Hotel Plus Hostel TOKYO AKIHABARA

This is usually my favourite place to stay in Tokyo. It's affordable if you're out most of the day, quiet, clean, and has the basics covered. Most of the staff have been kind and helpful, too. I ended up leaving early after an upsetting interaction with one staff member, though, which is why I'm giving four stars. I had booked a week in two reservations, then decided to add two more nights. On Thursday morning I came back while staff were cleaning. I needed to get a few things, so I moved some belongings to the bathroom area to stay out of their way. One worker left to clean another room, which seemed fine, but didn't come back while I was gathering things. I wasn't sure whether the cleaning was finished, so I closed the door when I went back for more belongings, then closed it again when I went in to change. He came back and shouted at me twice in Japanese to leave the door open. I understand some Japanese, and what he said felt even ruder than that. I was shocked. I work in hospitality and know the job can be tough, but that doesn't make it okay to treat me that way. There was no sign, and he hadn't tried to explain the request before yelling, even though he could have communicated it or used a translation. I spent Friday and Saturday nights elsewhere, checked out on Friday, and left because I felt very uncomfortable. I was on holiday to get away from rude people, and didn't think I should have to deal with rude staff who don't know how to behave. The worker had a sort of mushroom haircut, wasn't tall, and, as far as I know, didn't wear glasses. Credit to the other staff, who were a bit rough around the edges in their hospitality but still kind and helped when I needed it. I didn't tell anyone there about what happened because I left so quickly.

I woke up hurting at 3:30 am and couldn't get back to sleep because I couldn't get comfortable. This may be the cleanest capsule-style hotel I've stayed in, and it's only a few blocks from a couple of stations, but the beds were painful. I think the mattress is meant for tatami. On plywood inside a metal frame, it feels hard to sleep on, pun intended. I managed to nod off because I was exhausted. When I was younger I could sleep on carpet, so maybe this would suit someone who can do that, but now I'm older and need a softer bed.

It's a good place if you're able to look after yourself. The hostel is clean, but you'll need to shower and use the restrooms outside the daily cleaning period, around 11 am - 3 pm. That's the trade-off for keeping them clean. Roommates can be a toss-up. One foreigner tried to scam me in the lobby, which wasn't the hostel's fault, but do be careful and lock up your things.

The room for two was small but had everything we needed, including a private toilet, and we stayed four nights. Getting around Tokyo was easy, with the train station on the yellow line only a 2-3 minute walk away. I first stayed here when it was still GRIDS Asakusabashi, and it's just as good now under the name Hotel Plus Hostel. It's comfortable, clean, and well looked after, a cozy and budget-friendly option with great transport access. I'd definitely come back next year!