Guesthouse CamCam Okinawa - Hostel

It felt unsafe, dirty, and uncomfortable, like the kind of hostel your mother warns you about. The neighborhood didn’t feel safe or desirable, and the shared areas were filthy. Some of the three-person-high bunks were falling apart, and the only blanket was a threadbare towel. The bunks offered no real privacy: the curtains were see-through, and holes in the sides let people peer in. Guests were loud late into the night. I felt very unsafe staying here. Avoid it at all costs.

If you’re traveling on an extreme budget, this place comes highly recommended. Staying in a rabbit hutch was a first for me, especially after coming from a five star resort on an outer island. The communal showers, bathroom, laundry, and recreation rooms were familiar enough, but the sleeping setup was new to me. It’s in Naha, Okinawa’s capital, and costs less than three beers at most places on the island. That’s extremely inexpensive.

I stayed for a week, and booking through Jalan was the cheapest option. I like this guesthouse, and it suits people trying to save money who don’t mind chatter, snoring, or teeth grinding. A lot of the people staying there enjoy drinking and talking. If you want solitude and a quiet space, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The location was great. It’s an easy monorail ride from Naha airport, almost right to the property, with convenience stores like Lawson nearby. Another guest said the closest beach is about a 15/20-minute walk away. It was a unique stay, and I can see why this kind of guesthouse makes sense in dense Naha, but if I stayed in the city again, I’d choose somewhere else. I’d bring earplugs ahead of time. The bed is like a little cubby, almost military-style, but I found it kind of cozy and didn’t mind the small size. Nights were tough, though, with lots of people in one room, snoring, and the bathroom door slamming all night. I’m a light sleeper, and earplugs I found at Daiso the next day helped a lot. At the entrance you’re expected to take off your shoes, which is standard. I came with one pair of sneakers, and they disappeared before bedtime on my first night. I had flip flops too, but I probably should’ve kept the sneakers in my bag or by my bed. It was annoying, though I don’t blame the hostel. A lot of the problems I had were out of the property’s hands, but I wanted to be honest for other travelers.