Starway Capsules
This property is a very basic option primarily for those prioritising a central location above all else, and who are prepared to overlook significant issues with cleanliness and facilities.
Starway Capsules offers basic enclosed capsule accommodation in a highly convenient Hong Kong location, close to MTR stations, restaurants, and shops. While the capsules aim to provide privacy, guests frequently report issues with power supply and inadequate ventilation, often necessitating open doors or windows, which can compromise personal space and introduce street noise. The shared bathrooms are a significant concern, with recurring complaints about cleanliness, lack of hot water, and insufficient numbers for the guest capacity. Staff presence and responsiveness are also noted as inconsistent, leading to difficulties with check-in and general assistance. Despite its prime location, the property struggles with fundamental maintenance and hygiene standards.
Stations & airport.
Distances measured from the hotel. Walking times assume a gentle pace with a backpack.
- Sino Plaza145 m2 min walk
- SOGO152 m2 min walk
- SOGO165 m2 min walk
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 101 reviews.
Noise & sleep
Noise from other guests and external street noise are common complaints, exacerbated by poor air quality requiring open windows.
“Trash by the bed and the loud people coming in.”
“The room air quality is so bad because there are multiple restaurants nearby that their extraction system and the smells get into the rooms, so we had to leave the window open all the time which for a big city isn't ideal due to the 24/7 noises from cars and people outside.”
“It was loud.”
Pod comfort
Guests frequently report issues with power in capsules, insufficient ventilation, and poor airflow, leading to discomfort, especially in Hong Kong's hot climate.
“I had no power in my capsule.”
“There is no air conditioning inside the capsule, the ventilation was insufficient even at the highest setting. During hot summers in Hong Kong, you might want to consider leaving the door open while sleeping, although this may compromise your privacy.”
“Poor airflow with capsule door closed, little confusing finding the place at first.”
Privacy
While some guests appreciate the privacy offered by the capsules and secure lockers, the need to leave capsule doors or windows open for ventilation can compromise this.
“There is no air conditioning inside the capsule, the ventilation was insufficient even at the highest setting. During hot summers in Hong Kong, you might want to consider leaving the door open while sleeping, although this may compromise your privacy.”
“This hotel offers a great location, good value, and privacy.”
“The capsules give enough privacy as you're sharing a room with other guests and also a secure locker where to put your belongings.”
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a major and recurring issue, with numerous complaints about dirty rooms, bathrooms, unpleasant smells, and unwashed bedding.
“The room stank of BO as well.”
“The toilet was dirty and clogged.”
“It was very dirty. The showers were very cold. Little smelly.”
Shared bathrooms
The shared bathrooms are a significant drawback, consistently described as dirty, lacking hot water, and insufficient in number for the guest capacity, leading to long waits and unsanitary conditions.
“The showers didn't have hot water or a shower head.”
“Only two shared bathroom in a room, it can become quite busy during peak hours, so be prepared for potential wait times. Hot water may be limited; it's best to keep your showers around 10 minutes. In colder weather, aim for under 5 minutes. I had to rinse my shampoo with cold water, which was quite uncomfortable.”
“There are 2 bathrooms for 24 people. If someone showers, you cant use the toilet. The place was filthy and unsanitary. Garbage overflowing. Used feminine products just piled up. Toilets would not flush- full of waste. Gross!!”
Luggage storage
Guests appreciate the availability of free storage and secure lockers within the rooms, though some note issues with locker keys not being provided.
“free storage.”
“The capsules give enough privacy as you're sharing a room with other guests and also a secure locker where to put your belongings.”
“The rooms have small lockers but keys were not provided.”
Staff & check-in
Staff availability and responsiveness are major issues, with many guests reporting difficulty finding or contacting reception, leading to problems with check-in, assistance, and general service.
“Receptionists are not always available.and most if the time, they can reach in case of emergency. So make sure you have everything and everything works before you leave our room. Otherwise, you will be locked out, and you need to wait until 2 to able to resume to your place.”
“I didn't meet a single person or got any response from them. I kind of just went in, found a bed, woke up and left. Then went back for a receipt during day, still no reception.”
“Staff seem lazy and don’t feel warm and welcoming”
Location & access
The property's location is consistently praised as excellent, being close to MTR stations, restaurants, and shopping areas, making it convenient for exploring Hong Kong.
“Location is good”
“The location is great. Near MTR station, lot of restaurant and shopping places.”
“Very close to the metro station”
Wifi & working
The WiFi is reported as good, and there are sockets outside the capsules for charging devices, with a small balcony available for laptop use or eating.
“The WiFi was good.”
“There are sockets outside the capsules to charge your devices and there is a small balcony where you can sit outside and use your laptop or eat your meal.”
Atmosphere
The small lobby offers a space for social interaction, but the common areas, including the balcony, are often described as messy and in need of cleaning. Staff noise can also disrupt the atmosphere.
“The small loby is nice to talk to people.”
“The common area outside/balcony was a bit messy with instruments and lots of things here and there, proper cleaning required.”
“The staff was noisy in the room in the evenings doing makeover of the room.”
Value for money
While some guests initially find the price cheap, many feel the value for money is poor, especially given recent price increases and the numerous issues with cleanliness and facilities.
“You get what you pay for”
“The location is good, but the price increased for 60% which is not justified”
“It's expensive for what you get, which is very little.”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- persistent cleanliness issues
- unreliable hot water and flushing toilets
- absent or unhelpful staff
- poor ventilation in pods
- street noise
SLEEEP Soho
This property is best suited for solo travellers on a budget who prioritise a central location and don't mind navigating challenging access and external luggage storage solutions. It's a functional choice for short stays where you're mostly out exploring.
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The Nap Mong Kok
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