Cogo Ryogoku Hotel

I liked how easy it was to work here, even overnight, and it was close to everything I needed. The counter staff were incredibly welcoming and accommodating. I stayed in the women’s dorm, which felt cramped when I first walked in. Unlike the one in Tennoji, this room had no luggage area, so bags on the floor cut into the walking space. Lockers are small, enough for a laptop, passport, and other little things. Many popular sights are about an hour away, but that didn’t bother me.

The location works really well, with lots of restaurants about a five-minute walk from the train station, and the staff are very helpful. We’ve stayed here two years running and would recommend it. It used to be a hostel and now feels like a hostel and hotel combined. Our room for four had been a six-person hostel room, so there was plenty of space, plus our own bathroom and toilet.

There was no sign of meaningful security. People could walk in and sleep in beds that weren’t theirs, and I even saw a couple sharing one bed. My $6,000 camera was stolen straight from my room. The reception staff were no help and seemed unwilling to assist. When I asked whether the manager was coming, the receptionist ignored me. I had to ask five times before getting an answer, and the manager never came. They wouldn’t show security footage or give me the names of the people staying in the room, even after I said I could identify the thief. It felt like they were protecting whoever took my property. There’s no control, accountability, or concern for guests’ safety and belongings here. Stay at your own risk.

Our family of four found the room clean and the bed comfortable, and we had a good stay overall. It’s just a few minutes from Ryogoku station. I suggest using the A4 exit, which has an elevator. There’s also a convenience store and a grocery store close by. The toilet being out of order was disappointing: the bidet and toilet bowl buttons didn’t work, so we just used toilet paper. Still, the location was great, and we’d definitely return to Cogo Ryogoku.