Capsule Hotel Palace

The location is the main drawback, more than the hotel’s rating. I wouldn’t recommend arriving after 8 PM, when it’s pitch black, and late-night arrivals should be ready for possible danger. The area around the hotel felt a bit unsafe, with foreigners accosting you. Even taking another route, be careful, since the hotel feels in the middle of nowhere. Going in the evening, though, shouldn’t cause any problems. The beds are soft and comfortable for the price, but people sensitive to smells may notice a strong cigarette odor. Showers are free, but the shampoo is a rinse-in type that left my hair greasy, so bringing your own is probably best. I can see why people mention poor front desk service, though I’m grateful for the location near central Yokohama at this price.

The place feels a bit old-fashioned, but for a basic overnight stay it worked well. I’d been hesitant after reading reviews, yet it was convenient for the station, well cleaned, and had no issues for what I needed. Loungewear and towels were in the locker, and toothbrushes were free at the front desk, so face wash and toothpaste were all I needed. The room could feel a little creepy at night, but it was quiet and there weren’t many people around. The blinds were down, so that wasn’t a problem. You can go out any time by asking the front desk for a shoe locker key, and you’re allowed to bring food and drinks. At around 3,300 yen, it’s cheaper than an internet cafe and handy for staying near downtown. The adult receptionist was also kind and polite, explained how to use the room, and made me feel welcome.

The sauna is open until 1 AM, which is fine, but it’s a serious problem that it’s closed in the morning from 8-10 AM. After showering, I got an electric shock when I tried to use the hair dryer, and it caused severe pain. The dryer should be replaced for safety.

The price is a point in its favor, especially if you need somewhere to sleep in Yokohama after a night out near the bar district. But the place has a very dated, Showa-era feel, and the odors were hard to ignore: a greasy old-man smell mixed with alcohol and cigarettes that never really cleared. Maybe it was because I stayed in fall, but there was no room air conditioning. The showers were cramped, dirty, and covered in hair. Shared slippers, just a few Japanese-style toilets, and morning crowds made things worse. With no doors, the smell of urine drifted into the hallway. The room itself was FRP with torn curtains. It had the kind of run-down quality where you think, “Well, I guess that's unavoidable” (lol).