Hashtag.Capsule.Hostel
This capsule hostel is a reasonable option for budget-conscious solo travellers seeking a clean and private sleeping arrangement in Mount Austin, provided they are prepared for potentially challenging interactions with staff.
Hashtag.Capsule.Hostel in Johor Bahru offers an enclosed capsule experience, providing a clean and secure stay for solo travellers. Guests sleep in individual pods, accessible by key card, ensuring a good level of privacy. The property is praised for its cleanliness, from the capsules themselves to the shared bathrooms, which are generally well-maintained and include basic toiletries. Located in the heart of Mount Austin, it offers convenient access to numerous dining options, though it is a distance from the city centre, requiring taxi services for broader exploration. While the common areas are suitable for relaxing, the hostel is not geared towards social interaction. Staff service is a notable point of concern, with several guests reporting rude interactions with the male owner, despite others finding the female owner more friendly and helpful.
Eleven dimensions of capsule life, read from 174 reviews.
Noise & sleep
Noise isolation is generally acceptable, with some guests finding the rooms quiet, though capsules are not soundproof and earplugs are provided. Some lower beds can be creaky.
“The room was quiet and the bathrooms good.”
“While the capsules aren’t soundproof, complimentary earplugs help mitigate this issue. Families with young children and guests with mobility challenges may find the design less suitable due to the need for silence and climbing into upper capsules.”
“The lower capsule bed that we occupied was extremely creaky and made a lot of noise whenever we shifted the slightest.”
Pod comfort
Reviews are mixed regarding pod comfort, with some finding them spacious and well air-conditioned, while others report stuffiness and inadequate ventilation or cooling.
“Capsule was great, very spacious and was well air conditioned.”
“The capsule hostel offers a well-thought-out and enjoyable stay, featuring excellent amenities, a unique climate control system, and top-notch cleanliness. The friendly staff provide a warm welcome and a thorough orientation.”
“A little stuffy staying in the cubicle. Perhaps air ventilation can be improved. The toilet is too dark.”
Privacy
Privacy and security are strong points, with key card access to individual capsules and lockers, making guests feel safe and secure.
“Security was also top-notch, with a single access card providing secure access to the main entrance, my labelled locker, and my labelled capsule. It was convenient and reassuring to have everything linked to one card.”
“The capsule beds are locked and can only be accessed by tapping your personal key card so it's very private and safe.”
“The door to the bed can only be unlocked by the card key, so you'll feel safer than other capsule hotels.”
Cleanliness
The property is consistently praised for its cleanliness, including capsules, bed sheets, and common areas. Towels and linens are provided and changed for each guest.
“Clean. Easy to navigate the facilities. In heart of Mt Austin.”
“The bed sheets and capsule itself was clean too.”
“The place was very clean and tidy. The room was quiet and the bathrooms good.”
Shared bathrooms
Shared bathrooms are generally clean and well-equipped with basic amenities like shampoo, and some reviewers appreciate the thoughtful design. However, a few guests noted that toilet amenities could be cleaner.
“Toilet amenities can be cleaner”
“The bathroom and toilet kinda em”
“Bathroom/shower weren’t bad either.”
Luggage storage
Luggage must be stored in lockers outside the capsule, which some guests find inconvenient. There are lockers available, accessible by key card, but the locker area lighting can be dim. Staff are strict about not bringing luggage into the sleeping area.
“You have to leave your luggage outside of the capsule and in the lobby/open area.”
“Security was also top-notch, with a single access card providing secure access to the main entrance, my labelled locker, and my labelled capsule. It was convenient and reassuring to have everything linked to one card.”
“The capsule bed had cool lighting and enough space to put your belongings should you not wish to place them in the lockers outside.”
Staff & check-in
Staff service is a significant point of contention. While some guests found the owners helpful and accommodating, many described the male owner as rude, unhappy, and having poor hygiene practices. The female owner is generally seen as more friendly.
“The owners are very sweet and accommodating, taking the time to guide those new to capsules.”
“The staff were a couple of auntie and uncle. They had their work ethic, can be a little straight forward and rude, but they really keep place clean and keep the security tight.”
“A couple own the hostel and the guy who checked me in was never really happy, never saw a smile on his face. When he checked me in he was showing me the facilities and when he showed me my capsule he like sat in it and showing me the light/ac feature.. Could he have not shown me from outside? Poor hygiene to say the least. On both mornings I was there I found him snoring on the lounger! The woman was more friendly at least. Staying there felt like you were kind of always being watched and you didn’t want to do anything to upset the owners 😶”
Location & access
The hostel boasts a strategic location in the heart of Mount Austin, with many restaurants and food options nearby. However, it is noted to be a bit far from the city center, making public transportation less convenient and requiring Grab taxis.
“In heart of Mt Austin.”
“Location”
“Location was good as there's alot of food nearby.”
Wifi & working
Wifi is not available inside capsules, only at the counter. While there are computers for use, the network could be better. Charging ports in capsules are limited to USB-A, which can be inconvenient for USB-C devices, and some charging cables were reported as non-functional.
“Wifi not given in capsule. At counter.”
“The bed doesn't have any electrical sockets, only 2 USB A ports. I couldn't charge my phone by the bed because I only had USB C to USB C cables. I charged my devices at the common area due to this.”
“Computers to use and drink machine”
Atmosphere
The hostel is described as quiet and relaxing, with good common areas for chilling and complimentary hot drinks. However, it is not considered a social hostel, with some guests noting a lack of other occupants.
“Not the accommodations fault but there was hardly anyone else staying there so it felt a bit strange. Definitely not a social hostel.”
“The share space was great too, not that the area was really touristy as it was a place to stay for a night maybe before heading off to Singapore you’d think.”
“With efficient check-in/out processes and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, this hostel is highly recommended for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and an innovative experience.”
Value for money
Guests generally consider Hashtag.Capsule.Hostel to offer good value for money, especially for short and affordable stays.
“Worth for money, good customer experiences.”
“Overall an extremely affordable and pleasant stay.”
“Good value for a short stay.”
The honest drawbacks, from guests.
- rude staff
- inconsistent pod ventilation
- no in-capsule wifi
- USB-A only charging ports
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