more than just “slightly comfier”. At least, they seem to promise that, with the claim of it being “for travellers seeking a blend of luxury and comfort”.

Although the Vulcan Post team had no intention of actually travelling anywhere, we got the opportunity to spend a day at CapsuleTransit MAX recently. So, we found ourselves packing our overnight bags and making our way down to KLIA2.

Here’s how our 24 hours in the airport hotel and lounge went.

Running away into the runway suite

Navigating to CapsuleTransit MAX was an easy task, at least for those who have just entered KLIA2. Just head into the terminal, go to level 2M, and you’ll be there. We imagine the process for those who just got off a plane to be a little trickier.

For context, CapsuleTransit has a few locations—one in KLIA1 and three in KLIA2. MAX is the more luxurious option out of the lot, and it’s touted as “Malaysia’s only luxury airport transit hotel”.

Walking into its premises, the dim, warm-toned lights gave off a moody and almost futuristic vibe, but we were welcomed by good old-fashioned hospitality with a dragon fruit-centric smoothie and a plate of fruits.

Led by a staff member, we journeyed through blue-lit hallways until we reached our home for the night—the Runway Suite, the only one of its kind. That’s right, this room promises views of the airport runway.

Although there’s only one King bed, the room supposedly fits up to four adults, thanks to the sofa bed. Blue built-in strip lights give the room an edgy touch that fits the MAX branding as well. In particular, it makes the open-door wardrobe look uniquely iridescent.

Upon entering, we encountered a bar island that housed a mini fridge underneath with complimentary soft drinks. Behind that is the sofa, providing a perfect seating area to look out the window (which, by the way, has motorised sheer and blackout curtains).

Sadly, the runway we were looking out into didn’t actually get much action. There were a number of planes slowly taxi-ing in and out of the zone, but from our room, we couldn’t easily see any take-offs or landings, even in the distance.

Still, it’s not a view you get every day. Plus, that meant that our room was rather quiet despite being in an airport.

What impressed us the most, though, was the spacious bathroom. With a dark, monochromatic aesthetic, it certainly felt very luxe.

For one, the tub is rather huge, and the complimentary bath salts made it extra tempting. The dual sinks were a nice touch as well. The body and hair care products offered, which sported CapsuleTransit’s own branding, were of a pretty good quality.

The shower area was very spacious
We unexpectedly found cute personal touches on the shampoo bottles too

The only thing that we had to complain about the bathroom was the lack of a trash can and a box of tissues. Having to shuttle between the bathroom and the bar area during our skincare regimen was pretty disruptive.

The hotel usually offers three-hour, six-hour, or 12-hour stays, but we were graciously given the experience of staying in the space for a full 24 hours. So, before relaxing in the room, we ventured out to explore more of what the hotel had to offer.

A suite of amenities and facilities

One of the key offerings here is the gym. Although the equipment in the gym was rather minimal, it certainly covered quite a few bases.

Other than some strength training equipment, there was a non-motorised treadmill and stationary bike, the latter of which had… a fan that operated when you started cycling? I’m not a gymgoer, but the equipment looked rather cool.

There were two yoga mats on the floor with relevant equipment like arm weights and an ab wheel. We spotted some Livlola bands here, which was a neat addition.

Out at the lounge, there are communal shower amenities, perfect for travellers who are only dropping in for the lounge services.

After washing up, you can also dine at the lounge. The menu is rather limited, but there’s options for both Western dishes as well as local delights. We tried the pizza melt as well as the MAX burger, both of which we quite enjoyed.

There’s also a 24-hour buffet available, which simple offerings like toast, snacks like samosas and brownies, cereal, yoghurt, salads, and coffee.

But arguably, one of the most unique F&B offerings there fell under the “B”. Working with local brands Tap Tap and PaperKite, CapsuleTransit MAX has an assortment of alcoholic offerings. Thanks to their generosity, we got to try some cocktails on tap from Tap Tap as well as the award-winning beer from PaperKite.

On that note, something we loved about MAX was the array of homegrown brands they feature. There were socks from Typical Us, notebooks from ana tomy, merch from APOM, and other cute localised offerings.

For business travellers, there are also three meeting rooms, two of which can be combined to make quite a spacious conference room. As for leisure guests, there’s a theatre room as well. But it only seats three, so if you’re looking to utilise it, be sure to call dibs.

The meeting room
The theatre

Of course, if you want to stretch your legs and explore a bit, the surrounding airport terminal actually has a fair amount to offer, too. There’s the neighbouring Thai Odyssey massage parlour, as well as the Molly Fantasy arcade centre just across the way.

The shower area in the lounge
The bathroom in the lounge

There’s a bunch of F&B spots too, from bakeries and cafes to local restaurants like Oriental Kopi and Thong Bowl. You can also shop a variety of local brands or even hit up a grocery store.

So, is it worth it?

To be honest, it comes down to whether or not you’re someone who wants to thug it out before you get to your final travel destination, or if you’re someone who likes to indulge in the finer things in life.

Personally, I’m the former—I’ve once spent upward of 20 hours in the public waiting areas of an airport before due to flight complications.

But while the Runway Suite might be a little much for me, I think that CapsuleTransit MAX’s lounge facilities and some of their more inexpensive rooms can be pretty worth it.

For those looking for a more budget stay, you have the options of CapsuleTransit’s other locations. The rooms at its KLIA2 Landside location start at around RM160+ for solo travellers.

I don’t have much experience with airport hotels, but I would say CapsuleTransit MAX offered the basics of what a good hotel typically would, but with slightly fewer frills.

CapsuleTransit MAX is definitely a novelty that makes for a memorable experience. So, if you have the means, it’s a fun, comfortable stay while you wait for your flight.