Hotel & Hostel On The Marks Tokyo Kawasaki

I actually preferred this capsule hotel to a regular hotel, and not just because of the price. Everything was very clean, except for a little dust under the mattress, which I could manage even with my dust-allergic eczema. There’s a nice manga lounge, and best of all, chocolate milk in the vending machine. Sublime experience.

This hostel and hotel setup was surprisingly good for the price. You can choose a dormitory-style bed or a room. The toilets and showers are on the same floor, but they’re clean and tidy. I’d recommend it even to travelers who aren’t on a very tight budget.

I booked a private room, but the bedding really stank. Since the windows can’t be opened, I didn’t sleep well. The place needs better ventilation and hygiene. I also found a long hair in the fridge and one on the base of the toilet.

I stayed in the dormitory-style accommodation at the end of the year. The official website advertises a “lowest price guarantee,” but booking through Expedia or Agoda was actually cheaper: the site showed prices in the ¥5,000 range, while booking platforms had the same stay for around ¥3,000. There isn’t a dedicated dorm room, either. The beds are placed along the hotel corridors, so it’s noisier than a typical dorm, with constant foot traffic and other sounds around. There’s a shower room, but towels aren’t included and cost extra to rent.