Gran Custama Ueno
A good option for budget-conscious solo travellers seeking a well-located capsule hotel with appealing communal spaces, provided they are prepared for the inherent compromises of capsule living and limited luggage space.
Gran Custama Ueno offers a practical capsule experience in the bustling Ueno district of Tokyo. Guests sleep in open bunk-style pods, which some found to be on the stiffer side with limited ventilation. The property provides a dedicated female section, though shower availability can be limited, leading to queues. A standout feature is the inviting common area, complete with a manga library and complimentary curry and rice, fostering a relaxed atmosphere. Its prime location near Ueno Station and local attractions makes it an excellent base for exploring the city, particularly for solo travellers on a budget. While luggage storage within the capsule area is restricted, external paid options are nearby.
♀ Reviews mention a 'separate floor for women' and a 'female section' with specific shower availability.
Stations & airport.
Distances measured from the hotel. Walking times assume a gentle pace with a backpack.
- Exit 3177 m2 min walk
- Station214 m3 min walk
- 仲御徒町駅 上野御徒町駅239 m3 min walk
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 1,263 reviews.
Noise & sleep
Noise from other guests, such as hair drying late at night, was mentioned. However, one review described the property as quiet, suggesting general noise levels are acceptable for a capsule hotel.
“Girls drying their hair at 03h00 in the morning. Otherwise wonderful”
“I personally didn’t sleep very well but that could be because I’m not used to sleeping in a capsule.”
“Clean and quiet.”
Pod comfort
Guests found the capsule beds stiff and hard, with ventilation issues and stuffiness due to lack of air conditioning inside the pods. Some felt the capsules were dated.
“The capsule doesn’t have aircon so it’s stuffy.”
“The beds in the capsule area felt a little stiff and hard to sleep on and ventilation with the curtain drawn was also an issue. At some points, it felt more comfortable to fall asleep in the relaxation room than sleep in the capsule.”
“Capsule bunk beds are getting dated. Television and huge panels need to go.”
Privacy
Lockers are conveniently located on the same level as the capsules, contributing to a sense of security and privacy.
“The lockers are on the same level as your capsule/room which is good.”
“I stayed in the capsule hostel, luggage storage with lick is provided, and the capsule is comfortable.”
Cleanliness
Overall cleanliness is generally praised, with common areas and the onsen noted as clean. However, some guests observed mould in shower cubicles and suggested more frequent toilet cleaning during high occupancy.
“The cleaning frequency for the toilet bowl need to increase if there are 50% or more occupancy.”
“always clean”
“The place was very clean and offered free onsen.”
Shared bathrooms
The property offers an onsen, which is a positive, but its usage is split between male and female guests by timing. There are reports of limited showers on the female floor leading to long queues, and some mould in shower cubicles.
“Only 2 showers available on the female section”
“Only one shower room on the women’s floor, very long queues. The shower cubicles were a bit mouldy.”
“The onsen is split timing between female and male, need to check the timings and day.”
Luggage storage
Luggage storage is a significant drawback, especially for those with large suitcases, which must be stored near the lobby. Guests cannot keep big luggage in their capsule area and there is no storage service before check-in or after check-out.
“Not convenient if you have big luggage.”
“No storage”
“Can not keep luggage in the room, always have to ask the front disk to reach your own luggage. Onzon is under maintenance so limit time of use.”
Staff & check-in
Staff service is mixed; some guests found staff helpful and accommodating, even using Google Translate. However, others reported unhelpful or rude staff, lack of response to online queries, and issues with communication regarding amenities.
“The guy who checked me in asked if i prefered upper or lower bunk. I really appreciated that. Most staff would try to assist me with the help of google translate.”
“encountered 1 staff who just told me, "I only do Japanese" like we were in 1945. Then they didn't tell me where to get the room wear and towels. I ended up using my own towels and slept in my night clothes”
“Online queries were never answered. I asked for extra pillow and no response. But they did give me a lower bunk. Staff should smile more especially to foreign tourists”
Location & access
The location is consistently highlighted as excellent, being strategic, convenient, and in the heart of Ueno, very close to train stations and attractions like Ueno Ameyoko street.
“Good location and value for money”
“location,accessibility and convenience ..ideal for solo travellers..”
“Location is very strategic, right in the heart of Ueno and very near train stations.”
Wifi & working
The property offers a common area with a manga library and private booths suitable for working, indicating good facilities for digital nomads or those needing to work.
“Nice common area with mangas even though only in Japanese.”
“There's some private booths even for you to work”
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is enhanced by excellent and cozy common/relaxation areas, featuring a large manga library and complimentary curry and rice, fostering a comfortable and social environment.
“Nice common area with mangas even though only in Japanese.”
“Clean with a great common with a whole Manga Library”
“The relaxation area was excellent, the curry was tasty (and free) and a large selection of reading materials.”
Value for money
Guests consistently praise the property for its excellent value for money, citing affordability, convenient location, and complimentary amenities like curry rice and sauna access.
“Good location and value for money”
“Super value for money”
“Very affordable and convenient location. The complimentary curry rice was delicious.”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- stuffy pods without aircon
- stiff mattresses
- limited luggage space in capsule area
- queues for showers on female floor
- inconsistent staff service
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