HOTEL CARNA A
This property is suitable for budget-conscious travellers seeking a central location and a traditional onsen experience, provided they are aware of the daily check-out requirement and public bathing arrangements.
Hotel Carna A offers a budget-friendly capsule experience in the heart of Kumamoto, boasting a central location close to the castle and shopping areas. Guests sleep in open bunk-style capsules, some equipped with built-in TVs, though privacy curtains are noted to be somewhat thin. The hotel features a traditional Japanese onsen and sauna, which are popular amenities, but it's important to note the absence of individual showers and a strict no-tattoo policy for the public bath. A distinctive aspect is the mandatory daily check-out between 10 AM and 3 PM, requiring guests to vacate their capsules and store belongings in lockers, which can be inconveniently located on different floors. Despite these operational quirks and some issues with noise isolation, the property is generally praised for its cleanliness and value.
Stations & airport.
Distances measured from the hotel. Walking times assume a gentle pace with a backpack.
- Fujisakigu-mae975 m12 min walk
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 1,826 reviews.
Noise & sleep
Noise isolation is a significant issue, with guests reporting poor sound insulation leading to disturbances from neighbours' TVs and smoke smell drifting from a nearby smoking area.
“At 4 am my bed neighbors turn on his TV and the noise keeps me awake all night long , bad sound isolation inside the capsule beds”
“Smoking area right next to the cabins, so smell of smoke drifted through”
Pod comfort
Pod comfort receives mixed reviews, with some finding the beds hard or uncomfortable, while others praise the wide personal space and comfort of the well-equipped capsules.
“bed felt a bit hard”
“Wide personal space, clean facility.”
“The capsules are well equipped, comfy and well maintained.”
Privacy
Privacy is somewhat compromised by old, see-through curtains and lockers being on a different floor from the capsules. However, individual safes are provided for valuables.
“The privacy curtains were old and kind of see through.”
“There were free amenities, towels and pajamas. There is a safe to keep valuables safe.”
“Locker and cabin different floor”
Cleanliness
The property is generally considered clean, with guests frequently praising the cleanliness of the facilities and the provision of new towels daily, though one instance of a stained towel was noted.
“Clean, well located, the onsen is super nice”
“A really great capsule hotel. Clean and safe”
“There were black stains on the orange towel.”
Shared bathrooms
The property features an onsen and sauna, which are popular with guests. However, the lack of individual showers and the tattoo policy for the public bath are significant drawbacks for some, leading to privacy concerns and hygiene challenges for tattooed guests.
“free onsen in the city centre.”
“The onsen”
“There are no showers for people with tattoos. I lived in Japan for 1 year prior to visiting this hostel, having stayed in dozens of different hostels and hotels along the way, and this is the first and only time during my stay that I was unable to have a shower. (It's really not common for places to have *no* individual showers these days in Japan). There are only public baths available at this hotel as showers, and entrance is forbidden for those with tattoos. (This last point is fairly standard).”
Luggage storage
While there is space to open luggage, the daily check-out policy requires guests to store all belongings in lockers, which are sometimes on a different floor from the capsules, causing inconvenience.
“There have space to open you luggage (only one side) but it's enough for me.”
“Locker and cabin different floor”
“Please note that you need to check-out every day before 10AM and check-in again after 3PM, meaning put all your stuff in your locker and leave an empty capsule for cleaning purposes.”
Staff & check-in
Staff are generally described as friendly and helpful, with a 24/7 reception. While some staff may have limited English, it is not reported as a major issue. However, the strict daily check-out policy is enforced by staff.
“The staff doesn’t allow you to stay at the hotel after 10 a.m even if you stay several days”
“Other than that, people were friendly and helpful during my stay and the bed was soft.”
“i found staff, understand english little bit but it isn't a big problem”
Location & access
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in Kumamoto, situated in an active shopping arcade, close to Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto Square, and various food establishments. It is described as convenient and easily accessible to city sights.
“free onsen in the city centre.”
“Clean, well located, the onsen is super nice”
“Located in a convenient and crowded area.”
Atmosphere
The hotel has a retro, somewhat dated feel, which some guests find charming. There's an old karaoke machine booth, suggesting a potentially social, if old-fashioned, atmosphere.
“Nice retro capsule with free onsen.”
“The overall capsule hotel has a dated feel, like it was established in the 80s or 90s, but I found it quite charming. There was even an old karaoke machine booth on the fourth floor.”
Value for money
Guests consistently highlight the excellent value for money, especially considering the central location and amenities like the onsen. It is seen as a great budget option.
“A great place to stay in budget”
“Fantastic value for money matched by comfort and accessibility.”
“Great value, excellent location”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- poor noise isolation
- mandatory daily check-out
- no individual showers, only public bath
- tattoo restrictions for onsen access
- lockers on different floors from capsules
Hiroshima no Oyado
This capsule hotel is a practical choice for short stays and transit due to its excellent location and good value, provided guests are prepared for potential noise and comfort issues within the pods.
Atsugi Capsule Hotel
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新宿ニッカホテル
A functional, no-frills option for budget-conscious travellers prioritising an unbeatable Shinjuku location, but be prepared for a basic capsule experience with potential comfort and service limitations.