MATSUMOTO CASTLE hostel
This hostel is a suitable option for budget-conscious travellers seeking a central location for short stays, provided they are prepared for a self-service experience and potential comfort compromises within the pods.
MATSUMOTO CASTLE hostel offers a budget-friendly stay in a prime location, nestled conveniently between Matsumoto Castle and the main train station. The hostel features enclosed sleeping pods within dormitories, though guests frequently note issues with ventilation, leading to warm conditions, and report that mattresses and pillows can be uncomfortable. While the common areas are praised for their cleanliness and social atmosphere, the property operates with minimal on-site staff, relying on self check-in and remote communication. This can lead to a lack of immediate assistance and occasional issues with guest behaviour. Shared bathrooms are generally clean and adequate, and there is good provision for luggage storage. The Wi-Fi can be unreliable within the dorms.
♀ One review explicitly states 'i wish they have female only room', indicating no such option is available.
Stations & airport.
Distances measured from the hotel. Walking times assume a gentle pace with a backpack.
- Matsumoto425 m5 min walk
- Nishi-Matsumoto755 m9 min walk
- Kita-Matsumoto900 m11 min walk
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 204 reviews.
Noise & sleep
Noise from the dormitory door and hallway activities, such as hair dryers, is a recurring issue, impacting sleep even with earplugs. The high density of capsules in windowless rooms also contributes to a feeling of stuffiness.
“the door of the dormitory is really noisy (even with ear plugs every time someone enter or leave the room you will ear it)”
“The room was a bit suffocating because it doesn't have a window and contains a lot of capsules”
“The dryers were in the hallway, just in front of the bedrooms and people dried their hair at impossible times causing quite some noise in the bedrooms.”
Pod comfort
Guests frequently report that the pods lack ventilation and can get hot. Mattresses and pillows are often described as uncomfortable or too thin.
“Pods get hot during the night because of the absence of ventilation and thick curtains. Beds are really sturdy and not so confortable.”
“The pillow was very small and not really comfortable.”
“The mattress is also not very comfortable.”
Privacy
One review positively notes that privacy and security were well-considered, but there is limited other specific feedback on this dimension.
“Thoughtfully laid out with privacy and security well considered.”
Cleanliness
The hostel is consistently praised for its cleanliness across pods, common areas, and facilities.
“very clean, overall very fine hostel.”
“super clean, great amenities!”
“It was quite clean.”
Shared bathrooms
Shared bathrooms and showers are generally considered adequate and clean, though one guest noted leaking faucets.
“The bathrooms and showers were all okay as well.”
“Facilities are clean and the number of toilets and showers are adequate.”
“Faucets leaks...(imagine the daily waste of clean water)”
Luggage storage
The hostel provides good space for luggage storage, including within the dorms, and offers luggage storage before check-in.
“a lot of space for luggage etc.”
“I lived having a good space in the middle of the dorm to properly store and open my luggage.”
“A bit annoying that you can't use any common areas before check in, except for luggage storage.”
Staff & check-in
The hostel operates with minimal on-site staff, often relying on self check-in and WhatsApp for communication. This lack of physical presence leads to issues with guest behaviour and a perceived absence of direct support.
“without staff around people are not behaving well : (got food stolen for the first time in 5 month of travel...)”
“There wasn't a receptionist or other live person to show people around the hostel. Communication with staff was only via WhatsApp.”
“I didn’t see any member of the staff during my stay”
Location & access
The hostel boasts an excellent central location, conveniently situated between Matsumoto Castle and the train/bus station, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
“Good location”
“Excellent location between the train station and the castle”
“The location is close to the castle and train and bus station.”
Wifi & working
While there is a shared area where people work, the Wi-Fi signal in the dorm rooms is reported to be weak or non-existent.
“The WiFi was very weak or non-existent in the dorm room.”
“people working and having calls in the shared area.”
Atmosphere
The hostel offers pleasant common areas and a kitchen/dining space that are conducive to meeting other travellers and socializing.
“Really nice common areas”
“the common room is very pleasant and good for socializing”
“The kitchen/dining area was a pleasant place to meet fellow travelers.”
Value for money
Guests consistently rate the hostel as offering great value for money, especially considering its prime location.
“Overall very fine hostel for the money”
“Great value and location.”
“EXCELLENT price”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- poor pod ventilation
- uncomfortable beds/pillows
- lack of on-site staff
- noise from dorm doors and common areas
- weak in-room Wi-Fi
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
This capsule hotel is a practical choice for budget-conscious travellers prioritising location and good bathing facilities, provided they can overlook potential issues with air quality in the sleeping areas.
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.